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I. O.O. F. 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST 



CONTAINING 



THE LEGISLATION AND DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF 

PENNSYLVANIA, AND THE APPROVED DECISIONS OF THE 

GRAND MASTER THEREOF, AS WELL AS THE GENERAL 

LAWS OF THE ORDER RELATING TO THE GRAND 

LODGE, SUBORDINATE LODGES, REBEKAH 

LODGES AND THE HOMES OF THE 

ORDER IN PENNSYLVANIA 



PHILADELPHIA : 

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, I. O. O. F. 

1907. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

MAR 1 1907 

"GLASS A XXCmNo\ 
COPY B. 






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Entered According to Act of Congress in the Year 1907, by 
GEORGE HAWKES, 

FOR THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, I. O. O. F. 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, T>. C. 



wm. j. malcomson, 

general book printer, 

55 n. 6th st., phila. 



COPY OF THE ORIGINAL CHARTER OF THE GRAND LODGE. 



GRAND CHARTER 

ORDER OF INDEPENDENT ODD FELLOWS 

1 ALL WHOM IT MA Y CONCERN: 

The Grand Lodge of Maryland and of the United States, by authority of a 
Grand Charter granted by the Duke of York Lodge, held in the Borough of Preston, 
County Palatine of Lancaster, England, doth hereby grant 

THIS GRAND CHARTER 

to five Past Grands of the Order of Independent Odd Fellows, residing in the State of 
Pennsylvania, to form a Grand Lodge for the said State for the encouragement and 
support of Brothers of the said Order when on travel or otherwise. And the said 
Grand Lodge, being duly formed, is hereby authorized and empowered to grant 
Warrants or Dispensations to true and faithful Brothers to open Lodges according to 
the laws of Odd Fellowship, and to administer to the Past Grands all the privileges 
and benefits appertaining to the Grand Lodge, and to enact By-Laws for the govern- 
ment of their Lodge. Provided, always, That the said Grand Lodge act according 
to the Order, and in conjunction with and obedience to the Grand Lodge OF the 
United States, adhering to and supporting the Constitution thereof. In default 
thereof this Charter may be suspended or taken away at the decision of the Grand 
Lodge of the United States. And further, the Grand Lodge, in consideration of the 
due performance of the above, do bind themselves to repair all damages or destruction 
of the Charter, whether by fire or other accident, provided proof be given that there is 
no illegal concealment or wilful destruction of the same. 

In Witness Whereof, We have displayed the colours of our Order and subscribed 
our names and affixed the Seal of the Grand Lodge of Maryland and of the United 
States this thirteenth day of June, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, 

THOMAS WILDE Y, G. M., 
JOHN WELCH, D. G. M. 
THOMAS MITCHELL, G. W., 
JOHN PA WSON ENTW1SLE G, S„ 
JOHN BOYD, O. G., 
WILLIAM LACKHAM, G. C, 
P. G. DUNCAN McCORMACK, 

" JAMES LEED, 

" JOHN NELSON, 
WILLIAM TONG, 

" THOMAS SCOTCHBURN, 
WILLIAM WILLIAMS, 

" WILLIAM ANSTICE. 



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CHARTER OF THE GRAND LODGE. 



INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD EELLOWS. 

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, THESE COME GREETING : 

The Grand Lodge of the United States of America, by authority of a Grand 
Charter granted by the Duke of York Lodge, held in the Borough of Preston, County 
Palatine of Lancaster, England, confirmed by the Grand Annual Moveable Com- 
mittee of the Manchester District ; doth hereby grant 

THIS GRAND CHARIER, 

on the application of five Past Grands of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
in the city of Philadelphia, to form 



A GRAND LODGE FOR THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, 

And the said Grand Lodge, being duly formed, is hereby authorized and empowered 
to grant Warrants and Dispensations to true and faithful Brothers to open Lodge, 
according to the laws and usages of Odd Fellowship, and to administer to all the Past 
Grands the privileges and benefits appertaining to the Grand Lodge, and to enact 
By-Laws for the government of the same. Provided always, That the said Grand 
Lodge shall be held in the City of Philadelphia, in the state aforesaid, and not removed 
therefrom without the consent of the Grand Lodge of the United States ; and also 
that they pay due respect and obedience to this Grand Lodge by acting in conjunction 
therewith, and in every manner supporting its Constitution. In default thereof this 
Charter may be suspended or taken away at the decision of the Grand Lodge of the 
United States. And further, the Grand Lodge, in consideration of the due per- 
formance of the above, do bind themselves to repair all damages or destruction of the 
Charter, whether by fire or other accident, provided sufficient proof be given that there 
is no illegal concealment or wilful destruction of the same. 

In Witness Whereof, We have displayed the colours of our Order and 
subscribed our names, and affixed the Seal of the Grand Lodge of the United States 
this first day of May, Anno Domini 1827. 



(SIC a iT\ 



THOMAS WILDEY, G. 8., 
JOHN WELCH, D. G. S., 
JOHN ROACH, JR., G. S., 
JOHN ROACH, G. G., 
P. G. THOMAS SCOTHBURN, R., Md. 

" CHARLES PRICE, P., Mats. 

•' JOHN B O YD, P., Penna. 

" RICHARD, MARLEY, P., N. J. 



Philadelphia, January i, 1907. 

George H. Banes, 

Grand Master. 

Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F. 

Dear Sir and Brother : 

The undersigned, appointed by the Grand Lodge 
to Revise "The Pennsylvania Digest," present herewith our com- 
pleted labors, and we hereby certify that obsolete laws' and de- 
cisions have been rejected, and that the Digest so amended and 
revised, is, in the united judgment of the Committee, in accord- 
ance with law, order, and usage ; and, therefore, as required by 
the resolution of the Grand Lodge, we submit the same for 
your approval. 

Fraternally submitted, 




Secretary of Committee. 



I. O. O. K. 

Office of the Grand Master 

OF THE 

GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, 

Odd Fellows Temple, ^Broad and Cherry Sts. 
PHILADELPHIA. 



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LEGISLATION 



CONCERNING 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST 

BEIEFLY SUMMAEIZED. 



The Committee on Digest were directed to so arrange the 
matter contained in the Digest as will enable the membership to 
be advised as to the general and local application of the legislation 
of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. 

The Committee on Digest were authorized to employ the services 
of a compiler, an appropriation being made for that purpose, 

HARRY L. NEALL, Past Grand Master, 

was employed as such compiler. 

The Committee on Digest were instructed that when they 
shall have completed their labors, and certify that obsolete laws 
and decisions have been rejected, and that the Digest so amended 
and revised in accordance with the united judgment of the Com- 
mittee, is in accordance with law, order and usage, they shall 
submit the same to the Grand Master for his approval, and upon 
his approval he shall certify to that effect. 



FORWARD. 



THE LAWS GOVERNING THE GRAND LODGE, THE SUBORDINATE LODGES, 



FOR SUBORDINATE LODGES, IN THE APPROVED 
LODGE BY LAWS OF THE SEVERAL SUBOR- 
DINATE LODGES, AND IN THIS DIGEST. 



In this Digest the effort has been made to make each heading, whether 
main or subdivision, complete in itself, so that no reference to the index, or 
to any other part of the book, may be necessary. Therefore, the several laws 
have been repeated whenever their different meanings may require association 
with other laws, in order to present a clear statement of the subject then 
under consideration. 



While the laws have been stated in the respective sections in the body 
of the Digest without a statement as to the source from which they have 
severally been obtained, nevertheless, if further investigation should be required, 
an examination of the corresponding number under the title of Reference, wil 
indicate at once the place where the original record thereof can be examined 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



Note.— The references to the book and page of the original records from which the cita- 
tions in this Digest have severally been obtained, will be found in the third part of 
the book under the heading "References." 

The sections of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge and the Con- 
stitution for Subordinate Lodges are not repeated in the several sections of this 
Digest, nor referred to, except here and there where a reference thereto is necessary 
to explain some part of the general law as applicable to this jurisdiction, or, where 
the legislation of the Grand Lodge cited herein, may require a reference to the 
written code of laws. 

Attention is, however, particularly called to the headings, Conflict of Laws, General 
Law and Local Law, and to the References as being of assistance to determining the 
value of the several sections and to the elucidation of the local laws as contained in 
the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, and the Constitution for Subor- 
dinate Lodges. 



ABLE TO WORK. 

(a\ Able to Earn a Livelihood. (d). Earn a Sum Equal to Weekly Benefit, 

(b). Unable to Follow His Usual Occupation, (e). Found at Work, 
(c). Able to Follow Some Other Occupation. 

(a;. Able to Earn a Livelihood. 

1. The Lodge must be prepared to show by competent evidence that a 
brother who is sick or laboring under a physical disability amounting to un- 
sound health, is, nevertheless, able to earn a livelihood. It may show this 
by proving that he is able to follow his usual occupation, or it may prove 
that he is following some other occupation, or it may prove that he is able 
to follow some other occupation whereby he may be able to earn a liveli- 
hood. 

2. What is a livelihood is a conclusion resulting from the facts peculiar 
to each case as it may arise. The question is, will the sum the brother might 
earn, in the community where he lives, purchase a livelihood? If so, he is noi 
beneficial. 

3. Where a brother is sick, but his wages continue, as, for example, 
where he may be in receipt of a yearly salary, or, like a soldier, where his 
board and medical attention are part of his wages, or his employer may 
voluntarily continue to pay him wages; in such cases the continuance of his 
salary, or wages, by his employer, shall not be construed to deny the right of 
benefits to a brother whose ability to personally earn a livelihood has been 
lessened by the disability. 

4. In other words, it is not the payment of wages, but the ability of the 
brother to earn wages, that constitutes the test. In those cases, where the 
brother's earning capacity is not affected by the injury or sickness, benefits 
are not payable; but if otherwise entitled, under the local law, the fact that 
he receives his salary or wages does not disentitle him to benefits. 

5. A brother temporarily deprived of the use of his arms by boils 
thereon, but who is engaged in a business where manual labor was not re- 
quired to be performed by him, and who was capable of, and did attend to the 
ordinary duties of superintending his business and directing his workmen in 
their operations, is not entitled to benefits. 

9 



10 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ABLE TO WORK— Able to Earn a Livelihood. 

6. When a brother who was sick and claiming benefits has had no oc- 
cupation for a long period of time, and therefore cannot be incapacitated 
from following his usual occupation, and is not dependent upon any occupa- 
tion for a livelihood, the positive testimony of a reputable physician that 
the brother is unable to perform manual labor cannot be rebutted by any 
amount of testimony by brothers of the Lodge that, in their judgment, he 
is not incapacitated from following his usual or some other occupation 
whereby he can earn a livelihood, The ability of a brother who is sick 
to earn a livelihood will n#t be presumed; it must be proven. 

7. A brother was so injured by a fall as to be beyond the reach of sur- 
gery or medicine. His wife worked at a sewing machine for the support of 
the family, but occasionally, when she was engaged in other duties, the 
brother would take her place at the machine. Held that the brother was 
entitled to benefits. 

8. A brother was sick with consumption and in the receipt of benefits; 
on three different days he waited and tended bar in his uncle's tavern, without 
compensation, on the recommendation of his physician, to keep his mind 
engaged to prevent despondency. He was also allowed to perform such little 
offices as would not prove detrimental to his health. Held that he could not 
be deprived of benefits 

9. After a lodge had been paying a brother benefits to which he was 
justly entitled for some time, it appointed a physician, who was a member 
of the Order, a committee to ascertain his condition. The committee re- 
ported that he had learned from the brother's physician and from personal 
examination that the brother was of a nervous disposition and suffering 
more or less from different diseases, which were of such a nature "that he 
should not follow his former or usual occupation, or to do anything that 
would require much lifting, straining or exposure to extremes of temperature."' 
Yet it was the opinion of the physician who had examined the case that he 
should not refrain from all work, but that some light work would be advan- 
tageous. Held, that the brother was entitled to benefits. 

10. A soldier, being a member in good standing in a Lodge, is taken 
sick and confined to a hospital, and incapacitated for work, but his wages 
continue during his illness, and his expenses for medical attendance, nursing, 
etc., are paid by the government. He is entitled to benefits. It is not the 
question of the payment of wages, but of the ability of a brothei to earn 
wages, which constitutes the tests in respect to a claim for benefits. 

11. A Lodge failing to show that the brother is competent to tend to 
some business of which he has a sufficient knowledge to earn a livelihood, or 
a sum equal to the weekly benefits, he is entitled to benefits. 

12. Where a brother is sick and drawing benefits at the rate of three 
dollars and fifty cents a week, a committee of the Lodge procured for him an 
offer of a position at eighty dollars per year, which the brother declined. 
This was reported to the Lodge, which presumed that if, in conjunction with 
the duties of the position offered him, he would sell segars, candies, cut wood, 
etc., he might earn sufficient money, with the salary he would have received, 
to equal the amount of weekly benefits, and because of the refusal of the 
brother to accept this position, the Lodge ceased paying him benefits. On 
appeal to the Sovereign Grand Lodge it was held that, of course, if a brother 
has or can reasonably obtain an occupation whereby he can make a living, 
he would not be entitled to benefits. This however, cannot De presumed, but 
must be made to appear. The brother was awarded his benefits. 

(b). Unable to Follow Some Other Occupation. 

13. A brother who becomes totally blind, or confirmed insane, or totally 
paralyzed, or one whose sickness confines him to the house, or to bed, is 

prima facie entitled to benefits as being unable to follow his usual occupa- 
tion. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 11 

ABLE TO WOUK— Unable to Follow Some Other Occupation. 

14. A brother who is suffering with a chronic complaint, but is yet 
able to go to his place of business, and apparently able to superintend it and 
to participate in it to a degree, is prima facie not entitled to benefits as a sick 
brother, but this presumption may be rebutted by positive evidence that he 
is incapacitated to such an extent as to entitle him to sick benefits. 

15. According to the terms of the Constitution for Subordinate Dodges 
in Pennsylvania, which provides that benefits are payable for a disability only 
when it arises from an injury, a brother, seventy-eight years of age, in feeble 
health, but not sick, who, on account of old age and infirmities incident 
thereto, was unable to follow his occupation or to conduct any other busi- 
ness whereby he could obtain a livelihood, is not entitled to benefits. 

16. A brother, while on the sick list, by reason of a local injury, and 
summoned to court as a witness, is not thereby deprived of benefits. 

17. A brother who, by infirmity, has been disqualified from following his 
usual occupation, but is not thereby incapacitated from applying himself 
to other pursuits, and thus enabled to provide for his support, is not entitled 
to the benefits of his Dodge. 

18. A Dodge failing to show that the brother is competent to attend to 
some business, of which he has a sufficient knowledge to earn a livelihood. 
or a sum equal to the weekly benefits, he is entitled to benefits. 

19. A brother who is afflicted with a partial loss of sight and has thereby 
been incapacitated from following his usual occupation, but being in other 
respects in good health, and is able to carry on. manage and direct another 
and a lucrative business, which enables him amply to provide for the sup- 
port of himself and his family, is not entitled to benefits. 

20. A railway conductor who, receiving injuries permanently disabling 
him from such position, and who refused to accept other employment paying 
him $45.00 per month, is not entitled to benefits. 

21. When a brother is injured to such an extent that he is not able to 
work, but his salary continues, he is not entitled to sick benefits, provided 
his ability to earn a livelihood is not lessened by the disability. 

22. A brother had an arm broken in a railroad accident. He was a 
member of a firm engaged in a saw-mill and lumber business, and was Sec- 
retary of the chamber of Commerce, and in receipt of a salary of ?50.00 per 
month, which was paid him without any reduction for the time he was sick. 
He was not entitled. 

23. A judge in receipt of a salary, and who attends court occasionally, 
but is disabled from otherwise procuring the means of subsistence for himself, 
is not entitled to benefits. 

24. It was admitted "that a member is able to attend to business of 
some kind, if it could be found for him." No evidence was given on behalf of 
the Dodge to show that the brother was not willing to perform duty of some 
kind; nor was it said that no effort was made on his part to procure such. 
Therefore, the admission that the brother was able to perform duty of some 
kind, is no proof that the brother was able to gain a livelihood. The lodge, 
failing to show that the brother was competent to attend to some business, 
of which he had a sufficient knowledge to pursue successfully, he is entitled 
to his benefits, 

25. A member in good standing in his Dodge is entitled to pecuniary 
benefits while sick and unable to attend to his ordinary avocation, although 
he may have an income sufficient for his support. 

26. An aged member, who, by reason of sickness, is unable to do any 
work, but nevertheless gives directions concerning speculations in property 
in which he is interested, is entitled to benefits. 

27. It appeared from the testimony of the brother that the brother was 
suffering with jaundice, and he produced certificates of doctors showing his 



12 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ABLE TO WOEK— Unable to Follow Some Other Occupation. 

sickness. Yet, during the time he claimed benefits, he was out in all kinds 
of weather, and late at night. There was no evidence to show that. he did 
attend to business, for he. had no business to attend to. It was held that his 
sickness was not of such a character as would entitle him to benefits. 

28. A brother carried on the business of manufacturing and dealing in 
cigars. He claimed to be unable to follow his trade of a cigarmaker on ac- 
count of having the little finger of the left hand strained, which prevented 
him from working. The Lodge, ion the other hand, claimed that as he kept a 
cigar store, the injury did not prevent him from attending to it, or superin- 
tending his work. Held that the brother was not entitled to benefits. 

29. When a brother is sick, and drawing benefits, there must be some 
positive evidence that he is able to follow his usual occupation to warrant 
the Lodge in withholding from him further benefits. For example, when a 
Lodge declined to continue paying benefits to a brother for the reason that 
the brother's sickness did not deprive him from following his usual or other 
occupation, whereby he could earn a sum equal to his weekly benefits. The 
evidence showed that the brother is suffering with an affection of the eyes, 
and was under the care of the Lodge for some time. A committee was ap- 
pointed by his Lodge to visit the brother to see as to his condition. The 
committee found the brother out when it called at his house, and waited until 
his return; had some conversation with him, and then reported to the Lodge 
that they thought he was able to work. The brother is entitled to his 
benefits. 

(c). Able to Follow Some Other Occupation. 

30. This is always coupled with the condition that the other occupation 
will enable the brother to earn a sum equal to the weekly benefits, or that 
the earnings are sufficient to purchase a livelihood. 

31. A Lodge failing to show that a brother is competent to attend to 
some other than his usual business, and of which he has a sufficient knowl- 
edge to earn a livelihood, or a sum equal to the weekly benefits, he is entitled 
to benefits. 

32. A brother who, by infirmity, has been disqualified from following his 
usual occupation, but is not thereby incapacitated from applying himself to 
other pursuits, and thus enabled to provide for his support, is not entitled to 
the benefits of his Lodge. 

33. The words, "Or some other occupation whereby he may earn a live- 
lihood," refer to business other than the brother's usual occupation, as well 
as to the physical condition of the brother. The framers of the Constitution 
did not intend any other construction, but did intend that brothers should 
reasonably be required to assist themselves. If not able to pursue their 
usual occupation, if being such as required much strength and both hands, 
they should, if able, employ themselves in some lighter work or occupa- 
tion. 

34. A brother who is afflicted with a partial loss of sight, and has thereby 
been incapacitated from following his usual occupation, but being in other 
respects in good health, is able to carry on, manage and direct another and 
a lucrative business, which enables him amply to provide for the support of 
himself and family, is not entitled to benefits. 

35. The fact that a sick brother was looking for some light occupation, 
which he did not obtain, does not deprive him of his benefits. 

36. If, however, the Lodge procures for the sick brother some similar 
employment, which he declines, as not being able to perform the same, the 
fact that he had voluntarily sought such, employment would be strong cor- 
roborative evidence of the Lodge's contention that he was able to follow some 
occupation whereby he might earn a livelihood. 

37. Where a Lodge shows by competent testimony that a brother is able 
to follow his usual occupation, whereby he can earn a livelihood, or a sum 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 13 

ABLE TO WORK— Able to Follow Some Other Occupation. 

equivalent to the weekly benefits, and proves that the brother did apply for a 
situation, it is conclusive against the brother's claim for sick benefits, in the 
absence of positive testimony otherwise. 

(d). Earn a Sum Eq[ual to the Weekly Benefit. 

38. The subordinate Constitution defines beneficial sickness to be such 
as makes a brother "unable to follow his usual business, or some other occu- 
pation whereby he may earn a livelihood or a sum equal to the weekly 
benefits." (This is a very old provision, in Pennsylvania law.) 

39. The Sovereign Grand Lodge, in 1857, adopted the following definition 
of beneficial sickness, namely: "That state of health which prevents one from 
attending to his ordinary vocation," and adds, one who is not so afflicted 
as to prevent attendance on ordinary business, though laboring under a 
peculiar disease, cannot be regarded as a sick man entitled to benefits. And 
in 1890 it said: "A State Grand Lodge cannot vary the definition of sickness 
given by the Sovereign Grand Lodge." In either definition, the ability of the 
brother to earn wages, or a livelihood, or to follow his usual occupation, is the 
test. 

40. Where a brother was disabled so that he could not follow his usual 
occupation, but could earn four dollars and fifty cents per week at some other 
business, the Lodge paying five dollars per week benefits, it was held that if 
the brother can earn five dollars per week, even though that sum should not 
procure a livelihood, he is not beneficial. If he earns four dollars and fifty 
cents per week, and that, in the community in which he lives, would provide 
him a livelihood, he is not beneficial. If the four dollars and fifty cents per , 
week would not provide a livelihood, he is entitled to benefits at the rate of 
five dollars per week, and not merely the difference between his earnings 
and the benefits. 

41. A brother who was over eighty years of age, was afflicted with a 
paralytic stroke, and for years has been confined in and about his house, 
not being able to go as far as the barn without assistance. He is wholly 
unable to work, and can neither dress or undress himself without assistance. 
His memory and mind are good, being unimpaired. He holds a directorship 
in a National Bank, and speculates in buying and selling real estate, and can 
direct his business. He has an income of over three dollars a week, the 
amount of the weekly benefits. He was awarded his benefits by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge because the evidence shows that he is wholly incapacitated from 
following, his usual or any other manual labor. 

42. Where it appeared that a brother is suffering from consumption and 
he claimed that be is unable to follow his usual occupation, of a lithographic 
artist, or any other occupation. The Lodge contended that he is, nevertheless, 
able to earn a sum equal to the weekly benefits. The testimony showed that 
the brother traveled alone all over the country, taking photographic views, 
carrying his own instruments # and selling the pictures, for what he says was 
the cost of production. The" Lodge contended that if he could do this for 
pleasure, he should do it for pay. and that it would then be quite easy for him 
to earn the amount of the weekly benefits. The Grand Lodge decided that 
the contention of the Lodge was right. 

43. Whenever a Lodge sets up as a defense to the payment of benefits 
that the brother is able to earn a sum equal thereto, it admits the beneficial 
sickness of the brother, and undertakes the burden of proving that its conten- 
tion is correct. 

44. The application of the rule that a brother who is sick, but is able to 
earn a sum equal to the weekly benefits claimed by him, is therefore not en- 
titled to benefits, is, however, to be construed as subject to the provisions 
and limitations of the Minimum Benefit Law, which is a general law, and 
takes precedence over all local laws, insofar as it is in conflict with them. 



14 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ABLE TO WORK— Earn a Sum Equal to the Weekly Benefit. 

45. By the Minimum Benefit Law it is made obligatory upon each 
subordinate Lodge of the Order to pay from its funds during the continuance 
of the disability a weekly benefit of not less than two dollars to every mem- 
ber entitled to sick benefits by the Constitution or By-Laws of his Lodge, 
who shall be disabled by sickness or bodily injury from following his usual 
occupation or otherwise earning a livelihood for himself; provided, such dis- 
ability be not the result of his own vice or immorality; provided, however, 
that Grand Lodges may provide that when a member shall have received one 
full year's benefits the weekly benefits thereafter to such a member may be 
fixed at not less than one dollar per week. 

(e). Found at Work. 

46. Where the By-Laws provided that a member "if sick or disabled, and 
unable to follow any vocation whereby he may obtain a livelihood, shall 
be entitled" to benefits, and "any brother found at work while in receipt of 
benefits" should forfeit those benefits during that sickness. A brother was 
so injured by a fall as to be beyond the reach of surgery or medicine. His 
wife worked at a sewing machine for the support of the family, but oc- 
casionally, when she was engaged in other duties, the brother would take 
her place at the machine. Held, that the words found at work had reference 
to and were governed by the words whereby he may obtain a livelihood, and 
that the brother was entitled to benefits. 

47. It cannot be that it ever was intended by the words "found at work," 
that works of mercy, of necessity, or of charity are included, so as to de- 
prive a brother of benefits for following the promptings of his heart in doing 
good to others. 

ABSENCE. 1 

See Contempt. See Vice Grand. 

Eligibility to Office. Witness. 

Installation. Honors of Office. 

Institution of a itfew Lodge- Past Grand. 

Noble Grand. Past Grand's Degree. 

Proxy. Grand Lodge Degree. 

Quorum. Kepresentative. 

Eight Supporter to E"oble Grand. Jurisdiction. 
Transfer of Membership. 

48. Absence means non-attendance at Lodge meetings, or residence, 
traveling or sojourning beyond the jurisdiction of the Lodge. The jurisdic- 
tion of a Lodge, briefly stated is the territory within which it may recruit 
its membership, without asking the permission of any other Lodge, and 
within which it must care for, visit and watch with its lown sick members 
and the sick members of other Lodges. 

49. A Lodge cannot impose a fine upon its members for absence from its 
meetings. • 

50. A Lodge may impose a fine upon its officers for absence from its 
meetings, as it is their duty to attend, except the Junior Past Grand. 

51. A brother has the right to absent himself from the jurisdiction of 
his Lodge, even though the change of place or the change of his ordinary 
occupation may increase the risk of life and health. 

i From an examination it will appear that notwithstanding its nearly eighty years 
growth, the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges "relates almost entirely to things to be 
done either in the Lodge-room or within the territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge. The 
Sovereign Grand Lodge has recently taken cognizance " that change of residence on the 
part of members is of constant occurrence," whereby they are taken out of the jurisdic- 
tion of the Lodge. The legislation briefly digested under this heading and under that 
of Transfer of Membership, being certainly important, and never having heretofore been 
presented as a whole review of the law, deserves the careful attention of the Subordinate 
Lodges. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 15 

ABSENCE. 

52. A Lodge has no right to refuse a card to a member because of his 
intention to visit a more dangerous climate than that in which the Lodge 
is located. By parity of reasoning a Lodge would have no right to refuse 
benefits accruing from sickness in such clime. 

" 53. A Lodge cannot legally provide in its By-Laws that when a brother 
receiving benefits shall remove to another locality, the Lodge shall determine 
whether the benefits are to be continued or not. 

54. Subordinate Lodges most clearly have no right to refuse their mem- 
bers visiting cards, or to decline to accept their dues or refuse to pay them 
full benefits for the reason that they propose a temporary residence in any 
other place in which a change in their ordinary occupation would increase 
the risk of life or health. 

55. A brother leaves for a distant country, and while there enters into a 
hazardous employment, and by imprudence and exposure contracts a dis- 
ease from which he gets better, and has subsequently a relapse upon re- 
turning to the place where he contracted the disease, from the effects of 
which he is rendered incapable, on his return home, of following his usual 
occupation. Held that he does not lose his right to benefits because he 
risked his health in a different and more hazardous clime and occupation 
than when he joined the Order, and thereby contracted the disease for which 
he claims benefits. 

56. A Lodge cannot legally provide that its members who do not attend 
the regular Lodge meetings at least once in a quarter shall not be entitled 
to benefits. 

57. A Lodge adopted a By-Law that "In case any brother should leave 
the location of this Lodge while in receipt of benefits, except by direction of 
his physician, it shall rest with the Lodge to determine by vote whether or 
not he shall be entitled to a continuance of such benefits while absent there- 
from." The By-Law was declared illegal, as a Subordinate Lodge has no right 
to prohibit its members from going to any point to which their interests may 
take them or their welfare or comfort demands, and in case a brother en- 
titled to benefits removes from the vicinity of his lodge, his benefits cannot 
cease. 

58. A Lodge adopted the following By-Law, which, on the refusal of the 
Committee on By-Laws to approve, came before the Grand Lodge, namely: 
"Any member of this Lodge receiving benefits, and who has been recom- 
mended by his physician to sojourn out of the city, shall be required to sub- 
mit to the Lodge a physician's certificate, setting forth the said advice; and 
if he receives permission from the Lodge he shall receive the same benefits 
as if he were under the care of the Relief Committee; and any member who 
absents himself beyond the limits of the Relief Committee, without first 
complying with this Section, shall be deprived of receiving benefits." It 
was held that this Lodge attempted by a By-Law to provide, that in addi- 
tion to the evidence required to be produced by an absent brother, that his 
illness was such as entitled him to benefits,he should, if he left home for 
his health, first produce to the Lodge the evidence that some physician ad- 
vised his leaving home, and that such brother should then receive the per- 
mission of the Lodge to leave home, or his claim to benefits be forfeited. The 
laws of the Order clearly prescribe the circumstances under which a brother 
becomes entitled to benefits, and while Lodges have a right to regulate 
the manner in which the brother shall produce the evidence of his sickness, 
yet they cannot assume the role of medical advisers, and prescribe the course 
of living that a brother shall pursue. 

59. It is within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge to approve the By- 
Laws of a Subordinate Lodge which provides for the payment of a higher rate 
of dues by those whose occupations are of such a hazardous nature as to 
make them more liable to accident, or by reason of their residing in a locality 
where the climatic conditions increase their liability to disease, than is re- 
quired of the member living under ordinary conditions. 



16 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ABSENCE. 

60. Where the law of a Lodge requires that a member shall notify some 
lodge of his sickness, and if he shall neglect to do so, he shall not be en- 
titled to benefits, a member received his benefits up to the time he 16ft for 
parts unknown, and later presented a claim for benefits; during the time of 
his absence his Lodge searched in vain for information of his whereabouts. 
The provision requiring a member absent from his Lodge to notify another 
lodge where he is of his sickness, is a reasonable regulation, and if a mem- 
ber does not comply with it, if there was a Lodge near enough to him to be 
reasonably accessible to notice, and if his physical or mental condition was 
not such as to render him incapable of giving the notice, then he would not 
be entitled to benefits. 

61. The granting of a Visiting Card by a Lodge is a matter, of course, 
to a brother in good standing, and never involves the question of leave of 
absence. 

62. It is the duty of any Subordinate Lodge, upon application of a brotner, 
and the presentation of a properly certified card, or at the request direct 
of his Lodge, to promptly render the same fraternal sympathy and attention 
to a traveling or sojourning brother as they would bestow on a sick or dis- 
abled brother of their own Lodge; and in case of his having a visiting 
Card, to pay such pecuniary and attentive benefits as the brother may be 
entitled to receive from his own Lodge, as shown by the indorsement on 
the card. 

63. It is the duty of every Odd Fellow, when he is away from home and 
out of the jurisdiction of his own Lodge, to give attention and care to his 
brethren in distress and watch with the sick when necessary, as well as 
when he is within his own jurisdiction; and further, it is and shall be the 
duty of every member of the Order, on taking up his residence away from 
the vicinity of his own Lodge, to report himself to the Lodge nearest his 
residence, or when it is equally near to two or more Lodges, to one thereof, 
within thirty days after taking up such residence, and in making such re- 
port he shall give the name, number and location of his Lodge, and when 
requested by the Lodge to which he has reported, shall watch with the 
sick who are under the care of said Lodge, both members and visitors; ami 
any such member failing so to report or to watch shall not be entitled to 
attention from any Lodge. And this legislation shall not be construed to 
hinder or prevent any Lodge or member from furnishing watchers or giving 
attention to any sick or needy brother. 

64. A member of the Order, residing away from the vicinity of his own 
Lodge for over two years, and not having reported himself to the Lodge near- 
est to his residence until taken sick, is not entitled to receive attention from 
such Lodge as a right; though the law is not to be so construed as to prevent 
the said Lodge, or its members, from giving attention to such a sick or needy 
brother, should it or they desire to assist him. 

«5. A Lodge cannot lawfully refuse to look after and care for brothers 
from a sister Lodge, who become sick or disabled, and who refuse to visit 
the Lodge after their first sickness. 

66. Where a By-Law of a Lodge provides that a member must watch 
with the sick or pay a fine, a member of the Lodge who resides beyond the 
jurisdiction of the Lodge and fails to report to the nearest Lodge where he 
is residing for nurse or watch duty and have a certificate of such fact sent 
to his own Lodge, can be assigned to watch with the sick, and failing to do 
so, can be fined. 

67, But a By-Law of a Lodge, which provides in substance, "that mem- 
bers of said Lodge, removing from the jurisdiction, must report to and 
register with the Lodge in whose jurisdiction he then is, and shall be sub- 
ject to pay to such Lodge like assessments as it shall make against its own 
members in the care of the sick, or watch with the sick of said Lodge, alter- 
nately with its members, as its By-Laws shall provide, and that while within 
such other jurisdiction the brother shall be exempt from similar assessments 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 17 

ABSENCE. 

from this Lodge, if he shall report and otherwise carry out the provisions 
of said By-Laws; and also that members of other Lodges, reporting to and 
registering with this Lodge, or alternate with this Lodge, or alternate with 
the members of this Lodge in watching with the sick, etc," is not in accord 
with the existing law, and is illegal for the reason that the law requires a 
brother residing away from the jurisdiction of his Lodge to watch with the 
sick brothers under the care of the Lodge to which such brother has reported, 
but not to pay assessments to meet the expense of watching in such cases. 

68. The recent legislation concerning transfer of membership is based 
upon the thought that absence destroys interest in the Lodge work, as 
through changing residence, many members of the Order leave the jurisdic- 
tion of their respective Lodges, and, after such removal, fail to unite with 
Lodges in the locality to which they have moved. This failure upon the 
part of members changing their residence to unite with a Lodge results, 
largely, in gradual loss of interest in the Order, and finally in suspension for 
non-payment of dues; and the question, how to prevent the drain upon our 
membership resulting through suspension for non-payment of dues is a 
serious and vital one that should be met by legislation. 

69. Change of residence on the part of members is of constant occur- 
rence, from the necessity of business, the improvements of prospects, and 
other causes. An Odd Fellow moving to a new locality, until he becomes 
sure of his prospects and future, frequently hesitates to advance the sum 
charged for a withdrawal card and the fee for admission to membership 
upon it. Being at his new place of residence a visitor, he cannot be as ac- 
tive as he was in his own Lodge. This inactivity causes loss of interest, 
and by the time his prospects and future are determined, in most instances 
he is in arrears and disapears from the Order by the non-payment of dues. 

ADJOURN. 

70. A Subordinate Lodge has no right to adjourn to another day or 
time, but must close its regular meetings in due form. If a special meeting 
is required, it must be called in the manner pointed out in the Constitution. 

71. If a Lodge during its meeting is left without a quorum, it can do 
no further business, and the N. G. should declare it closed, without ceremony. 

72. It is illegal for a Lodge to adjourn a regular meeting to another day 
or time, and when a Lodge closes its regular meeting, it must close in 
due form. 

73. A motion to adjourn a Lodge to another day or time is never in 
order. A motion to adjourn without day is always in order, even before all 
the orders of the evening, as laid down in the charge books, have been 
called, or pending a discussion. If the motion prevails, the Lodge must 
then proceed to close in due form; provided, that in the event of cases of 
sick and distressed members having not been disposed of prior to the adop- 
tion of such motion such cases shall be considered before the Lodge is form- 
ally closed. 

ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP. 1 

See Application. See Investigating Committee. See Membership. 

Proposition. Ballot. Initiation. 

74. In no case can the local law provide for the admission of members 
by deposit of card, Dismissal Certificate, or as an Ancient Odd Fellow, in any- 
different way from that pointed out by the general law, namely, by an appli- 
cation, reference to a committee and ballot, as in case of an original applica- 
tion for membership. 

i " Admission to membership" is applicable only to those who are, or have been 
members of the Order, all others are Initiated into membership. 



18 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP. 

75. A local law which provides that an applicant for membership by 
deposit of card shall be declared elected upon the favorable vote of a ma- 
jority, if the card was issued by the Lodge in which it was deposited, i3 
in violation of the general law, and therefore void. 

76. The time when membership commences is a matter left to the local 
legislation, whether it should date from the night of his election or the 
night he signs the Constitution. 

77. The general rule is that a brother who deposits his withdrawal 
card , either in his own or another Lodge, is a member thereof from the time 
of his election as a member, unless the local law prescribes as a preliminary 
to membership that some other conditions (for instance, that he shall sign 
the Constitution before becoming a member), shall be performed by him. 
If that law requires the signing of the Constitution, then he must appear and 
sign it, or authorize it to be done for him. 

78. If the local law dates membership from the time of election, the 
card remains in the Lodge; if from the time of signing the Constitution, and 
the brother-elect fails to appear and sign the same, he may demand the re- 
turn of his card. 

79. A brother is not in full membership in a Lodge. in this jurisdiction 
until he has signed the Constitution of the Lodge accepting him as a member. 

80. The membership of a brother who joins a Lodge, upon the deposit 
of a withdrawal card, dates from the deposit of such withdrawal card, and 
cannot date back of that time, although the brother was received into the 
Lodge prior to the deposit of his card. 

81. Where a withdrawal card is deposited with an application for mem- 
bership, the Lodge may vote on the application and either elect or reject the 
candidate, although the card has expired pending the consideration of the 
application. The card having been deposited during its validity, and al- 
though the committee investigating the character of the candidate may re- 
port their findings after its expiration, the Lodge has a perfect and legal 
right to treat it as a live card for the purpose of balloting on the application 
of the candidate. A Grand Master has no authority to revive an expired With- 
drawal Card. 

82. When a brother is elected to membership upon deposit of an of- 
ficial receipt or a visiting card, he does not become a member of the new 
Lodge until he has obtained a withdrawal card from his former Lodge and 
deposited it in his new Lodge. Until the card is granted, he must pay his 
dues to and is entitled to benefits from his former Lodge; and he may pay his 
dues for four weeks, or one month, in advance of the granting of his With- 
drawal Card, and be entitled to benefits during that time from his old Lodge, 
if he transfers his membership in accordance with the legislation of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge in 1906. Such a brother does not become a full mem- 
ber of the new Lodge until he has signed its Constitution and By-Laws, and 
he cannot sign the Constitution and By-Laws of the Lodge electing him until 
his Withdrawal Card from his former Lodge has been granted and deposited. 

83. A brother who dies after the grant of a withdrawal card by his former 
Lodge, and before he deposits the same with the new Lodge, is not a mem- 
ber of either Lodge, and his heirs have no claim against either Lodge for 
benefits, except as above stated under the legislation of 1906. 

84. A brother, upon admission to the Lodge is entitled therein to the 
highest rank he has obtained in the Order. Therefore, no matter how the 
membership was evidenced, whether by visiting card, official certificate, 
withdrawal card, defunct Lodge certificates dismissal certificate, or certifi- 
cate of resignation, no ceremony of admission is required upon election. The 
brother presents himself and signs the Constitution, or authorizes it to be 
done for him, and from that moment he is a member of the Lodge. 

85. All the disabilities of an Ancient Odd Fellow are removed when he 
is readmitted into the order. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. . 19 

ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP. 

86. Membership in a Subordinate Lodge, when acquired by depositing a 
card or certificate, or as an Ancient Odd Fellow through resignation, dates 
from the time of signing the Constitution. 

87. An Ancient Odd Fellow was proposed for membership in a Lodge 
by deposit of card; he was elected and his name placed upon and continued 
on the roll of members until, subsequently, suspended for non-payment of 
dues. He had, however, never paid his admission fee, nor caused it to be 
paid for him. He had not signed the Constitution and never visited the 
Lodge. He wrote to the Lodge, asking the return of his card, claiming that 
he had been proposed without his knowledge. Held that a member of the 
Order, applying for membership in a Lodge by withdrawal card, must accom- 
pany his application with at least one-half the admission fee; and upon his 
election cannot be considered a member unless he pays, or causes to be 
paid, the balance of the admission fee, and signs the Constitution, or author- 
izes it to be signed. Until these requirements are fully complied with, the 
admission to membership has not been effected. 

ADDRESSES. 

88. Under the head of the "Good of the Order," members of the Lodge 
who have been appointed for that purpose by the Noble Grand may at Lodge 
meetings deliver addresses or read essays on Odd Fellowship. 

AGE AND INFIRMITY. 

89. A brother who, from extreme old age is infirm, but not in unsound 
health is not per se as a matter of right entitled to the regular benefits al- 
lowed to sick or disabled members. 

90. It would be unwise and unjust to compel Subordinate Lodges to place 
aged and indigent members on the same basis as sick members. 

91. A member of the Order becoming infirm from old age, thereby being 
rendered incapable of following his usual occupation is not entitled to weekly 
benefits as a right, but is subject to such donations, or relief, as his neces- 
sities may require. 

92. Grand Lodges are authorized to make, by appropriate legislation, 
such provision, if any, for benefits for aged, infirm and indigent members, 
as they may deem proper. 

93. Old age and indigence are not considered by themselves to be suf- 
ficient to entitle members, as a matter of right, to weekly benefits. Aged 
members occupy the same position as other members, and are entitled to 
weekly benefits when sick; but this does not exclude a member rendered by 
age or any other cause "disabled from pursuing his usual occupation, or 
otherwise gaining a livelihood," from his right to benefits under the local 
law, provided that the Subordinate Constitution should so require. 

94. A brother infirm from extreme old age (he being over eighty years 
old, though not in ill health), to whom his Lodge was willing to pay, as a 
•donation, the sum allowed by its By-Laws for its old and indigent members, 
claimed, as of right, and not as a charity, that he was entitled to regular 
benefits under the By-Laws of said Lodge. It was held that he was not en- 
titled to sick benefits. 

95. A brother, seventy-eight years of age, in feeble health, who, on ac- 
count of old age and infirmities incident thereto, was unable to follow his 
occupation or to conduct any other whereby he could obtain a livelihood, It 
being admitted that his infirmity is not occasioned by sickness, then, under 
the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, which limits liability for disability 
to a disability caused by injury, he is not entitled to benefits. 

9G. A brother in good standing is entitled to benefits during sickness, 
even though such sickness is incident to old age. If not sick, but merely 
infirm from old age, he is not entitled. 



20 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

AGE AND INFIEMITY. 

97. In the early part of the year, a brother, an old man, aged seventy- 
seven years, had an attack of sickness. He drew benefits from his Lodge 
until June, at which time he had so far improved as to declare himself off 
the Lodge as a beneficiary. In January, he became again indisposed, and 
continued to draw benefits until the time in dispute. The Lodge claimed 
that the brother's condition was very much improved; that he is out every 
day in the Capitol grounds, walking about, chatting with acquaintances, &c, 
and attending to all the business required of him. They also argue that his 
present condition is one of senile decrepitude and the infirmities incident to 
old age, from which they are exempt from paying benefits by the laws of tne 
Order. The brother was not entitled to benefits. 

AGED ODD FELLOWS' FUND. 

98. The several Grand Jurisdictions may at their discretion create, 
maintain and dispense an Aged Odd Fellows' Fund under the limitations and 
provisions fixed by general law. Hereafter all assets of Subordinate Lodges 
whose charters have been surrendered may be placed to the credit of a fund 
to be called and known as "Aged Odd Fellows' Fund." Such fund may also 
be increased and maintained by voluntary contributions, and by such other 
means as are not inconsistent with the laws of the Order. 

99. It is not legal for a Grand Lodge to set aside the money received 
from the treasuries of defunct Lodges, or from the sale of the property of 
such Lodges, as a fund out of which to pay sick or funeral benefits to such 
members as are unable to join any other Lodge by reason of age, distance, 
or physical condition. Such funds and property so received can only be 
applied to the relief of "Aged Odd Fellows" under the limitations and ac- 
cording to the express provisions of legislation found on page 14,941 of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge Journal of 1896, and amendment thereto found on 
page 15,603 of said journal of 1897. 

100. The question was asked, is the above decision made and approved 
by the Sovereign Grand Lodge correct, or may the Subordinate Grand Juris- 
dictions refuse to establish an "Ancient Odd Fellows' Fund," and dispose of 
the effects of defunct Lodges as may seem most expedient; provided, that the 
usages and customs of the Order be not violated. It was held the decision 
is correct. 

101. While Subordinate Lodges might voluntarily make donations to un- 
affiliated aged Odd Fellows, it would not be in harmony with the law upon 
the subject for a Grand Master to issue a circular calling upon Lodges to do» 
so, except in strict accordance with the requirements of the general law 
for the creation of an Aged Odd Fellows' Fund. 

102. All contributions made, become a part of the Aged Odd Fellows' 
Fund, in accordance with the legislation above cited. 

103. Grand Secretaries shall keep a register to be known as the "Aged 
Odd Fellows' Register." 

104. Any Odd Fellow over fifty years of age, who has been in contin- 
uous membership for twenty-five years or over, and whose Subordinate 
Lodge has surrendered its charter, and who would, under the laws of the 
Order, be entitled to receive a Withdrawal Card or Grand Lodge Card, may 
petition the Grand Lodge to place his name upon the "Aged Odd Fellows' Reg- 
ister." Said petition shall be accompanied by such a certificate of eligibility 
from such authority as the Grand Lodge may prescribe. Upon such petition 
being granted, the Grand Secretary shall place the name of such petitioner 
upon the "Aged Odd Fellows' Register." 

105. Any Odd Fellow enrolled according to the above provisions may 
apply for admission to any Subordinate Lodge under the conditions herein- 
after set forth. , 

106. Any Odd Fellow enrolled upon the "Aged Odd Fellows' Register" 
may be admitted to membership in a Subordinate Lodge. He shall pay to 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 21 

AGED ODD FELLOWS' FUND. 

the Grand Secretary, through the Lodge to which he has been admitted, such 
admission fee and dues as the Grand Lodge may prescribe, said fees and 
dues to be placed to the credit of the "Aged Odd Fellows' Fund." 

107. Any Odd Fellow enrolled as above in a Subordinate Lodge, as herein 
provided, who becomes sick or disabled so as to be incapable of earning a 
livelihood, shall receive from the Grand Secretary, through the Lodge to 
which he has been admitted, such weekly benefits as the Grand Lodge may 
prescribe, so long as the moneys collected under the provisions of the "Aged 
Odd Fellows' Fund" shall permit the payment of the same. 

108. Subordinate Lodges shall immediately notify the Grand Secretary 
in all cases of sickness or disability referred to in the preceding section, of 
their commencement and termination, and the Grand Secretary shall notify 
Lodges having members on the "Aged Odd Fellows' Register," when the 
said fund shall be depleted. 

109. A member of a Subordinate Lodge, admitted under the above pro- 
visions, shall not be entitled to vote or speak on any question involving the 
disposition of the funds or property of the Lodge. 

110. Upon the death of an aged Odd Fellow enrolled as above, who shall 
be entitled to benefits of this fund, there shall be paid as funeral expenses 
such sum as the Grand Lodge may prescribe, so long as the moneys collected 
under the provisions of the "Aged Odd Fellows' Fund" shall permit the pay- 
ment. 

. 111. No Lodge receiving such members as above provided, shall be 
liable for the payment of any sick benefits or funeral expenses to or on ac- 
count of such members; nor shall any such member be required to pay any 
dues or assessments to such Subordinate Lodge, except for the benefit of the 
"Aged Odd Fellows' Fund." 

112. Grand Bodies are not compelled to change their Constitutions so 
as to provide that funds received from defunct subordinates shall constitute 
a fund for the relief of Ancient Odd Fellows. 

113. The law relating to flon-contributing members, and the law provid- 
ing for the Aged Odd Fellows' Fund, are both amendments to the original 
Aged Odd Fellows' law, adopted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge in 1864. 

114. The law was merely amended so that Odd Fellows who have been 
for twenty-five consecutive years in good standing, and who are in arrears 
flor more than one year, may not be dropped from the roll of membership; 
and so that the law permitting aged Odd Fellows, who were members of 
defunct bodies, to become non-beneficial members, should be broadened to 
the extent that it will permit aged Odd Fellows no longer able to pay the 
dues required, when benefits are received, to continue their membership 
as non-beneficial members, and they are therefore within the terms of the 
Aged Odd Fellows' Fund. 

115. A resolution that all members in good standing In any Subordinate 
Lodge under this jurisdiction at the time it surrenders its charter to the 
Grand Lodge, shall continue to be members of the Order under the super- 
vision of the Grand Lodge of this jurisdiction, and shall pay to the Grand 
Lodge dues in the sum of $1.00 per month, to be held by the Grand Treas- 
urer, and known as the Defunct Lodge Benefit Fund; and he shall receive 
benefits of $4.00 per week, to be paid out of said Defunct Lodge Benefit Fund, 
upon order of the Grand Master; provided, there be sufficient money in said 
fund to pay such benefit. Any member of a defunct Lodge, paying his dues 
as provided here, shall be entitled to receive all proper pass words from the 
Grand Master; shall remain in good standing in the Order, and shall enjoy 
all the privileges thereof. Said Resolution, if adopted by a Grand Lodge, 
would not be legal, for the reason that the resolution goes farther and em- 
braces provisions not contained in the legislation on the subject of the Aged 
Odd Fellows' Fund. Said resolution undertakes to provide that members of 
defunct Lodges shall continue to be members of the Order in good standing, 
under the supervision of the Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction, and further pro- 



22 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

AGED ODD FELLOWS' FUND. 

vides that such members shall be entitled to receive passwords, etc., and does 
not comply with the legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, which provides 
for a limited membership in a Subordinate Lodge of those who have become 
fifty years of age, and been in continuous membership for twenty-five years or 
more only. The resolution has no limitation as to age, and does not provide 
or require that members of defunct Lodges shall apply to or become members 
under the conditions provided by lav/ of Subordinate Lodges. 

116. 'Resolved, 1. That there shall be annually appointed by the Grand 
Master, a Committee of five, to be called the Committee on Petition for Re- 
lief for Members of Defunct Lodges. To this Committee shall be referred all 
appeals for aid for members of defunct Lodges who, by reason of their ad- 
vanced age at the time the Lodge became defunct were unable to become 
beneficial members of any working Lodge in the jurisdiction. 

117. Resolved, 2. That all petitions for aid or relief as above specified 
shall contain a complete statement of the character of the brother's disabil- 
ity, and the cause thereof; the number and name of the Lodge of which he 
had been a member, and when the said Lodge became defunct; that the said 
petition shall be signed by the brother asking for the relief, and the same 
shall be approved by the Relief Committee of the Lodge of which he is a 
non-beneficial member, or the Lodge nearest and most convenient to the 
brother's residence, under the seal of the said Lodge; and that unless the 
application conforms to the said requirements, it shall not be considered by 
the Committee on Petition for Relief for Members of Defunct Lodges. 

118. Resolved, 3. That the Committee on Petition for Relief for Members 
of Defunct Lodges may, upon the written authority of the Grand Master, 
issue an appeal to the Lodges in this jurisdiction, requesting them to make 
a voluntary contribution to a fund for the purpose of relieving such mem- 
bers of defunct Lodges as are above referred to; the claimants upon such 
fund to be such members of defunct Lodges who, in order to continue their 
identification with the Order, shall have, within one year after the surrender 
of the charter of their own Lodge, become non-beneficial members of some 
other Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd" Fellows. 

119. Resolved, 4. That in such appeal the committee shall state briefly 
the number of cases they have in their charge, and generally the necessities 
that call for their assistance. The moneys received from the said appeal, 
or appeals, shall be deposited in a general fund, the principal and interest 
whereof shall be used at the discretion of the committee, acting conjointly 
with the Grand Master for the relief of deserving brethren of defunct Lodges, 
as before described. 

120. Resolved 5, That whenever the fund is exhausted, the- committee 
may make another appeal to the Lodges for voluntary contributions. Pro- 
vided that not more than one such appeal may be made in any one year. 
The accounts of the committee shall be audited annually by the Committee 
on Finance, and the money shall be paid on the order of the committee (ap- 
proved by the Grand Master) by the Grand Secretary drawing a draft for 
the amount upon the Grand Treasurer, which he shall forward to the Lodge 
of which the petitioner is a non-beneficial member, or the Lodge nearest and 
most convenient to the applicant brother's residence, the Relief Committee 
of which Lodge shall give the brother attentive benefits and disburse the 
moneys to or for the brother as directed by the Committee on Petition for 
Relief for Members of Defunct Lodges. This committee shall report an- 
nually to this Grand Lodge, giving a detailed statement of all their trans- 
actions, and shall be subject to any orders, or to a review of their proceedings 
as from time to time shall or may be made, directed, and required by this 
Grand Lodge. 

121. The sum of $52.00 per annum is the maximum amount to be paid 
to any one beneficiary. The year to begin May 1st and end April 30th of the 
following year. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 23 

AGED ODD FELLOWS' FUND. 

122. The Committee on Appeals for Aid For Members of Defunct Lodges 
would respectfully report that they have considered the several propositions 
referred to them and have failed, as yet, to formulate any plan better than 
the provisions contained in the standing resolutions relating to appeals for 
the Aged Odd Fellows' Fund. 

123. A funeral benefit, the maximum of which shall be $60.00, is to be paid 
upon the death of a beneficiary. 

FORM OF PETITION FOR ENROLLMENT IN THE AGED 
ODD FELLOAVS REGISTER. 

19... 

To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F.: 

Sirs and Brothers: — The petition of the undersigned, who is over fifty 
years of age, who has been in continuous membership for twenty-five years 
or over, whose Subordinate Lodge has surrendered its charter, and who, un- 
der the laws of the Order, is entitled to receive a (Withdrawal or Grand 
Lodge) Card, fraternally and respectfully represents: 

1. That your petitioner was born at ...on 

2. That your petitioner was initiated into the Order on the day 

of into Lodge, No I. O. O. F., located at. ., , 

in the Grand Jurisdiction of and (Here give complete history of con- 
nection with the Order, showing twenty-five years' continuous membership) 
whereby he became and was a member of the Order for 25 or more continuous 

years, and was a member in good standing of Lodge, No , I. O. 

O. F., of the Grand Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania at the time of the surrender 
of its charter to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and was therefore at that 
time, upon payment of arrears of dues, entitled to receive from the Grand 
Secretary a Withdrawal Card issued to a member of a defunct Lodge. 

Wherefore your petitioner prays that your honorable body will direct 
the Grand Secretary to place his name upon the "Aged Odd Fellows' Register" 
for this jurisdiction, and that he may be granted the rights and privileges of 
a beneficiary of the "Aged Odd Fellows' Fund." 

Yours in Friendship, Love and Truth, 



1 the petitioner above named, upon my word of honor as an 

Odd Fellow do hereby declare and say that the facts above stated are true. 



Note. — The Grand Lodge not having prescribed the certificates to accom- 
pany this petition, the applicant must annex all certificates that will be re- 
quired to sustain his claims, of which certificate the following will serve as 
a sample: 

To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania: 

I hereby certify that an examination of the books and records of 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. F., in this office show that ,the above 

named petitioner was a member of this Lodge at the time of the surrender 
of its charter. That he was at that time, upon the payment of his arrears 
for dues and the price of a card, entitled to receive a Withdrawal Card such 
as is issued to members in good standing of defunct Lodges (or that by reason 
of the lapse of over one year from the date of surrender he is now entitled to 
receive a Grand Lodge Card), and furthermore, that the records of said 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. F., disclose that said has had 

.years' continuous membership therein. 

Grand Secretary. 



24 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

AGED ODD FELLOWS' FUND. 

FORM OF APPLICATION FOR RELIEF BY A MEMBER OF A DEFUNCT LODGE, 

UNDER RESOLUTION OF GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, 

I. 0. 0. F., ADOPTED MAY SESSION, 1900. 

1. Application for relief of Brother 

2. Complete, specific and detailed statement of the nature of the brother's 
disability, its origin and cause 

3. What was the age and physical condition of the brother at the time his 
Lodge became defunct? 

4. Why was he at that time unable to become a beneficial member of a 
Lodge in this jurisdiction? 

5. The number and name of Lodge to which the brother belonged and 
length of membership 

6. Date when the charter of the Lodge of which the applicant was a mem- 
her was surrendered 

7. Age of applicant. 

8. Previous avocation or employment. 

9. Was the applicant beneficial when the charter of his Lodge was sur- 
rendered ? 

Applicant. 

Hall of ... Lodge, No I. O. O. F., 

of (insert name of town or city and the date) County, Pa., 19. .. 

The undersigned, members of the Relief Committee of Lodge, 

No , I. O. O. F., do hereby certify that Brother , the above 

named applicant for relief, is at present, and has been since a non- 
beneficial member of this Lodge; that upon careful and disinterested exami- 
nation of the allegations hereinbefore made by the said applicant, we find the 
statements herein contained to be correct, and do therefore. .... .ap- 
prove said application, and request the seal of this Lodge to be hereunto 
affixed. 

(Seal of Lodge.) 

Relief Committee. 

Attest: .Lodge, No ,1. O. O. F. 

Secretary. Noble Grand. 



AGENTS. 

124. There is no law prohibiting the soliciting of persons to petition 
Liodges for membership; on the contrary, it is both admissible and advisable 
to present to good citizens the advantages of the I. O. O. F, in a proper way, 
ask consideration, and if they are favorably impressed, to request their ap- 
plication for membership. 

125. Each of the over one hundred thousand members in this Grand Juris- 
diction is supposed to be active in presenting the merits of the organization 
to prospective new members. It must be clearly understood, however, that 
each is in no way the agent of the organization, authorized to bind it so as to 
alter or vary its laws, rules or customs. If the Order were bound to furnish 
all the foolish things that are related of initiations and ritualistic work, there 
would soon be an end to the solemn ceremonies and the law would soon cease 
to be respected. The Grand Bodies, State and Sovereign, have made public 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 25 

AGENTS. 

the things they wish to be known, among which is the Constitution for the 
Subordinate Lodges, and the slightest intelligent inquiry will bring the appli- 
cant correct information concerning his proposed membership. Moreover, the 
candidate, when he presents himself for initiation comes alone, and he obli- 
gates himself without reservation to abide by the laws, rules and regulations 
of the Lodge and of the Grand Lodge to which it may be subordinate, as well 
as of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and in pursuance of this he signs the Con- 
stitution. He cannot therefore hope to alter or evade any of its provisions 
and requirements, or those of the general or local laws, usages, customs or 
regulations of the Order. 

126. A brother who misrepresents the facts to one about to join the 
Order makes himself liable to charges and discipline. 

127. A Lodge cannot give any compensation or premium to its mem- 
bers for proposing new members to the Lodge. They can, however, by 
amendment to their By-Laws, reduce the initiation fee to the minimum 
($5.00), if the fee is greater than that sum. 

AGE OF APPLICANT. 

128. A Lodge may receive an application from, but cannot initiate a can- 
didate under the age of twenty-one years. 

129. A Lodge may so grade its fees for admission by initiation or card 
as to require a larger sum according to advance in age; provided, that in 
no case shall the minimum be less than that required by the Constitution. 

130. Any fraudulent misrepresentation of his age "by a party seeking 
admission into a Lodge whereby membership therein is illegally obtained for 
a less consideration than the law of the Lodge requires, shall discharge the 
Lodge from any and all responsibilities growing out of the initiation of 
the party in question from and after the time such fraud shall be discovered 
and proved or determined upon a fair investigation and upon competent 
testimony. It shall be legal to investigate and determine the fact of such a 
fraud, even after the death of the party alleged to be guilty thereof; pro- 
vided due notice of such investigation is given the representatives or family 
of the deceased claiming benefits of the Lodge. 

131. A candidate represented himself as twenty-one years of age, when 
he was not. His Lodge tried and reprimanded him, and suspended him for 
six months. Held that the Lodge might do this, and that it was not com- 
pelled to expel him. 

132. A brother was initiated in a Lodge and gave his age at forty years. 
Last winter, while residing at Upland, he was in charge of another Lodge 
for eight weeks, claiming to be suffering from rheumatism and old age, and 
stating his age to be about seventy-one years. Upon this information a 
charge was preferred against him for falsely representing his age at the time 
of his initiation. The brother claimed that the error in stating his age, at 
the time of his initiation, was an innocent one, and that twenty years hav- 
ing elapsed since then, it is now too late for the Lodge to inquire into its cor- 
rectness. The brother was found guilty and suspended for two years. 

133. There is no limit of age beyond which an admission to membership 
as a contributing beneficial member can be made, if the Lodge so desires. 
It must, therefore, provide in its By-Laws for initiation fees for all ages. 

134. Advanced age is not in itself a disqualification for membership. 
Lodges cannot, therefore, legally enact that persons cannot be initiated after 
a certain age; much less can they refuse to restore to membership upon that 
ground alone. Lodges may require an applicant of advanced age to pay an 
equivalent for guaranteeing the payment of benefits to him when sick. 

2 



26 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



AGEEEMENT. 

135. An agreement entered into by a Lodge with an applicant for mem- 
bership that he will not, if admitted, ask for or take benefits for a chronic 
disease with which he was then afflicted, is void and does not relieve the 
Lodge of responsibility to pay benefits, nor will the brother be liable for 
expulsion in asking or receiving them. 

136. A Lodge has no right to initiate a person with a chronic dis- 
ease, say consumption, which may prevent his gaining a livelihood, upon the 
applicant's signing an agreement not to claim benefits in consequence of sick- 
ness or disability from such disease. Our Order is beneficial, and our 
laws require that benefits be paid in case of sickness to the rich as well as 
the poor, and the brother having been initiated under such agreement, regu- 
larly and without fault he is entitled to the same care, kindness and benefits 
when sick as other members. The agreement being void, would not release 
the Lodge from the obligation to pay benefits, nor would the brother be liable 
to trial and expulsion for a violation of his agreement not to receive them. 

137. A candidate for membership in a Lodge was troubled with asthma 
when he was admitted, the Lodge knowing that he had the disease, and the 
candidate entering into a promise that he would never ask for benefits from 
the Lodge for any trouble arising from this disease. He was afterwards 
taken sick with this trouble and unable to follow his usual occupation. The 
Lodge must pay him benefits, as it could not legally enter into an agree- 
ment with the brother not to pay him benefits. 

138. All the members of a Lodge may sign an agreement not to demand 
any benefits for one year, and they can do so upon their mutual agreement; 
but if there be one brother disposed to disregard the agreement and demand 
benefits, the Committee on Appeals will be compelled to decide that he is 
entitled to benefits. 

139. A member in distress, or pretending to be, and needing money, and 
who asks for and receives the same from a Lodge or a member thereof 
under an agreement that he will repay the same as soon as he returns home, 
but who neglects to do so after a reasonable time thereafter, without a sat- 
isfactory excuse being given, shall be deemed guilty of conduct unbecoming 
an Odd Fellow, and may be expelled. 

140. Bargains of Committee on Investigation with members under 
charges, whereby the labors of the committee are lightened and unfaithful 
members oft escape merited punishment, are not unique in the history of 
the Order. They have come to the attention of the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
before, and it strongly reprehends a practice subversive of the principles of 
justice and an assault upon its integrity. 

141. A Lodge cannot make a valid agreement with one of its members 
who is being tried for charges that if the charges are withdrawn he will not 
ask any benefits, if taken sick, for five years. 

142. When a brother offered to settle his claim for benefits for a lump 
sum, and in consideration therefor to withdraw from the Lodge, which offer 
was accepted and a withdrawal card issued; held that, it appearing by the 
brother's own witnesses that he understood the effect of the card, and in 
spite of the protests of his friends applied for the same, as he expected to go 
to France, and stated that he would have no use for it there, the Lodge has 
the right to refuse the application of such brother for reinstatement, or to 
annul the card of withdrawal. The Committee on Appeals of the Sov- 
ereign Grand Lodge, however, said that they would, in a fraternal 
spirit, recommend to the Grand Lodge that it make an investigation into 
the charge made by the brother, and which is mentioned by the Com- 
mittee on Appeals of that body, that the Lodge did make an arrangement 
with him by which, for a consideration, he was to apply for a withdrawal 
card, as your committee consider such practice detrimental and contrary to 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 11 

AGREEMENT. 

the spirit of Odd Fellowship, as well on the part of the Lodge as its member 

and as injurious to the Order. 

143. It is illegal to vote back part of the initiation fees, although in ac- 
cordance with an agreement between the candidate and certain members, 
prior to initiation. 

ALARM AT DOOE. 

144. It is left to the Subordinate Lodges to determine, according to the 
arrangement, which will best suit the location of the entrances to the Lodge 
room, who is the proper officer to whom the alarms at the door are reported 
by the I. G. 

AMENDMENTS. 

145. The law providing for the amendment of the Constitution of the 
Grand Lodge does not properly apply to the work of framing a new Con- 
stitution for the Grand Lodge. A committee for such purposes should be 
appointed, with instructions to report at the next annual session, but tne 
report of the committee cannot be acted on until the succeeding annual 
session to the one at which it is presented. This only applies where tne 
committee report a complete code of laws, not where they merely report va- 
rious changes to the Constitution and By-Laws then in force. 

146. The Constitution of a State Grand Body can be amended only in the 
manner prescribed by the Constitution itself. 

147. A revised is an amended Constitution, and must be passed as an 
amendment. 

148. When a Constitution of a State Grand Body has been revised, by a 
committee appointed for that purpose, and sundry amendments made there- 
to, the revised instrument comes under the requirements of the old one in 
force. 

149. In this jurisdiction the rule has been to consider the report of the 
committee as the performance of a Constitutional function which carries with 
it all that is necessary to legally bring the subject matter to the attention of 
the Grand Lodge, and to enable this body to pass upon, change, modify and 
re-enact its written code of Laws for the Grand Lodge and the Subordinate 
Lodges. 

150. The report of the committee when presented at one session, action 
thereon is deferred until the next annual session, in accordance with the 
requirements of the general and local law. 

151. The rule of procedure in considering the report of the committee 
is to treat it as though the body was in committee of the whole, and when 
thus proceeding seriatim to consider the sections of an' entire code of laws, 
a majority vote is sufficient to adopt each section; but upon the question 
of adopting the code of laws as a whole a two-thirds' vote is necessary to 
adopt. 

152. Where the Constitution of a Grand Body provides that a propo- 
sition for the amendment thereof shall be presented at a regular annual 
session, entered upon the Journal, and shall not be acted upon until the 
next annual session, at which time such proposed amendments shall be con- 
sidered, the Grand Body cannot at such second session change or alter the 
proposed amendment. Such action would be in violation of the Constitution 
of the Grand Body, then in force, and the law of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, 
and in contradiction of the approved decision, No. 23, of the Grand Sire in 
1898. 

153. The true reason for the adoption of Constitutional provisions which 
require that amendments to the Constitutions of Grand Lodges and Grand 
Encampments shall lie over for a year before being adopted, and for tbe 
general law expressed, which requires such amendments to be voted on in 
precisely the shape in which they have been so laid over, is not that mem- 



28 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

AMENDMENTS. 

bers of such Grand Body may be selected with reference to the adoption of 
some amendment or amendments, of a nature not specifically known, which 
may be drafted and submitted by a committee, but is, that such members 
may be selected with reference to the adoption or rejection of some specific 
amendment or amendments, whose exact form is known, and that all mem- 
bers of the Order may have ample time to express themselves in reference 
to the exact matters to be voted on. 

154. Separate amendments to sections in the Constitution or By-Laws 
must strictly follow the method laid down in the Constitution. 

155. Wjhere an attempt was made to amend the Constitution of a Grand 
Lodge because it conflicted with certain enactments made by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, and these enactments were referred to a committee who after- 
wards reported that they had amended the Constitution as instructed, it 
was held that the Constitution could not be amended, except by the regular 
course presented by the Constitution, and that there is no general law or 
precedence that can compel a Grand Lodge to amend the Constitution, ex- 
cept in the manner prescribed therein. 

156. Amendments to Grand Lodge Constitutions can only be acted upon 
at a subsequent session as prescribed at a preceding session of the Grand 
Lodge. 

157. Amendments should be presented in proper form, and signed by the 
requisite number of proposers. If, however, the Grand Lodge adopts a 
resolution with all the formalities necessary to amend its Constitution or 
By-Laws, or Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, this will operate to legally 
amend the Constitution or By-Laws in this particular. Substance and legis- 
lative intention, and not the form, bring about the change in the laws. 

158. Amendments to the Constitution of the Grand Lodge are not oper- 
ative until approved by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, or the Grand Sire 
during recess. The Grand Lodge By-Laws do not nfeed approval by the Sov- 
ereign Grand Lodge, hence amendments thereto are immediately effective, 
unless otherwise stated. 

159. Disapproval of an amended Constitution by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge renders the same inoperative, without further action by the Grand 
Lodge. 

160. Amendments to the By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge take effect 
from and after the receipt by the Lodge of the approval by the Committee 
on By-Laws, except when otherwise provided by .he By-Laws. 

161. Amendments to By-Laws must be properly authenticated in dupli- 
cate by the Noble Grand and Secretary, and attested by the seal of the 
Lodge, and addressed to the "Committee on By-Laws," care of the Grand 
Secretary, for approval by the Committee. Two copies of the entire By-Laws 
must accompany the amendments. 

162. A pending amendment to the By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge can- 
not be amended when under consideration, except it be a mere verbal altera- 
tion that does not change the character of the original proposition. 

163. Where a By-Law reads as follows: "No motion to repeal or amend 
these By-Laws or any part of them shall be put to a vote until the same 
have been read in the Lodge at three consecutive regular meetings," it is 
not in order to move at a third reading to amend the motion, without any 
notice being given of such amendment. 

164. When the Lodge has under consideration an entire new code of 
By-Laws, prepared and reported by a committee of the Lodge, the same 
order of procedure, amendment and vote on final adoption may be pursued 
as is the practice in the Grand Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 29 

AMENDMENTS. 

165. By-Laws cannot be amended, modified or suspended by resolution 
or by a simple motion. They can only be amended, modified or repealed in 
the way designated by the code itself. They are not intended to be so 
ephemeral as to be suspended or obliterated on a motion made and adopted 
on the same night of meeting. 

166. A subordinate by vote adopted an amendment to a By-Law and at 
the next meeting a motion was made to reconsider the vote. The law pro- 
vided that no amendment to the By-Law should be made, unless written no- 
tice thereof should be given at the regular meeting previous to its being 
acted on. There was also a rule of order that no motion for a reconsidera- 
tion should be received, unless made within two meetings after taking the 
vote upon any question. Held that there was no conflict in these provisions 
of law. Until the expiration of the time for a reconsideration under the 
rules of order, legislation on the subject was not concluded, and the subor- 
dinate still had control of it. The reconsideration of the vote was not equiv- 
alent to an amendment to the By-Laws. 

167. Amendments to the By-Laws may be considered by the Lodge in 
committee of the whole, and the Chairman of the By-Law Committee may 
act as Noble Grand during the consideration of the By-Laws, if the brother 
is a Past Grand, and the Noble Grand is absent. 

168. A Lodge cannot provide by a resolution that a designated law shall 
not be changed for a given period. A member cannot, by the adoption of 
such a resolution, be deprived of his right to propose amendments to the 
By-Laws. 

ANCIENT ODD FELLOW. 

169. An Ancient Odd Fellow is one who has been regularly initiated 
into the Order and retired therefrom in good standing, either by taking his 
withdrawal card, and allowing it to become out of date, or by resignation. 
If done by resignation, he at once becomes an Ancient Odd Fellow, and if 
by taking a withdrawal card, he becomes so at the expiration of one year 
from the date of his card. The word ancient, as used here, does not literally 
mean that the brother has had long membership in the Order, or is himself 
aged. For example, a brother may resign his membership on the night of 
his initiation, and he at once becomes an Ancient Odd Fellow. While if, 
at the same time, a,nother brother, who has belonged to the Order for 
twenty-five years or more, resigns, they are both on the same level as re- 
gards standing, and classed as Ancient Odd Fellows, notwithstanding the 
disparity in the length of their membership. 

170. To become an Ancient Odd Fellow one must have retired from the 
Order in good standing; therefore, the holder of a dismissal certificate can- 
not enjoy this privilege. 

171. A member of a defunct Lodge, in good standing at the time the 
Lodge surrenders, by recent legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, may, 
within a year from the date of surrender of his Lodge, obtain from the 
Grand Secretary or Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction where the defunct Lodge 
was located, a withdrawal card which, at the expiration of one year from the 
date of surrender, will also make him an Ancient Odd Fellow. 

172. An Ancient Odd Fellow is, therefore, one who, having been regularly 
initiated, has, in good standing, honorably and entirely severed his con- 
nection with the Order, and who, upon the proper proof of these facts, can 
be re-admitted to the Order without initiation. 

173. An Ancient Odd Fellow has no rights of visitation whatsoever, nor 
can an elective grand officer introduce him into a Subordinate Lodge. 

174. A Lodge cannot in a body, as a Lodge, attend the funeral of a de- 
ceased Ancient Odd Fellow and conduct the services according to the Ritual 
of the Order. 



30 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ANCIENT ODD FELLOW. 

175. In the admission of an Ancient Odd Fellow to membership, the 
same course is to be pursued as to proposition, reference to a Committee of 
Investigation, report of said committee and balloting, as in the case of a 
candidate for admission on 'Visiting card or dismissal certificate. When 
elected, he has only to sign the Constitution, or authorize it to De done, and 
pay such admission fee as the By-Laws of the Lodge shall prescribe; he then 
becomes a member of the Order, of the same rank as he held originally, and 
if a Past Grand, upon the certificate of the Lodge receiving him he will be 
recognized as such by the Grand Lodge. 

176. A brother who has withdrawn from the Order by written resigna- 
tion, or who has lost his withdrawal card and has no duplicate, and who 
cannot pass a satisfactory examination, nor furnish satisfactory evidence 
of former connection with the Order, can only be re-admitted by initiation. 

177. "Satisfactory evidence of former connection with the Order," within 
the meaning of the law, must come from the Lodge of which the brother was 
formerly a member, or, in the event of such evidence being inaccessible, by 
reason of its being defunct or otherwise, then from the Grand Body under 
whose jurisdiction the subordinate existed. And should neither of these be 
accessible or obtainable, then the applicant may make application for admis- 
sion into the Order by initiation. 

178. An Ancient Odd Fellow who is a saloon keeper, bartender or pro- 
fessional gambler, cannot be admitted to membership in a Lodge, even 
though this has been his occupation continuously for a period extending to a 
time before the adoption of the amendment to the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
Constitution. 

179. Resignation severs membership instantly and totally, a dismissal 
certificate is simply evidence of resignation, the former in good standing, the 
latter in bad financial standing. Holders of unexpired Withdrawal Cards, 
although not members, in the strict sense of that term, are, to a certain 
extent, subject to the jurisdiction of the Order, as these cards may be an- 
nuled within one year from their date, but after that they have no force 
or validity and cannot be annuled. Hence, it follows that holders of ex- 
pired cards are not members of the Order, nor are they brother Odd Fellows, 
and'the same is true of Dismissal Certificates. 

180. The disabilities of an Ancient Odd Fellow are removed when he is 
re-admitted to membership in a Lodge, and he is then entitled to all the 
privileges and benefits that his membership, contributing or non-beneficial, 
confers. 

ANNIVERSARY. 

181. The twenty-sixth day of April is established as the Anniversary 
of the Order, and subordinates are requested to observe the day in some ap- 
propriate manner. To hold a public demonstration of any kind will, never- 
theless, require the permission and approval of the Grand Master to be first 
obtained, and the promise of the Lodge that no intoxicating beverages of any 
kind shall be offered to the members or guests present on the occasion. 

182. There is no express law of the Order permitting the celebration 
of the anniversary of the Order on Any other day than April 26th, and it 
has been held that a Lodge could expend money for such celebration only on 
that day, but the reverence with which Sunday is generally regarded, and 
the existence of a law which does not permit subordinate organizations of 
the Order to meet on Sunday, for other than funeral or memorial purposes, 
would, when April 26th falls upon Sunday (and in analogy to the practice 
followed in the celebration of civic holidays), warrant the Grand Sire in per- 
mitting such celebration to be held upon the preceding, or upon the following 
day. 

183. It is not legal or permissible for a Lodge of the I. O. O. F., when 
the Anniversary of the Order falls on a week-day, to defer the celebration 
to the following Sunday, and hold a meeting, private or public, for such cele- 
bration on such Sunday. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 31 

ANNIVERSARY. 

184. A Subordinate Lodge may expend a reasonable amount of its funds 
to defray the necessary expenses incident to the celebration of the Anniver- 
sary of the Order, in such manner as shall tend to promulgate and illustrate 
the principle of the Order, or to elevate it or dignify it in the eyes of the 
community, such as hiring halls, paying for printing, procuring orators, and 
for music to accompany a parade, or as an attractive feature in connection 
with and as part of the prescribed ceremonies, but no expenditure can legally 
be made for those things which contribute merely to the pleasure or grati- 
fication of the individual members, such as parties, balls, picnics, excursions, 
banquets and the like, and within these limits the question is one for the 
subordinate and the Grand Lodge. 

185. The appropriation of funds for any purpose in connection with the 
celebration of a Lodge's own anniversary is not proper or legitimate. 

186. The permission given Lodges to expend their funds in a reasonable 
amount for the celebration of the Anniversary of the Order, only holds good 
for proper celebrations on that day, not for another occasion, on another 
day, even if called an anniversary celebration, and claimed to be a postpone- 
ment or a deferment of the regular date. 

ANNUAL TRAVELING PASSWORD. 

187. The Annual Traveling Pass vVord is intended primarily for the pro- 
tection of the Order, and is one of the tests by which traveling brothers 
are tried. 

188. It cannot be translated into any other language, or spoken other 
than in the English Language. The different nations must learn to give it 
the one universal sound as nearly as possible, so that the sound of the word 
will be as familiar to the ear as the signs are to the eye or the grip to the 
touch of the hand, to the end that an Odd Fellow of any country may be 
known and recognized in any part of the habitable globe as a brother. 

189. It goes into effect January 1st in each year; it is selected by the 
Grand Sire, and communicated to the Grand Master through the proper 
channels. The Grand Master can only communicate the A. T. P. W. in the 
discharge of his official duties and to the officers entitled to receive it. 

190. It is communicated to the D. D. G. M.'s and the Special Deputies 
of the Grand Master at the time of installation of officers in the Subordinate 
Lodges, and by them privately put in possession of the Noble Grand and 
Vice Grand at the time of their installation, so that they may be qualified 
either to give or receive it. 

191. The By-Laws and general legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
clearly contemplate that the Noble Grand , or presiding officer of a Lodge 
(other than the R. S. of N. G. temporarily occupying the chair), should com- 
municate the annual traveling pass-word to visitors. There is no law that 
authorizes him to delegate that privilege. 

192. If a brother who is entitled to the A. T. P. W. be absent from the 
location of his Lodge, so that he cannot obtain the A. T. P. W. from the 
officers of his Lodge, or has forgotten the A. T. P. W., it shall be the duty 
of the proper officers to send him a letter authorizing any Noble Grand to 
communicate the same to him. It is also legal to give the brother this order 
for the A. T. P. W. although he may be present in the Lodge-room when the 
card or official certificate authorizing him to use the A. T. P. W. in visiting 
is granted. It shall be the duty of the proper officers granting such card, 
to send therewith a letter in the following form: 

Lodge, No 

of , State of , 

Day of 19.. 

To the Noble Grand of any Lodge of the I. O. O. F.: 

The bearer, Brother , holding a legal card from 

this , dated this day of 19 . . , for the period 



32 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ANNUAL TRAVELING PASSWORD. 

of months, is entitled to the A. T. P. W. for the current year, 

which please communicate to him, after due examination, whereupon you 
will retain or destroy this letter. 

[Seal.] , n. G. 

Attest: , Secretary. 

193. An official receipt showing dues paid in advance of its presentation, 
or an unexpired visiting card, are of themselves proper and sufficient orders 
for the A. T. P. W., upon the presentation of which, and after satisfactory 
identification and proper examination, the Noble Grand is authorized to 
communicate the same. The same result would be obtained should the visit- 
ing brother present both an unexpired visiting card and an official cer- 
tificate; and the A. T. P. W. will be communicated, even though the holder 
may have signed the visiting card or certificate prior to its presentation to 
the Noble Grand. 

194. The Annual Traveling Pass Word is to be communicated only to a 
member receiving a Visiting Card, or .to a brother receiving an Official Cer- 
tificate showing dues paid in advance, or to a brother receiving a Withdrawal 
Card, with the single exception that it must not be communicated to an 
insane brother. It cannot subsequently be communicated to these brothers, 
whether on order or not, unless the card or Dismissal Certificate is unexpired 
for visitation. 

195. A Visiting Card or an Official Certificate is unexpired and in force for 
the purposes of visitation as long as it evidences the fact that the brother's 
dues are paid to a date later than when the same is presented for visitation. 

196. An unexpired withdrawal card is not, of itself, sufficient author- 
ity to any Noble Grand to communicate the A. T. P. W. to a brother holding 
the withdrawal card to date, to enable him to visit a Subordinate -Lodge. 
If the brother is without the pass-word he must have an order in the form 
above stated, or he cannot procure the same, except from the Noble Grand 
of his own Lodge. 

197. When a withdrawal card has been granted to a member and the 
recipient forgets the A. T. P. W'., the Noble Grand of the Lodge from which 
the brother withdrew, not only has the authority to again communicate the 
A. T. P. W., on the presentation of the card within one year from the date 
of its issue, but it is his duty to do so. 

198. The holder of a dismissal certificate is not entitled to the A. T. P. 
W., nor can he visit a Lodge by virtue of such certificate. 

199. The Noble Grand communicates the A. T. P. W. personally and 
privately to the brother or visitor entitled to the same; he cannot delegate 
the duty to a committee. When a brother offers to visit a Subordinate 
Lodge on a visiting card, unexpired withdrawal card, or official certificate 
showing dues paid in advance of the date of visitation, he may give the A. 
T. P. W. of the year in which the card or official certificate was issued and 
bears date, although another A. T. P. W. is now in force. But where the 
Noble Grand of a Lodge is asked to give the A. T. P. W. to a holder of a 
visiting card or official certificate, still in date for visiting, but issued during 
the preceding calendar, he will, upon proper identification and examination, 
give the brother the A. T. P. W. current at the time of presentation, pro- 
vided, that the card or certificate covers a period which extends to a later 
date. 

200. A brother holding a withdrawal card from one jurisdiction is en- 
titled to the annual traveling pass word in use at the time the card was is- 
sued and bears date, and retains the right to visit in another jurisdiction 
with the same password for a year. 

201. A non-contributing member is entitled to a special form of visiting 
card, which entitles him to the Annual Traveling Password, upon proving 
identity, in the same manner as is prescribed by the laws of the Order for 
contributing members. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 33 

ANNUAL TRAVELING PASSWORD. 

202. A member of a suspended or expelled Lodge has not the right to visit 
on an unexpired visiting card or official certificate showing dues paid in 
advance of the date of presentation, granted prior to such suspension or 
expulsion, as aaid Visiting Card or Official Certificate speak in the present 
of the connection of the bearer with the Order, whose right undoubtedly 
expires with the Lodge, and therefore the Noble Grand of any Lodge will not 
communicate the A. T. P. W. on presentation of a card or Official Certificate 
issued by a suspended or expelled Lodge. 

203. The N. G. cannot give the A. T. P. W. to a brother after the date 
to which his dues have been paid has expired. The right of visitation on the 
card or certificate ceases with the date to which the dues are paid in 
advance. 

204. The legislation authorizing the official certificate and making it 
authority for admission of its holder to Lodges, Encampments and Rebekah 
Lodges is limited to the continent of North America, and hence such official 
certificate would not be authority for any Lodge not on the continent of 
North America to communicate the A. T. P. W. thereon. 

205. The holder of a properly authenticated visiting card, the date of 
which extends to a date later than when the same is presented, and upon 
proper identification, would, in the same manner as is now practised upon the 
continent of North America, be entitled to have communicated to him the 
A. T. P. W. by the presiding officer of any Lodge, irrespective of the location 
of the Lodge to which it is presented. 

ANNUITY. 

206. It is not legal to provide by law for the payment of an annuity to 
the widow and orphan children, or either of them, of a brother who died in 
good standing, the annuity to run for life or a period of years, as the case 
may be. 

APPEALS. 

(a). Effect of an Appeal (k). Grounds for Appeal. 

(b). From Noble Grand. (1). Hearing on Appeal. 

(c). From Grand Master. (m). Final Adjudication. 

(d). From Lodge. (n). Approval of Grand Master. 

(e). To Grand Master. (©). Keargument. 

(f). To Grand Lodge. (p). Petitions to Rehear. 

(g). To Sovereign Grand Lodge. (q). What Law Governs. 

(g). Who May Appeal. (.r). Appeal Districts. 

(h). Status of Appellants. (s). Jurisdiction on Appeal- 

(i). Time Limit for Appeals. \t). Memorial Petition. 

(j). Filing of Appeal. 

207. In all cases of appeal, not specially provided for under the appeal 
procedure for charges and benefits, or otherwise regulated by local law, the 
general law requires that the appellant must set forth in writing the errors, irregu- 
larities, illegalities, unfairness or injustice against which he appeals, and which 
forms the ground of appeal; and the Lodge should enter the appeal on its minutes, 
and have a correct transcript forwarded to the superior tribunal for review. 

208. The duties of the appellant and of the Lodge with respect to appeals 
concerning regular trials for charges or benefits, will be determined by the 
local law entirely. 

(a). Effect of an Appeal. 

209. The rights of the parties, appellant and appellee, jn any controversy 
within the provisions of the trial procedure for charges or benefits are to be 
determined according to the Constitution and By Laws of the Grand Lodge 
and the Constitutions for Subordinate Lodges. 



34 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPEALS-Effect of an Appeal. 

210. Charges were brought against a brother in his Lodge for conduct 
unbecoming' an Odd Fellow After due trial, according to law, he was found 
guilty and immediately declared suspended for twelve months. The defendant 
immediately appealed to the Grand Lodge. Held that the question whether 
an appeal by a brother from the action of his Subordinate Lodge shall operate 
as a supercedeas and suspend all action until the appeal is determined, is one to- 
be settled by local law entirely. 

211. As to matters arising in a Subordinate Lodge outside of this procedure, 
an appeal from; the action of the Lodge suspends all further proceedings in 
reference to the subject under consideration until the decision of the Grand 
Master or Graud Lodge is had, except such actions as are required bj law and 
which will not change the status of the controversy ; for example, the installa- 
tion of an officer pending an appeal as to his eligibility, the decision of the Lodge 
having been in his favor. 

212. Appeals from the presiding officer on a parliamentary ruling, whether 
from the N. G. to his Lodge, or from the Grand Master to the Grand Lodge, stay 
all proceedings upon the main question then under consideration until the appeal 
is disposed of by the body. 

213. Questions of law must go from Subordinate Lodges to the Grand 
Master. After the Grand Master has decided a question for a Subordinate 
Lodge, said Lodge, if not satisfied, can only seek redress by an appeal,, 
properly presented to the Grand Lodge, and said Lodge must abide by the deci- 
sion of the Grand Master until said decision is reversed by the Grand Lodge. 

214. The decision of the Grand Lodge upon any subject must stand until 
reversed; on appeal, by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. For examp-k, when the 
Grand Lodge reverses the decision of a Lodge expelling a member and directs 
his reinstatement, and an appeal is taken by the Lodge to the S. G. L., the 
brother must be reinstated before the appeal is taken. 

(b). Appeals from Noble Grand. 

215. When an appeal from the decision of the Noble Grand upon a By Law 
is before the Lodge, the Vice Grand during the pending of an appeal, is 
virtually the presiding officer, and as such must decide all points of order that 
may be raised, and comply with the requisitions of the first Rule of Order for 
Subordinate Lodges. An appeal from the decision of the Noble Grand must be 
proceeded with and settled before other business can be transacted. 

216. A decision rendered by the Noble Grand upon the meaning of a part 
of the subordinate Constitution, or the By Laws of the Lodge, or, in fact, upon 
any question arising in the Lodge, is subject to be appealed from to the Lodge 

217. A Subordinate Lodge, however, has no right to pass upon and decide 
any question in reference to the work of the Order, written or unwritten. The 
ruling of the N. G. on the subject must be followed, until reversed by the Grand 
Master. 

218. Should, for example, amotion be made to elect a member in violation 
of the Constitution it is the duty of the Noble Grand to declare the same out of 
order, and should such a motion prevail it is his duty to declare the same void ; 
and in case the Lodge reverses his decision, on an appeal therefrom it is his duty 
to appeal to the Giand Master. 

219. When the Vice Grand appeals from the decision of the Noble Grand^ 
he must call some qualified brother to fill his position while the appeal is- 
pending. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 35 

APPEALS. 

(c). Appeals from Grand Master. 

220. The Grand Master has no right to refuse to entertain appeals from 
his decision made during the recess of the Grand Dodge, even though, in his 
judgment an adverse decision might violate the Constitution. The Grand 
Lodge alone can claim to be the supreme tribunal; to it he is indebted for 
his position, and from and through it to the S. G. L. 

221. The decisions of the Grand Master, made during the recess of the 
Grand Lodge, are in full force until reversed Dy the Grand Lodge, and when 
the vote on the resolution that a certain Grand Master's decision be sus- 
tained, is a tie vote, the result is not to be regarded as a reversal of his 
decision, but as equivalent to no expression on the matter in issue, as it is 
an acknowledged legal principle of the Order that decisions of GrancT Masters 
are in full force until reversed by their Grand Lodges. 

222. An appeal from a decision of the Grand Master, made during the 
recess of the Grand Lodge, lies to the next stated session of the Grand Lodge. 

223. A Grand Lodge should not reverse a decision of the Grand Master 
upon facts not before him, but be confined to the record as reviewed by him. 

224. An appeal from a parliamentary ruling lies only to the Grand Lodge 
then in session, and not to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and such ruling of a 
presiding officer cannot be reviewed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, unless 
it has been passed upon by the Grand Lodge. 

225. When an appeal was made from the decision of the Grand Master on 
a Constitutional question rendered by him on a matter then before the 
Grand Lodge in session, and he refused to entertain the appeal for the 
reason "that under the conditions by which a Grand Master holds his office, 
he is bound to sustain the Constitution as he finds it, and he therefore de- 
clines to entertain an appeal that might violate that instrument," it was 
held by the Sovereign Grand Lodge that he should have allowed the appeal, 
and if unconstitutional action had resulted, the S. G. L. would have applied 
the corrective. 

226. Whilst acting as presiding officer of his Grand Lodge, tne body over 
which he presides, and not himself, must be the final judge. If he had the 
right to decline to entertain an appeal which, in his judgment might violate 
the Constitution, he may refuse any question which may have a Constitu- 
tional bearing. 

(d) Appeals from a Lodge. 

227. Appeals from the action of Subordinate Lodges divide themselves 
into two classes, namely, those arising from the course of the trial pro- 
cedure for charges or for the determination of contested claims for benefits, 
and those arising in the ordinary course of Lodge business. 

228. Neither the Grand Master nor the Grand Lodge can entertain ap- 
peals which come within the scope of the appeal procedure, except in the 
manner specifically pointed out in the Constitution and By-Laws of the 
Grand Lodge and the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges. For example, a 
Grand Master has not the right to set aside the action of a Lodge and order 
a new trial. 

229. Ah appeal for benefits or on charges cannot be taken except in 
the manner presented in the laws of this Grand Lodge, and any attempt by 
the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge to exercise jurisdiction on appeal 
in such cases except in a statutory manner is absolutely illegal and void. 

230. It is however, the duty of the Grand Master when a Lodge refuses 
to proceed according to law to the final determination of a trial for charges, 
or a claim for benefits, or to perfect an appeal to the Grand Lodge accord- 
ing to law, where complaint thereof is presented to him by a party in in- 
terest, to require the Lodge to do its duty in that regard. 



36 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPEALS— Appeals from a Lodge. 

231. Where, pursuant to instructions from the Grand Lodge, a trial com- 
nittee is appointed to investigate the conduct of a brother on charges, and 
reports to the Lodge that the charges are not sustained, and the report is 
adopted by the Lodge, the Grand Master cannot legally set aside the action 
of the Lodge and order it to prefer new charges. 

232. Where charges are preferred against a brother, the trial committee 
report that the brother has been tried and acquitted for the same offense, 
and the Lodge adopts this report, the Grand Master cannot legally set aside 
this action of the Lodge and order the Lodge to try the brother on new 
charges. The Grand Master cannot legally set aside the judgment of a Lodge 
in the trial of a brother for irregularities, and order another trial. The only 
way to correct irregularities and errors committed by a Lodge in trying a 
brother is to appeal to the Grand Lodge. 

233. An appeal to the Grand Lodge does not lay upon decisions of in- 
cidental questions during a trial in a subordinate. .They may form excep- 
tions and be the basis of an appeal after the final decisions of the entire case 
by the Lodge. 

234. Any action of the Lodge other than those in connection with the 
trial procedure as above mentioned may at once be appealed to, and be re- 
viewed by the Grand Master. Whenever in the judgment of the Noble Grand 
any act of the Lodge is contrary to the fundamental law, it is his duty to 
promptly appeal to the Grand Master and obtain his decision; or any mem- 
ber affected may appeal, or any member of the Lodge in good standing may 
appeal. 

235. In the event of a Lodge making a decision it may afterwards (or before 
making a decision), refer the question to the Grand Master for his decision. 

236. The Grand Master has authority to issue his mandate to a Lodge 
directing it to set aside a decision of the Lodge when, in his opinion, it is 
contrary to law; and can punish the Lodge for persistent disobedience of his 
mandate, or for acting in direct opposition to and contravention of it. 

237. A member of a Lodge who is subject to an assessment that may be 
levied by his Lodge to pay funeral benefits is so "affected personally as to 
give him the right to appeal to the Grand Lodge or to the Grand Master dur- 
ing recess," when the Lodge, upon the death of a member in good standing 
decides that, for certain reasons, no funeral benefit is due and therefore no 
assessment will be levied upon the membership; as he is interested in the 
proper construction of any law of his Lodge, and this decision was liable to 
affect his family at his death. 

238. The appeal from the action of the Lodge on charges or claims for 
benefits must be presented to the Lodge. Proof of its having been presented 
to the Lodge must be sent to the Grand Master, with date of service. 

(e), Appeals to the Grand Master. 

239. Excepting, of course, the trial procedure for charges or benefits, 
appeals may be made to the Grand Master for any act or decision of a Subor- 
dinate Lodge. The Grand Master, as the executive officer of the Grand 
Lodge, must see that the laws, practices and usages of the Order are ob- 
served throughout this jurisdiction. In the correction of errors and irregu- 
larities and in maintaining the usages and laws he is almost entirely de- 
pendent upon appeals for his intervention. 

240. The interpretations of the Constitution and laws of the Order In 
this jurisdiction during the recess of the Grand Lodge is vested in the Grand 
Master, subject to a review by the Grand Lodge at its session following. It 
is his duty to administer the local law according to his conscientious inter- 
pretation thereof. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 37 

APPEALS— Appeals to the Grand Master. 

241. The Grand Master has no right to refuse to decide an appeal prop- 
erly presented, or to refer the Lodge to any other higher authority. He must 
decide the question so that his decision may be subject for review, and thus 
bring the matter properly before the Grand Lodge at its next stated meeting. 

(f )■ Appeals to Grand Lodge. 

242. The Grand Lodge in session exercises no appellant jurisdiction un- 
der the appeal procedure for charges or benefits, unless the Grand Master 
and the Committee on the State of the Order fail to agree, except for ap- 
peals on the ground of excessive punishment alone. 

243. The Grand Master's decisions are reported to the Grand Lodge at 
annual session, which bring them up for review, at which time the Lodge 
can be heard without having taken an appeal. 

244. A Lodge may take an appeal from the mandate of the Grand Master, 
and this brings the entire controversy before the Grand Lodge; the Lodge, 
however, must obey the mandate before it can appeal. 

245. In all cases the decisions of the Grand Master are in force until re- 
versed by a majority vote of the Grand Lodge, and the decisions of the 
Grand Lodge are final and conclusive until reversed by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge on a direct appeal therefrom. 

(g)- Appeals to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

246. Any final action by the Grand i^odge is subject to review on appeal 
to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

247. The Sovereign Grand Lodge will not entertain an appeal unless 
the appeal papers on their face, if a Lodge is an appellant, or the appellant 
is not a member of the Grand Lodge, show that the Grand Lodge has granted 
permission to appeal, as required by law, nor unless the statement of facts 
have been settled by the Grand Lodge and certified by its executive officers. 

248. The rule is, that consent of the Grand Body is necessary before a 
Subordinate can appeal, except that an expelled Subordinate which has sur- 
rendered its effects' may appeal without consent. The same section and also 
the standing resolutions provide that members of a Subordinate Grand Body 
may appeal without consent. , 

249. In all cases where consent of the Grand Body is required to appeal, 
such consent must be obtained before the appeal is taken. 

2'50. The Grand Lodge, in considering a request for permission to ap- 
peal to the Sovereign Grand Lodge should be governed by the true spirit of 
fraternity. 

251. Should it appear that the Grand Lodge has not so acted when it 
refused to grant permission for the appeal, and the aggrieved party has 
brought the matter to the attention of the S. G. L. by a petition for redress, 
that body may hear and determine the case, and if its judgment so concludes, 
may reverse the Grand Lodge. 

252. Consent is to be freely given or withheld, and direction is incon- 
sistent therewith; therefore the S. G. L. will not direct a Grand Lodge to 
consent to an appeal. 

253. A member or members of a Grand Body may appeal to the S. G. L. 
without consent, the only condition being that the decision of the Grand 
Body shall stand as final and conclusive until reversed by the S. G. L. 

254. This means that every Past Grand who has been admitted to mem- 
bership in the Grand Lodge has also the right to appeal without the consent of 
the Grand Lodge in any matter wherein he is personally interested. 

255. The proper construction of the clause of the Constitution of the 
S. G. L. which reads thus: "Appeals may also be heard from a member or 



38 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPEALS— Appeals to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

members of a State, District Territorial Grand Lodge or Grand Encamp- 
ment from a decision thereof," confines such right of appeal to questions 
affecting the general interests of the entire Order, or to the general interests 
of the Order in the particular jurisdiction from which the appeal comes, and 
does not extend it to questions of grievances of individual members or 
lodges. 

256. A brother who is not a member of the Grand Lodge cannot appeal to 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge without the consent of the Grand Lodge. 

257. An appeal may be taken from the decision of the Grand Lodge on 
a hypothetical case, for the reason that it is a decision and a rule of law es- 
tablished by the Grand Lodge for the guidance of its subordinates, and one 
which it is their duty to obey ; and the Constitution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
allows an appeal by members of a State Grand Lodge from the decisions thereof. 

258. Mere academic questions are not the proper subjects for an appeal 
to the S. G. L. Where two reports were submitted upon an appeal to a Grand 
Lodge. Each agreed as to the result, but differed in the reasons for tneir 
conclusions. On appeal, held that as both committees agree as to the result, 
there was no substantive proposition presented by the appeal, and the S. G. 
L. refused to establish the precedent of rendering a formal decision on the 
question thus sought to be made, it being a mere incident of the real ques- 
tion at issue and decided by the Grand Lodge. 

259. In appeals to Sovereign Grand Lodge, growing out of the trial pro- 
cedure, the statement of facts as adopted by the Committee on the State of 
the Order and approved by the Grand Master, finally settles all the questions 
of fact, so that the duty of the Sovereign Grand Lodge shall be to determine 
the laws applicable to the facts thus certified, as required by the law of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, which provides as follows: "In all cases of appeal 
which may hereafter be presented to this Grand Lodge, the Subordinate 
Grand Body from whose action any appeal is taken, shall be required to settle 
definitely all questions of fact in such appeal and shall duly certify the same 
under its seal and the signature of the executive officer and Grand Scribe 
or Secretary, as the case may be, so that the sole and only business of this 
Grand Lodge shall be to determine the law applicable to the facts thus cer- 
tified. No appeal will be entertained unless this resolution be complied with." 

260. In all appeals the Grand Lodge may appoint a committee to pre- 
pare a statement of facts governing tne appeal, or it may be done by the 
Board of Grand Officers, at the direction of the Grand Lodge, and such a 
statement, properly certified, will be considered by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge. 

261. In any case where an appeal is taken from the decision of any Grand 
Body, and such Grand Body shall fail to settle the questions of fact, or the ex- 
ecutive officer and Grand Scribe or Secretary shall neglect or refuse to cer- 
tify them as required by law, such neglect of failure to certify shall be 
deemed sufficient reason to reverse the decision of such Grand Body, unless 
some satisfactory reason shall be given for such neglect or refusal. 

262. The appeal may be referred back for the purpose of having the facts 
definitely settled and a duly certified statement tnereof supplied. 

263. In all cases of appeal the appellant at the time the appeal is filed 
shall notify the appellee of such filing, and thereafter either party filing 
any argument or brief shall serve a copy on the opposite party. 

264. When a Grand Lodge is appellee such service shall be by sending 
the copy to the Grand Secretary of such Lodge. 

265. The S. G. L. will not entertain an appeal unless the appeal papers 
on their face show that the Grand Body from which the appeal is taken has 
granted permission to appeal, when required by la,w, nor unless the state- 
ment of facts has been settled by the Grand Body and certified by its ex- 
ecutive officers. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 39 

APPEALS— Appeals to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

266. All appeal papers brought before the Sovereign Grand Lodge must 
be furnished by the appealing party, printed in pamphlet form on a page of 
the same size as that of the printed Journal of Proceedings of the Grand 
Lodge; and, in default thereof, the respective appeal shall be liable to be re- 
ferred back for informality. Appellant must furnish two hundred and fifty 
copies of all appeal papers required by the above law. 

267. In case of an appeal from the decision of a Grand Lodge, with its 
consent the appellant should bring his appeal and record to the session ol 
the S. G. L. next after the granting of it, and when the appellant has failed 
to do this, it is for the Grand Body to determine in the first instance whether 
they will renew the permission to take the appeal, if satisfied that the delay 
was without fault or negligence. 

268. A Grand Master cannot grant an appeal from the action of his 
Grand Lodge. 

269. The record in all cases of appeals must be forwarded to the Grand 
Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge so as to reach him by Wednes- 
day preceding the second Monday in September of each year, so that they 
may be furnished the Committee on Appeals by the morning of the Wednes- 
day following, and the briefs of both appellants and appellees, if printed at 
all, shall be printed separate and apart from the record. 

270. It is within the jurisdiction of the S. G. L., upon appeal, to weign 
the evidence and decide upon its preponderance in order to do substantial 
justice, and this is especially so where the exceeding disparity of the evidence 
is so great as to place it beyond the point of conflicting testimony. 

271. The Grand Lodge of a jurisdiction sustained the conviction of a 
member of a subordinate who was expelled, and on his appeal to the S. G. L. 
the conviction was reversed on the ground that the sentence was too severe 
for the offense, and that as to some of the specifications there was not suf- 
ficient evidence to convict. In view of this and the fact that the brother 
had been already severely punished, the Grand Lodge was directed to require 
the subordinate to reinstate the member. 

272. When the specifications of charges preferred against a brother do 
not set forth substantial facts showing any offense, but are vague and in- 
definite, being mere recitals of conclusions, the S. G. L. will, upon appeal from 
a conviction thereunder, dismiss the same without prejudice. 

273. The record on appeal to the S. G. L. must contain certified copies of 
the laws of the jurisdiction from which the appeal is taken, in force at the 
time the controversy arose, including the Constitution and laws for the gov- 
ernment of Subordinate Lodges and the By-Laws of the particular Subor- 
dinate Lodge. 

(g). Who May Appeal. 

274. The right of appeal is sacred, and may be made under any and all 
circumstances, within the mandates of the law applying to the case. 

275. A statement as to who may be appellant from the action of the 
Grand Lodge to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, will be found set forth fully in 
preceding sub-heading, entitled "Appeals to the Sovereign Grand Lodge." 

276. A brother may take an appeal from the action of his Lodge which 
in any way affects him personally or interests him as possibly contrary 
to law. For example, where a Lodge made a decision that under certain 
circumstances no funeral benefits were payable on account of the death of a 
member in good standing, and thereupon a brother not directly interested in 
the controversy took an appeal to the urand Master, which he subsequently 
pursued until it reached the Sovereign Grand Lodge. Held that the brother 
who took the appeal from the action of nis Lodge, was entitled to do so. He 
was subject to the assessment provided in the By-Law. He was interested 
in the proper construction of any law of his Lodge. This decision was liable 
to affect his family, at his death. 



40 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPEALS-Who May Appeal. 

277. A member in arrears for dues so as not to be entitled to benefits 
or to vote, cannot present an appeal in a matter that does not affect him 
personally. 

278. A member not in good standing* cannot appeal irom the decision of 
the Grand Master on questions that are not a personal matter. When, by our 
local law, he is in arrears to such an extent as not to be permitted to vote 
and not entitled to benefits, a member so in arrears for dues could not 
prosecute an appeal. 

279. The general law provides that on the refusal of a Lodge to grant a 
brother a withdrawal card, the member applying for the same shall have the 
right to appeal to the Grand Lodge of his jurisdiction. 

280. If a Lodge deny a visiting or any kind of a card to a member no! 
disqualified, he may have redress upon appeal to the Grand Lodge. 

281. "Under the trial and appeal procedure for charges, the accused, in 
case of conviction, may appeal, or the prosecutor or any member of the Lodge 
conducting a trial may appeal from the decision of the Lodge acquitting the 
accused. 

282. Under the trial and appeal procedure for benefits, the brother claim- 
ing the benefits, or any member of the Lodge, may appeal. 

283. Where a Lodge is an appellant it must comply with the mandate of 
the Grand Master, or the Grand Lodge, as the case may be, or its appeal 
will be dismissed. 

(h). Status of Appellant. 

284. The status of a brother pending his appeal to a higher body is de- 
termined by the local law of the jurisdiction. Where there is no special 
regulation on the subject the decision of the Grand Lodge stands until re- 
versed. 

285. In this jurisdiction the status of an appellant to the Grand Lodge 
has been fixed by the appeal procedure as set forth in the By-Laws of the 
Grand Lodge. 

286. An appeal to the S. G. L. gives to the member of the Order under 
penalty who is interested therein no additional privileges and no different 
position from those he enjoys and occupies under the laws of his Grand 
Lodge. 

287. It is the duty of a subordinate to obey the decisions of its Grand 
Lodge, which are final and conclusive until reversed by the S. G. L. upon 
proper appeal thereto. Pending such appeal, the Subordinate Lodge is not 
entitled to any privileges other than those accorded to it by its Grand Lodge, 
which may enforce its decisions by demanding the charter and effects of 
the subordinate for non-compliance with the decision appealed from. 

288. Where the Constitution of a Grand Lodge provided, "that in all 
cases of appeal to it the fact of such appeal shall act as a stay of proceedings 
in cases of a suspended brother," a suspended brother who has taken an ap- 
peal to the Grand Lodge has the right to attend the sessions of his sub- 
ordinate Lodge pending his appeal. During that time he is bound to pay his 
dues to the Lodge as though the proceedings were not pending, and if he 
fails to keep himself beneficial he will not be entitled to benefits any more 
than as though the proceedings were not pending. 

289. In the absence of any local law providing for a stay of proceedings 
pending an appeal, a subordinate is bound to obey the mandate of its su- 
perior, the State Grand Lodge, and pay benefits in accordance with its de- 
cision on payment being demanded, and the Grand Lodge may undoubtedly 
legacy provide for the payment of the amount due into the Grand Lodge to 
abide the decision of the Committee on the State of the Order or of the S 
G. L. 

290. A brother cannot take a withdrawal card pending an appeal to the 
Grand Lodge upon charges preferred against him in his own Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 41 

APPEALS. 

(i). Time Limit for Appeals. 

291. An appeal by a party in interest from the action of a Lodge con- 
cerning its ordinary business, and not in any way relating to the appeal 
procedure for charges and benefits must be taken without delay, as it is too 
late to effect a stay of proceedings after the action of the Lodge has been 
carried into effect. 

292. When the By-Laws of a Grand Lodge limit the period within whlcn 
appeals from the action of its subordinates must be taken, such Grand Lodge 
cannot disregard its own laws or suspend them, and entertain appeals after 
such period has expired. 

293. When the Constitution or By-Laws of a subordinate require notice 
of an appeal from the action of the Lodge to be given within a certain time, 
upon failure to do so, the appeal will be dismissed. 

294. When by the local laws appeals are required to be made within a 
limited time, and that time is suffered to pass without appeal, the right of 
appeal is gone and cannot be resuscitated by a revival of the claim or de- 
mand and a second refusal or denial of the demand by the Lodge, the second 
denial being nothing more than a reiteration of the former decision, from 
which, if at all, the appeal should have been taken. 

295. The direction of the Grand Lodge to the Committee on the State of 
the Order or to an Appeal Committee to proceed and try a case appealed to 
it on the merits in effect affirms the decisions of the committee that the 
appeal to it was in time, and after a trial, in accordance with such direc- 
tion, and the acquittal of the accused, it is too late to raise the question that 
said appeal was not in time. 

296. An appeal made in time, but subsequently voluntarily withdrawn, 
cannot be renewed after the period fixed by law within which appeals can 
be made; otherwise it would be impossible for Grand Bodies and members 
or Lodges to adjudicate differences or have them settled. All courts recog- 
nize this very essential and sane rule in the disposition of business, and as 
a salutory one for the protection of our citizenship from annoying, expensive 
and oftentimes useless litigation. 

297. In a certain case the secretary gave verbal notice of a refusal to 
pay benefits to the counsel of the claimant, after hearing on the report of 
a commissioner, and at the same time handed him a copy of the Constitution, 
which contained the provision that thirty days were allowed within whicn 
to appeal from the action of the Lodge. The counsel replied that he did not 
care anything about a notice, as he knew what the action of the Lodge would 
be. After the expiration of thirty days an appeal was taken. Held that the 
appeal was not taken within the prescribed time; that the counsel for the 
claimant by his action had induced the secretary to neglect to serve written 
notice, and that it amounted to a waiver of notice; that to allow the appeal 
would be to permit the appellant to take advantage of his own wrong, as 
the notice required by the Constitution could not be waived, either by the 
party or his counsel, and that the appeal should be dismissed. 

(j). Filing of the Appeal. 

298. In all cases where a minority has a right of appeal under the gen 
eral law of the Order, or under the law of the subordinate jurisdiction, on 
an appeal from the decision of the Noble Grand to the Lodge, and a vote or 
the Lodge being had the Noble Grand is sustained, and the subject matter i3 
then decided by the Lodge, and notice of appeal to the Grand Master is given 
by the minority of the Ledge at the time and afterwards, and within the time 
fixed by law the appellants present to the Lodge in writing their appeal, witi 
all the facts, exceptions, assignments of errors and reference to the laws and 
decisions of Grand Bodies of the Order, to sustain such appeal, and said 
written appeal recites fully all the facts, and the same is read by the secre- 
tary (or by consent of the appellant) in open Lodge, and admitted by the 



42 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPEALS— Filing of the Appeal. 

Lodge to contain all the facts, the Lodge is bound either to enter the appeal 
thus presented in full on the minutes, or to make a minute of the fact of thd 
taking of tne appeal, and direct the filing of the paper containing the admits 
ted facts, exceptions, &c. And it is the duty of the Lodge in transmitting 
the appeal to the proper superior tribunal to accompany it with a certified 
copy of all the proceedings and papers in the case. 

299. The time, method and place of filing an appeal under the trial pro- 
cedure for charges or benefits is regulated entirely by the laws of the juris- 
diction. 

300. The appeal may be in the following form: 

NOTICE AND GROUNDS OF APPEAL FOR CHARGES. 

To Lodge, No , I. O. O. F.: 

Take notice that the undersigned hereby appeals from the action and 
judgment of this Lodge in the matter of charges preferred against him by 
Brother on the following grounds : 

First — That the evidence was insufficient to sustain said charges or the 
report of the committee. (Here state wherein the evidence was insufficient.) 

Second — Errors committed at the trial and by the Trial Committee as. 
follows: (Here insert errors complained of.) 

Third — The proceedings were irregular and unlawful. (Here state what 
they were.) 

Fourth — The verdict was against the law. 

•(Here state any special point of law as grounds of appeal.) 
Fifth — The punishment is excessive. (Here state wherein the punish- 
ment is excessive.) 

Dated at 

the day of 19 . . . 

301. Notice and grounds of appeal for claim for benefits. 



To the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F.: 

The undersigned, a member in good standing in 

Lodge, No. , hereby appeals from the action of said Lodge in refusing to 

pay him benefits from to , being 

weeks' benefits justly due him by said Lodge. 

Having previously filed a notice, a commissioner having been appointed, 
the testimony taken, and the Lodge still adhering to its decision, the under- 
signed therefore prays that the Lodge may be directed to send up to you all 
the papers in the case, in order that the same may be referred to the Com- 
mittee on Appeals, and a decision as to the justice of the claim be arrivedi 
at 

A copy of the above was served upon the Lodge on the 

day of 19... 



Attest : 



(k). Grounds for Appeal. 
302. The By-Laws of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania provide that m. 
cases coming under the appeal procedure for charges or benefits, a party 
aggrieved may file his appeal with the secretary of the lodge, and it is the 
duty of the Appeal Committee to examine the charges, the proceedings of 
the Lodge and committee of trial, and the evidence taken, and if certain 
specified errors appear, direct what disposition shall be made of the case. 
The Grand Lodge adopted a resolution "that where a member appeals trom 
the action of his Lodge, he shall set forth distinctly the reason or reasons 
for the appeal, and the committee on appeals shall not consider any other 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 43 

APPEALS— Grounds for Appeal. 

cause or causes for reversing the action of the Lodge than those distinctly- 
stated in the appeal itself." Held, that this resolution, so far as it required 
the appellant to state his grounds of appeal, was not in conflict with the By- 
Laws, and the appellant was bound to conform to it. 

303. It was urged that a great many men are so little used to legal forms 
and generally so ignorant about such matters, that they do not know how 
to state their reasons in taking an appeal, and therefore should not be re- 
quired to do more than declare that they appeal, and thus impose upon the 
intelligent men of the Appeal Committee the laborious research of finding 
out whether there may be any grounds for the appeal which may be so easily 
taken. It was held that the intelligence of the Odd Fellows in Pennsylvania 
was greatly underrated in this, and therefore the S. G. L. would not take 
that view of the subject, and that the resolution stated in the above para- 
graph was not inconsistent with the law. 

304. The above decisions apply to cases under the appeal procedure for 
charges or benefits. As to appeals to the Grand Lodge or to the Grand Mas- 
ter other than those above stated, the law is clear that the party aggrieved 
who appeals must set forth clearly and distinctly the reason or reasons for 
the appeal, and all the facts necessary to sustain the same. (See Filing of 
the Appeal.) 

(1). Hearing an Appeal. 

305. The Grand Lodge has adopted the following resolution: "When 
a member appeals from the action of his Lodge, he shall set forth distinctly 
and specifically the reason or reasons for the appeal, and the Committee on 
Appeals shall confine themselves thereto, and shall not consider any other 
cause or causes for reversing the action of the Lodge than those distinctly 
stated in the appeal itself." 

306. The Sovereign Grand Lodge says that notwithstanding the resolu- 
tion, it is the duty of the Committee on appeals in this jurisdiction to ex- 
amine all appeals, referred to them, in whatsoever form they may come, and 
it is the duty of the Grand Lodge, by its Appeal Committee, to examine all 
the records and papers which may be sent up, and find out for themselves on 
what grounds and for what reason the appeal was taken, and therefore, to 
fulfill the requirements of the laws of the Grand Lodge in a State so large as 
Pennsylvania it might be a laborious, perhaps impossible duty. From this 
dilemma it seems that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has sought to re- 
lieve its committee by the resolution above stated, which simply requires 
that a person appealing shall state his ground for the appeal in order that 
the Grand Lodge, by its committee, may know to what end to examine all the 
preceding papers and records in the case. 

307. The Appeal Committee is bound to find its judgment from the records 
before it, as, except to prove irregularity, informality or unfairness, no new 
evidence can be received. Where an appellant sought to sustain his appeal by 
matters which did not appear in the record of the case, they could not be con- 
sidered, and the appeal was dismissed. 

308. The laws of this jurisdiction are framed with a jealous regard for 
the protection of the membership against prejudice or injustice on the part 
of the committee or the Lodge. 

309. By the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, in all cases where there has 
been a conviction on charges, or a refusal to pay benefits, after a hearing 
on the report of a commissioner, a member is given an appeal to the Dis- 
trict Committee on Appeals, and whenever it appears to that committee that 
there has been any irregularity or informality in any case of charges, by 
means whereof the requirements of the law were altered, abridged, changed, 
or omitted, so that the defendant was thereby deprived of his right to a fair. 



44 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPEALS— Hearing an Appeal. 

legal, and impartial trial, it shall on appeal, be just cause for reversal of the 
judgment of the Lodge, and the committee shall remand the case to the 
Lodge for a new trial, beginning at the point of the proceedings at which 
the case was regular and according to the formalities of the law. Any ir- 
regularity or informality in a case of claim for benefits, by means whereof 
the claimant was deprived of a fair, legal, and impartial hearing and dispo- 
sition of his case, shall have a like effect, but mere informalities of pro- 
cedure, by which the claimant's rights were not prejudiced, or that did not 
affect the merits of the case shall be considered as having been cured by the 
final action of the Lodge. Whenever it appears in any case that the matter 
in dispute is not such as can be legally taken cognizance of by the Lodge, or 
where it appears that the appellant has once been acquitted of the charge, 
or that the verdict or judgment of the Lodge is contrary to the law, or con- 
trary to the weight of the evidence, the committee shall reverse the judg- 
ment of the Lodge, and enter of record their judgment in favor of the appel- 
lant. 

310. Thus the member on trial after his conviction and sentence in his 
Lodge, has the advantage of another tribunal to review alike the law and the 
facts; and even if the proceedings have all been conducted in strict accord- 
ance with the requirements of the By-Laws, and are formal and regular, yet 
if, in the judgment of the District Appeal Committee, the testimony or the laws of 
the Order do not warrant the conviction, a reversal follows, and the appellant 
is reinstated in his Lodge and reinvested with all the rights and privileges 
of which he has been deprived, or the benefits are awarded him. 

311. The By-Laws of the Grand Lodge also provide that an appeal lies 
by the aggrieved party to the Committee on the State of the Order from the 
action of the District Committee on Appeals. 

312. The Grand Master is not, as an ex-officio member of all committees, 
entitled to sit with the Appeal Committee when hearing an appeal. Only 
those specifically named in the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge can lawfully be 
present. 

313. Members of the Appeal Committee cannot lawfully sit in judgment 
upon cases in which their Lodges are parties, nor should they act as counsel 
in cases which would come up for argument before the said board. 

314. Where an Appeal Committee, or the Committee on the State of the 
Order, upon an appeal, adopted a resolution to remand a case back to the 
Lodge for investigation and further action, and adjourned for about three 
months, at its next session it has no jurisdiction to take any further action 
on the appeal, the proceedings begin at the point indicated by the Appeal 
Committee or Committee on the State of the Order, and if not satisfied with 
the judgment entered by the Lodge on this second trial, the aggrieved party 
must appeal. 

315. It is improper to require the Past Grands of a Lodge to retire from 
the session of the Grand Lodge during the discussion of charges against the 
Lodge brought by appeal. 

(m). Final Adjudication. 

316. The By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, in effect, say that the decision of 
a District Appeal Committee, or of the Committee on the State of the Order, 
unappealed from for more than thirty days from the time of notice shall be 
a final adjudication of the appeal. 

317. Any action by the Grand Lodge, unless expressly stated otherwise, 
is a final adjudication of an appeal. 

318. The adoption of a resolution in the Grand Lodge to postpone in- 
definitely the report of the Committee on the State of the Order, is in effect 
a quashing of the appeal, from which action the appellant has the right to 
appeal to the S. G. L. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 45 

APPEALS— Final Adjudication. 

319. A decision, by the adjournment of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, be- 
comes a final, conclusive, and binding judgment in favor of the party in 
whose favor the controversy was settled, which this Sovereign Body at no 
subsequent session could set aside or annul, except in a case of gross fraud 
or mistake, which the appellant used due diligence and took the proper steps 
to have corrected. 

320. This rule rests upon the most firmly settled principles of law and 
justice, and is the only rule by which all courts are compelled to protect 
themselves and parties from endless litigation. 

(n). Approval of Grand Master- 

321. The old law in this Grand Jurisdiction stated that the Appeal Com- 
mittee shall submit its report to the Grand Master, who, if he disapproves, 
shall submit the same to the Grand Lodge at its next session, with his rea- 
sons for not approving it. In a case where the Grand Master did not do 
this, but referred it back to the committee, with the request to reopen and 
reconsider the case, which they did, the appellant claimed that she was 
wronged, and came to the S. G. L. for redress. Held that it does not appear 
that thereby any injury was done the appellant, for the case finally went to 
the Grand Lodge, and was there decided upon its merits, just as it would 
have, had the report been referred there in the first instance by the Graud 
Master, accompanied, as it would have been, by his reasons for disapproval. 

(o). Reargument. 

322. To obtain a reargument of an appeal case it must be shown that 
mistakes prejudicial to the rights of the applicant have been made; that 
something was omitted or overlooked, or sometning new disclosed not con- 
sidered or passed upon at the former hearing. In the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
the Appeal Committee said that it would be a waste of time and trifling with 
the dignity of that Grand Body to ask it again to wade through the volumin- 
ous transcript in a certain case with no new grounds presented for its con- 
sideration and determination. 

(p). Petition to Rehear. 

323. The right of every tribunal 10 open and review its own action and 
decisions when it shall be made to appear that gross fraud or mistake has 
occurred is too well settled by the S. G. L. and the uniform voice of the 
courts to need argument. This, however, will be done in extreme cases and 
where the facts presented compel the tribunal appealed to to exercise its 
discretion, in order to a correct determination of the rights of the parties 
affected thereby. 

324. A rehearing will not be granted at a subsequent session of the S. G. 
L., except in cases of gross fraud or mistake, which the aggrieved party 
used due diligence and took proper steps to have corrected. 

325. The error upon which the petition for a rehearing is based must be 
one material to the decision of the case and one which would have affected 
the result. 

326. In a certain case, the Committee on Appeals of the S. G. L. said: 
"Without passing upon the merits of this case, without saying whether the 
decision of the Grand Lodge was rignt or wrong, and without determining 
whether the memorialist obtained such a record as he was entitled to from 
the Grand Lodge, this application comes too late. For full three years the 
appellant has had full knowledge of all irauds or mistakes, of which he could 
take advantage, if there were any, and thus by his laches has lost his right 
to attack or reopen that decision. 



46 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPEALS— Petition to Rehear. 

327. All applications to open, rehear or review decisions of the S. G. L. 
in appeal cases, whether by petition, memorial or otherwise, must be pre- 
pared and forwarded to the Grand Secretary and under the same rules 
adopted by the S. G. L. for appeals, and be sent to the committee on appeals. 

(q). What Law Governs. 

328. In an appeal from the action of a Lodge, which appeal was taken 
and partly considered under the law in force prior to the present, the Lodge 
must continue its proceedings under the form of the law in force at the time 
of taking the appeal. 

329. A new code of laws or a change in laws, unless there is a saving 
clause as to pending cases, immediately affects pending cases, and applies In 
full force to pending actions, even though it shortens the statute of limita- 
tions. 

(r). Appeal Districts. 

330. The committee, appointed by the Grand Master, to apportion the 
State into the Three Appeal Districts, provided for in the Constitution, 
reported that in fixing the boundaries of the several Appeal Districts they 
had carefully considered the matter referred to them: 

First — With respect to the location and membership of Lodges. 
Second — With respect to the railroad facilities in attending the meeting 
of the Appeal Committee. 

Third — With respect to the geographical distribution of Lodges. 

331. The Appeal Districts are known and denominated, respectively, 
Appeal District No. 1, headquarters at Philadelphia; Appeal District No. 2, 
headquarters at Williamsport; Appeal District No. 3, headquarters at Pitts- 
burg. 

332. Appeal District No. 1 is composed of the following counties: Ad- 
ams, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Frank- 
lin, Fulton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Monroe, Northampton, 
Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill and York. Appeal District No. 2 is composed 
of the following Counties; Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, 
Columbia, Elk, Juniata, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, 
McKean, Northumberland, Pike, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, 
Tioga, Union, Wayne and Wyoming. Appeal District No. 3 is composed of 
the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, 
Cambria, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Huntingdon, In- 
diana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Washington, Warren 
and Westmoreland. 

(s). Jurisdiction on Appeal. 

333. The appellate body on appeal has jurisdiction only of the particular 
subject matter contained in the appeal. 

334. A Grand Lodge should not reverse a decision of the Grand Master 
upon facts not before him, but should be confined to the record as reviewed 
by him. 

335. From the record in a case, it appeared that an appeal was taken 
from the action of a Lodge, to the Grand Master. Complaint was made that 
certain proceedings were had by the members of the Lodge, in the Lodge- 
rooms, but that the occasion was treated as a purely informal meeting, and 
no record thereof made. The Grand Master held that this omission was 
error, and he sustained the appeal of the brother. The decision of the Grand 
Master was referred to a committee of the Grand Lodge. That committee, 
in reporting to its Grand Lodge, said: We are of the opinion that the Grand 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 47 

APPEALS— Jurisdiction on Appeal. 

Master was not in full possession of the facts, and after carefully considering 
the case, and giving interested parties a hearing, we find as follows:" (re- 
citing three (3) findings), and concluding: "We, therefore, recommend that 
the decision of the Grand Master be reversed, and that the appeal of the 
brother be not sustained. The report was adopted. On appeal to the S. G. 
Li., it was held that the Grand Lodge should not have reversed the Grand 
Master upon facts not before him, and upon a record he was not reviewing. 

336. When a claim is made for benefits from a specified date only and re- 
fused, a Grand Body cannot, on an appeal from such refusal, allow benefits 
from a date anterior to the specified date. 

337. A Grand Lodge in the matter of a claim by a non-resident Lodge 
against one of its subordinates for benefits paid to one of its members "went 
beyond that question and attempted to decide the question of the claim of 
the brother against his own Lodge for benefits accruing subsequently." Held 
that it had no jurisdiction in that proceeding to decide that question. 

(t). Memorial Petition. 

338. A memorial is a written representation of facts made to a legisla- 
tive or other body, as the ground of a petition, or it is a representation of 
facts, accompanied with a petition. 

339. A petition is a formal written request or supplication, particularly 
a written supplication, to a legislative or other body, soliciting some favor, 
right, grant or mercy. 

340. It seems that in the appeal procedure of the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
is does not follow that a brother who may not have a right of appeal for 
want of consent, may not have the rignt of petition. 

341. Where a brother was expelled by his Lodge, he appealed to the 
Grand Lodge, which sustained the Subordinate Lodge, and refused the 
brother its consent to his appeal to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. The brother 
presented his petition to this body, who, after reviewing the facts, took 
jurisdiction, decided that there were sufficient presented to warrant a finding 
that the proceedings in the Subordinate Lodge had resulted in placing the 
brother at a disadvantage. The S. G. L. therefore reversed the Grand Lodge, 
and directed it to order its subordinate to give the brother a new trial, be- 
ginning at a point wnere the proceedings were regular. 

342. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has decided that it has no right to enter- 
tain or consider a petition or memorial while the brother making the same, 
or in whose behalf it is made, has an appeal pending before his Grand Lodge. 

343. Where a Grand Lodge refused a brother permission to appeal, he 
presented his petition to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, in which the Commit- 
tee on appeals, after reviewing the facts set forth, recommended the follow- 
ing resolution, which was adopted by the S. G. L. : Resolved, First, That 
the action of the Grand Lodge in refusing to grant permission to Brother 
F. to appeal to the Sovereign Grand Lodge against its action in his case, was 
not in accord with the true spirit of fraternity. Second, That said Grand 
Lodge be and is hereby directed to require his Lodge to reinstate Brother Jb\ 
to membership in said Lodge. 

344. The next year the same matter came before the S. G. L., on an 
elaborate opinion by the Grand Sire. After consideration, his opinion was 
modified as follows: "We do not concur fully in the reasoning of the Grand 
Sire concerning the effect to be given petitions to this body which are in the 
nature of appeals." The decision of the Grand Sire was, therefore, amended 
by striking out all matter not necessary to a decision of the question pro- 
pounded, and it was made to read as follows: Decision — The case was not 



48 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPEALS— Memorial Petition. 

one on appeal to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and it does not appear from tne 
statement and question whether or not the Drother could have appealed. 
Whether or not the action of the S. G. L. in taking jurisdiction of and ren- 
dering judgment upon the petition of P. was proper is not for the Grand 
Sire to determine. I 

Appeals for Aid. 

345. No Lodge shall entertain an application for pecuniary aid or as- 
sistance, under whatever scheme it may be presented, unless the same be 
authorized by the Grand Lodge or by the Committee on the State of the Or- 
der, and approved by the Grand Master, in accordance with the form pre- 
scribed for such purposes by the Grand Lodge. 

346. The form of application for appeals for aid, from a Lodge to sister 
Lodges in this jurisdiction is set forth in the Grand Lodge By-Laws. 

347. Where a Lodge outside of this jurisdiction desires to make an ap- 
peal to the Lodges in Pennsylvania, it shall, in the first instance, make ap- 
plication to the Grand Lodge of the State in which such Lodge may be lo- 
cated, and if not in the power of the Grand Lodge to render the aid required, 
such Grand Lodge may, if deemed expedient, ask the assistance of Grand 
Lodges in adjacent States, or of all Grand Lodges in the Union, through the 
Grand Masters of the same, who shall have power to issue circulars to their 
subordinates stating circumstances, etc., to make such appeals available. 

348. The Grand Sire's report directs attention anew not only to the in- 
excusable ignorance of the law relating to appeals for aid in many jurisdic- 
tions, but to the lamentable tendency in many localities to seek foreign aid 
under circumstances that should appeal successfully to a local pride and 
self-respect that would not permit action so subversive of the independent 
spirit that should prevail in every subordinate. Moreover, the readiness with 
which permission is too often granted to make appeals for aid that is sought 
for comparatively trivial purposes should be strongly discouraged, and the 
principle maintained that the purpose of the law is to enable subordinates to 
secure relief and aid under conditions of actual distress, urgent need or 
calamitous circumstances. Furthermore, the employment of pernicious meth- 
ods of securing aid, whether under legal sanction or otherwise, is in the high- 
est degree detrimental to the best interests of our Order. 

349. An Encampment of the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania desiring to pe- 
tition the Lodges of this jurisdiction for aid, must first obtain permission 
from both the Grand Patriarch and the Grand Master of Pennsylvania. 

350. A Grand Body may grant permission to one of its subordinates to 
solicit contributions from its other subordinates for the relief of individual 
members. 

351. As to appeals for aid, not having the sanction of the Grand Master, 
and the favorable endorsement of the Committee on the State of the Order, 
Subordinate Lodges are hereby directed to take no action on any such docu- 
ments, whether from Lodges within this or other jurisdictions. 

352. It is the duty of Lodges or brethren holding property to have it 
insured against loss by fire. And in case of neglect of this wise precau- 
tion, they have no claim upon the Order to make good their loss of property, 
as the Order is not a fire insurance company. 

353. It is illegal to allow an appeal for aid to assist those who are not 
members of the Order. 

354. It is illegal for a Lodge to send out a circular to the Lodges asking 
them to contribute from their funds money to pay off the debt of a church. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 4» 

APPEALS— Appeals for Aid. 

355. There having been dissatisfaction expressed concerning the dis- 
position of funds received from appeals for aid to sister Lodges, it was re- 
solved by the Grand Lodge that all Lodges that are permitted to appeal to 
sister Lodges for aid in this jurisdiction are hereby required to make a full 
report of the amount received, and the disposition of the same, to the Grand 
Secretary, and that this report shall be printed in the annual report of the 
proceedings of the Grand Lodge. 

356. In case a Lodge from another jurisdiction is authorized to solicit aid 
in this jurisdiction, the Grand Master and Committee on the State of the Or- 
der must furnish such Subordinate Lodge with written authority therefor, 
in the following form, viz.: 

Whereas, , Lodge, No. . ., of the State (or Terri- 
tory) of , is under the necessity of appealing to her sister 

Lodges for pecuniary aid in consequence of 

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania recommends to her Subordinate Lodges to 
contribute to the aid of such Lodge. 

(Signed.) ,Grand Master. 



Committee on the State of the Order. 

APPEALS FOR BENEFITS. 

See Claims for Benefits. 

357. Trials for disputed claims for benefits are begun by an appeal by 
the aggrieved brother from the action of his Lodge in refusing to pay him 
benefits claimed, and a request to the Lodge to appoint a commissioner to 
take the testimony. The course of procedure is fully set forth in the Subor- 
dinate Constitution and herein, under the title "Claims for Benefits." 

358. Inasmuch as the proceedings begin by an appeal from the action of 
the Lodge, the procedure in the Lodge has been distinguished as "Appeals 
For Benefits." In 1888 the Grand Lodge directed that in future editions ot 
the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, the word "appeal" be printed "claim," and 
that the same change be made in the Rules of Order for Subordinate Lodges 
in future printing of Subordinate Constitutions in accordance with the action 
of this Grand Lodge. 

APPLICATIONS FOR DEGREES. 

359. Upon the application of those who received the initiatory degree 
prior to July 1, 1882, for any of the higher degrees, a ballot must be had 
(whilst the Lodge is working in the Third Degree), upon granting the de- 
gree for which the application is made. 

360. No application can be received, ballot be had or vote taken, except 
In the Third Degree, at a regular stated meeting night of the Lodge, and at 
no other time. 

361. A brother initiated since July 1, 1882, receives his degree without 
further ballot and in due course. 

362. A brother may apply for and receive degrees on the evening of his 
initiation, or at any other time out of usual course, under dispensation, which 
can be granted by the proper executive officer for reasons satisfactory to 
himself. 



50 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

(See Proposition for Membership and Transfer of Membership.) 

363. In this jurisdiction there is no prescribed form of application for 
membership used. The usual custom recognized by the Constitution for 
Subordinate Lodges, and the practice of the Order, being for the proposer 
to certify in writing in a book called the Proposition Book, that he has a 
favorable knowledge of the character and standing of the applicant. 

364. And this method is prescribed whether the applicant is or was a 
member of the Order, or desires to be admitted by initiation. 

365. An applicant for transfer of memdership by deposit of visiting card 
or official certificate is subject to the same rules that apply to regular appli- 
cants; but the legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge upon the subject of 
transfer of membership distinctly states that upon making an application for 
membership and stating that he is entitled to a withdrawal card from his 
present Lodge, that he has changed his residence from the Territorial Juris- 
diction of his own Lodge to the Territorial Jurisdiction of the Lodge to which 
he is making application, and that he desires to unite with the Lodge at his 
new place of residence, his application may be received, investigated, bal- 
lotted for and elected. It would therefore seem clear that a formal application 
would be required under the circumstances, and that it must be in writing, 
signed by the applicant, setting forth clearly all the facts necessary to bring 
lim within the terms of this resolution. 

366. The brother who makes an unauthorized proposition renders himself 
liable to punishment for the offence. 

367. The following form of application may be used: 
To the Officers and Members of Lodge, No. . . , 

working under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the 

Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania. 
I respectfully request admission into this lodge, and in consideration 
of such admission I promise and agree that, if elected, I will conform to the 
•Constitution and By-Laws of your lodge and those of the Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania, and that I will seek my remedy for all rights on account of 
said membership or connection therewith, in the tribunals of the Order 
only, without resorting for their enforcement in any event or for any pur- 
pose to the civil courts. 

My age is years, my occupation is , my residence 

The facts upon which I base my right to transfer my membership, under 
the resolution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of 1904, as amended in 1906, 
are as follows. 



Dated 

Witness Signed, 



A brother under the resolution of 1904 (amended in 1906) is not 
proposed on a regular proposition blank by a member of the lodge which 
he wishes to join, said proposition blank requiring the proposition fee to 
•accompany it. The brother makes application in writing by petition setting 
forth all the facts necessary to entitle him to the benefits of the resolution. 

368. The application to the new lodge need not be accompanied by an 
official receipt or a withdrawal card. The facts necessary to support the 
application must appear in the petition itself, as the resolution provides. This 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 51 

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

petition in addition to the facts set forth in the ordinary application for 
membership must state that the applicant is a member of the Order entitled 
to a withdrawal card from his lodge (naming it), or that he holds such a card 
in full force (producing it), that he changed his place of residence from the 
Territorial Jurisdiction of his own lodge to the Territorial Jurisdiction of 
the one he now desires to join, and that he desires to join such lodge. If 
on this petition he is elected, by ball ballot, as provided by local law, notice 
should be given by the new lodge to the old lodge whereupon he shall be en- 
titled to a withdrawal card from his old lodge (if he does not already hold 
one in full force), and to admission to the new lodge on the conditions stated 
in the resolution of 1904, as amended in 1906. 

369. An Odd Fellow enrolled on the "Aged Odd Fellows' Register" may 
apply for admission to any subordinate lodge under the conditions named in 
the law relating to the " Aged Odd Fellows' Fund." He will accompany his appli- 
cation with the certificate of the Grand Secretary that he has bee'n enrolled 
on the said "Aged Odd Fellows' Register." 

370. An application or a proposition may be withdrawn without the per- 
mission of the Lodge, before the report of the committee thereon is read 
to the Lodge, but not afterwards; but not from the committee, which is the 
direct creature of the Lodge, possessing no power further than that of in- 
quiry and recommendation or disapproval. 

371. If the report be recommitted to the committee, it is then too late to 
withdraw the name of the candidate. 

372. Upon an individual applying for membership in a Lodge remote from 
his residence, the Lodge to which he makes such application shall give im- 
mediate notice to the Lodge or Lodges in the vicinity of his residence of 
such application, and shall wait three weeks for a reply thereto. If, at the 
expiration of three weeks from the date of such notice no reply shall have 
been received, a committee may be appointed who shall report at the next 
stated meeting as to the fitness of the candidate. 

373. In all cases of application for membership by a member of the Or- 
der claiming admission by reason of holding a visiting card, official certifi- 
cate showing dues paid in advance of its deposit, withdrawal card or dis- 
missal certificate, the card or certificate must accompany the proposition for 
membership. 

374. The applicant may demand the return of his card or certificate any 
time before he signs the Constitution, or authorizes it to be done, for the 
reason that until he signs the Constitution he is not a member of the Lodge. 

375. If an application for membership in a Subordinate Lodge by deposit 
of card or certificate be made and rejected, the card or certificate must be 
returned to the applicant. The card or certificate is the rightful property 
of the brother by whom it is deposited, and unless accepted by the Lodge 
should, as a matter of course, be returned to its owner. 

376. A visiting card, official certificate or card of withdrawal is the abso- 
lute property of the holder, and is evidence of his present or former good 
membership; and likewise his dismissal certificate, which is evidence of his 
former membership, and when he offers to deposit it and thus gain admission 
into the Lodge, if rejected, the Lodge has no right to mutilate the card or 
certificate by endorsing "rejected" thereon. No Lodge or member has the 
right to place any extra writing on the edge of a visiting or withdrawal card 
or official certificate or dismissal certificate, setting forth facts not provided 
for in the regular form of the card, except that on a visiting card any writing 
may be endorsed that may be necessary to set forth the right of the holder 
to benefits under the laws of the Lodge issuing the card, and to the relief 
he has received. 



52 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

377. An application for membership in a Lodge upon a .dismissal cer- 
tificate is acted upon in the same manner as an application for membership 
upon a withdrawal card, viz.: If the Lodge is satisfied of the correctness 
of the certificate, the application shall be referred to a committee of three, 
whose duty it shall be to inquire and report at the next stated meeting of 
the Lodge, as to the character and fitness of the applicant for membership. 
Upon the presentation of the report, the applicant shall be balloted for, and 
if only two black balls appear against him the applicant shall be declared 
elected to membership. If more than two black balls appear the applicant 
shall be declared rejected. 

378. An application for admission upon a dismissal certificate having 
been rejected, it cannot be renewed in the same Lodge within six months 
from the date of its rejection. 



APPLICATION FOE PERMISSION TO USE NAME OF ORDER, 

REGALIA, Etc. 

379. An application addressed to the Grand Master must be made in 
writing by the Lodge desiring the permission, signed by the Noble Grand, at- 
tested by the Secretary and sealed with the seal of the Lodge, before the 
Lodge shall hold or make any arrangement for or manage or to any extent 
control any anniversary, excursion, picnic, ball, party or entertainment of 
any kind, where regalia, emblems or name of the Order will be worn, as- 
sumed, or used, and such permission will only be granted upon the direct 
promise, through the officers of the Lodge, that no intoxicating beverage of 
any kind shall be offered to members or guests present on the occasion. 

880. And no member of a Subordinate Lodge shall in any way make ar- 
rangements for, or assume to manage any such public affair where the 
name, regalia, or emblems of the Order will be assumed, worn or used until 
his Lodge has obtained the Grand Master's permission as aforesaid. 

381. As regards to all applications for permission to hold entertain- 
ments, festivals, &c, a full notice and reasonable time shall be given for 
the proper consideration thereof, and all such applications shall be accom- 
panied by a full program of particulars of the proposed object for which 
permission is asked, and submitted to the Grand Master fifteen days prior to 
the day on which such entertainment is to be held. 

382. If the Lodge should hold any such entertainment or appear upon 
any public occasion without the permission of the Grand Master, or the 
Lodge is authorized, together with all the Lodges in this jurisdiction to so 
appear upon any occasion, the same promise will be implied to have been 
given, as above stated, and the Lodge will be held accountable for any vio- 
lation thereof. 



APPOINTED OFFICERS. 

383. The appointed officers, both for Grand Lodge and Subordinate 
Lodges, have duties as prescribed in the rituals of the Order. 

384. Any Scarlet Degree member is eligible to any office in a Lodge, 
except that of N. G. and V. G., and hence a Subordinate Lodge has no right 
to require service in an appointed office as a qualification for election to any 
other elective office. 

385. It is lawful for the acting Noble Grand to fill a vacancy in an ap- 
pointive office occurring while he is in the chair, where the Lodge confirms 
the appointment. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 53 



APPROPRIATIONS. 

386. Subordinate Lodges have the right to determine the propriety of 
appropriating their funds to all legitimate purposes recognized by the Order. 

387. Some latitude has been given to the construction of the phrase 
"legitimate purposes of the Lodge." Thus, the funds may be appropriated to 
the celebration of the anniversary of the establisnment of our Order, and the 
control of a Lodge over its funds has been emphatically recognized in its 
right of appropriation to "purposes recognized by the Order." 

388. Funds paid into the treasury to answer the call of the sick, to bury 
the dead, to educate the orphan, or to answer the legitimate expenses of the 
Lodge, cannot be diverted from the treasury to be expended in pleasure ex- 
cursions, picnics, or the like, for these are not the legitimate purposes of a 
Lodge. To appropriate money from the treasury in payment of expenditures 
incurred in such excursions is a misappropriation of the funds provided for 
the sick, the burial of the dead, the education of the orphan and the legiti- 
mate expenses of the Lodge. 

389. An organ is a valuable fixture in a Lodge-room, and therefore, if 
the finances of the Lodge will justify the purchase of such an instrument, 
without crippling it in paying benefits or in prosecuting the good work of 
benevolence and charity, an appropriation of Lodge funds for that purpose 
would not be in violation of the laws of the Order. 

390. It is illegal to take from the treasury of a Lodge the expenses of a 
supper (or banquet), given on the night of the installation of its officers, 
or at any other time. 

391. A Subordinate Lodge may expend a reasonable amount of its funds 
to defray the necessary expenses incident to the celebration of the intro- 
duction of Odd Fellowship in America, in such manner as shall tend to 
promulgate and illustrate its principles, or to elevate it or dignify it in the 
eyes of the community, but not for those things which contribute merely to 
the pleasure or gratification of the individual member, and that, within 
these limits, the question is one for the subordinate or its immediate Grand 
jurisdiction. A subordinate has not the right, and a Subordinate Grand 
Body cannot confer upon them the right, to celebrate the Anniversary of the 
Order by providing for its members and their families a literary and musical 
entertainment, with a collation and dancing, the expenses to be paid from the 
funds of the Lodge. Such an expenditure is not an expenditure for the legiti- 
mate purposes of the Order. 

392. It is illegal to expend the funds of the Lodge for a postponed or de- 
ferred or adjourned Anniversary of the Order celebration held on another 
than the regular day. 

393. What are and what are not proper and legitimate appropriations 
of Lodge funds for objects other than the relief of the sick and distressed 
of its own members, the burial of the dead and the legitimate working ex- 
penses of the Lodge depends, of course, upon all the circumstances incident 
to each case at the time it is presented for adjudication, but that the Lodges 
may have some information on the subject additional to the general prin- 
ciples above set forth, the following list of adjudged legitimate expenses la 
appended: 

It is a legitimate appropriation of Lodge funds: 

To hire a hall, pay for printing, procure orators, hire music to accom- 
pany a parade, and also as an attractive feature incident to the ceremonies, 
when celebrating the Anniversaries of the Order, or holding Memorial Ser- 
vices, pursuant to the Grand Sire's Proclamations. 

To hire watchers to watch with the Lodge's own or transient members. 



54 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPROPRIATIONS. 

To purchase flowers for its sick or deceased members. 

To purchase real estate. 

to build a hall. 

To purchase a frame for the charter. 

To buy pictures for Lodge room adornment. 

To make a donation to a brother in ill-health, although he is not bene- 
ficial. 

To make a donation to bury a brother who was not Deneficiai. 

To assist new Lodges. 

To help and support the homes of the Order. 

To buy the necessary Lodge-room furniture, where the Lodge owns or 
leases its own, building, including a piano or organ. 

To purchase a Veteran and Honorable Veteran's Jewel for members of 
the Lodge entitled to wear them. 

To pay the premium on the surety bond given by its fiscal officers, 
when that class of bond is ordered by the Lodge. 

To hire a physician in time of local epidemic. 

To donate money in support of properly authorized appeals for aid. 

To buy a Lodge library. 

To buy a prize to be given to the best drilled Canton in the jurisdiction. 

394. It is not a legitimate appropriation of Lodge funds to procure any- 
thing which merely contributes to the pleasure and gratification of the in- 
dividual members. 

To pay the expenses, either all or in part, incident to Anniversaries, 
parties, balls, picnics, excursions, clam bakes, banquets, suppers, luncheons, 
collations, literary and musical entertainments or dances, or the like, whether 
incident to a Lodge Anniversary, installation ceremony, or any other occa- 
sion, except as noted in the preceding section. 

To pay for music at the funeral of a deceased member. 

To pay carriage hire or railroad fare of members attending the funeral 
of a deceased member. 

To procure street uniforms. 

To pay a reward for the apprehension and conviction of a person who 
terribly beat and wounded a Lodge member. 

To donate any money to any charity or public object outside of the Order, 
no matter how worthy. 

To pay directly or indirectly the dues of its members. 

To make any donation to a member, unless he is sick or in distress from 
such disabilities as it is the purpose of the Order to relieve, nor for any other 
reason, like faithful service, &c. 

To assist in furnishing a room in a public hospital. 

To buy Past Grand's regalia to be presented to retiring Past Grands. 

To buy a regalia for its retiring Treasurer. 

To pay for an oyster supper. 

To pay the expenses of entertaining the Grand Lodge or Grand Encamp- 
ment, or any other Grand body. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 55 

APPROPRIATIONS. 

395. It is illegal to divide the funds of a Lodge among the members 
thereof under the color of donations. Said funds are trust funds, held for the 
benefit of sick and distressed members of the Order, their widows and 
orphans. 

396. A Lodge appointed a committee to make arrangements for an ex- 
cursion for the members; the railroad company required a certain guaran- 
teed amount; after the excursion the Lodge finds that there was not enough 
tickets sold to fill the guarantee. The Noble Grand refused to entertain a 
motion to pay the deficit out of the Lodge funds. Was the action of the 
Noble Grand legal or correct? Held the Noble Grand was correct in refusing 
to entertain the motion. 

ARREARS. 

(a). As Affecting the Rights of Membership. (e). As Affected by Lodge Indebtedness. 

(b). Impossible while Sick. (f). Mistake of Secretar.y 

(c). Payment in Full. (g). Mistake of Lodge. 

(d). Paid while Siok. Ch). For Funeral Dues. 

(a). As Affecting the Rights of Membership. 

397. A member of a Subordinate Lodge who is in arrears for weekly OK 
funeral dues more than thirteen weeks is not entitled to the term pass- 
word or to vote in the L<*3ge, but is a contributing member until suspended, 
dropped or expelled, in accordance with the requirements of the Constitu- 
tion, and as such is entitled to visit his own Lodge. 

398. Arrears can only be computed by weeks, not by days or months. 

399. The Constitution provides that a member who is over thirteen 
weeks in arrears is not entitled to benefits. A member owes over thirteen 
weeks at the close of the fourteenth night. 

400. It is not lawful for a Lodge to charge against a deceased brother's 
account the fraction of a week's dues that have accumulated since the last 
meeting of the Lodge to the day of his death, in order to deprive his bene- 
ficiaries of the funeral benefit. 

401. A member of a Subordinate Lodge who is in arrears for weekly or 
funeral dues for more than thirteen weeks is not entitled to the semi-annua] 
password, or to vote in the Lodge, nor can he receive any degrees to which 
he might otherwise be entitled, or hold any office or be a candidate for of- 
fice. He is a contributing member until suspended or expelled, in accord- 
ance with the requirements of the Constitution, and as such he is entitled to 
visit his own Lodge. But upon the payment of a sum sufficient to bring 
his arrearages to, or less than thirteen weeks, he is entitled to the pass- 
word and to vote and otherwise exercise the rights of membership until again 
in arrears, as the requirements to pay arrearages in full, and a probationary 
period of non-good standing thereafter, as permitted by the Constitution for 
Subordinate Lodges, and sometimes provided in Lodge by By-Laws, applies 
only to beneficial, not good standing. The above phrase, "who is in arrears" 
for weekly or funeral dues for "more than thirteen weeks," means "who 
owes more than thirteen weeks' weekly or funeral dues." Hence a brother 
who had paid his dues to the close of the last meeting night in December, was more 
than thirteen weeks in arrears after the close of the first meeting night in April, 
if he had made no further payment. 

402. A By-Law requiring quarterly payments, and that a member shall 
be clear of the books on quarter night, under penalty of not being entitled to 
benefits, is void and of no effect. 

403. The 25 cents for dues for the Orphan's Homes, which is directed to 
be charged at the first meeting night in April of each year, operate to make a 



56 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ARREARS— As Affecting the Rights of Membership. 

brother non-beneficial after they have been charged over thirteen weeks. 
The time when the Lodge shall pay these dues to the Grand Lodge has no 
relation to the time when the brother shall pay the same to the Lodge so 
as to affect his standing. Under our Constitution and laws, all dues, as- 
sessments, or charges, after being charged over thirteen weeks, and remain- 
ing unpaid, are to be calculated in determining whether or not a member is 
in good standing. 

404. When a brother's arrearage was caused through the fault of the 
Lodge or the Secretary, by which he was misled as to his financial standing, 
the brother is not legally in arrears until his attention has been called to the 
error or misstatement, and he has been given a reasonable opportunity to 
liquidate the same. 

405. Salary due an officer of a Lodge for which no payment has been 
ordered to be made cannot offset unpaid dues so as to cover the arrearages 
of the brother. 

406. A member in arrears cannot be allowed to go back to discover 
some fine, that it is alleged ought not to have been included in the indebted- 
ness, but to which no objection or protest was made at the time of payment, 
for the purpose of bringing the objector in good standing. 

(b). Impossible while Sick. 

407. It is impossible for a brother to get in arrears while sick, provided 
that his sickness has been reported to the Lodge, in accordance with the re- 
quirements of the law, and that the brother was in good standing when taken 
sick. 

408. Notwithstanding the provisions of the law that if a brother not in 
arrears should be taken sick he cannot become a delinquent while sick, or be 
deprived of benefits, if a brother's sickness was not reported to his Lodge, 
in accordance with legal requirements, the said provision would not apply to 
or avail him. If he has not complied with the rules, which are conditions 
precedent to his right to receive benefits, there would oe no benefits ap- 
plicable to his dues and there would be nothing to prevent his becoming 
delinquent. 

409. A member who was beneficial at the commencement of his sickness 
cannot be deprived of benefits during that sickness, though he becomes in 
arrears, as it is the fault of the Lodge in not retaining so much of his bene- 
fits as would keep him in good standing during such sickness. 

410. When the By-Laws provide that no benefits are to be paid for the 
first week's sickness, a member in good standing who becomes in arrears 
during such first week's sickness is not deprived of benefits because of such 
arrears. It is impossible to get in arrears while sick. 

411. Where the By-Laws require notice of sickness to be given to the 
Lodge, or its officers, or the Relief Committee, the failure to give this notice 
promptly does not deprive the sick brother of his benefits subsequent to 
such notice, if he was in good standing at the time his sickness began, al- 
though tne books may show him to oe in arrears at the date the notice is 
received by the Lodge. 

412. The local law providing that notice of sickness must be given, and 
application made for benefits to the Lodge, the Secretary, or to a member of 
the Relief Committee, and that the sickness of members residing within the 
territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge shall be deemed to have commenced not 
more than seven days prior to notice of his sickness. A member was taken 
sick while beneficial, and requested a member of the Lodge, not one of the 
Relief Committee, to notify the Lodge of his sickness. He not doing so, the 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 57 

ARREARS— Impossible while Sick. 

claimant requested his brother to notify the Lodge, which was not done 
until two weeks after the commencement of his sickness, and at that time he 
was in arrears and non-beneficial. The reasonable construction of the law 
above quoted required no more than the withholding of all benefits prior to 
seven days before such report, and both weekly and funeral benefits were 
due. 

413. A brother who is in good standing when taken sick, but under a pen- 
alty for not promptly paying arrears of dues, cannot become in arrears so as 
to be non-beneficial during the running of this penalty, so as to deprive him of 
the benefits that may be payable for this sickness, after the expiration of 
the period of forfeiture. 

414. A brother in good standing who has received the Third Degree and 
is taken sick during the period stated by the By-Laws before which he shall 
be entitled to benefits, cannot become in arrears during this period so as to 
deprive him of benefits which will accrue for the same sickness after the ex- 
piration of the said period. 

415. A brother who has been sick and in receipt of benefits cannot be- 
come in arrears so as to become non-beneficial for a period of over thirteen 
weeks after the date of his being declared off the sick list, no matter what 
may be the condition of his account for unpaid dues, as it was the duty of the 
Lodge to have deducted the dues from the benefits, and if it failed to do this, 
it cannot take advantage of its own neglect. 

416. When benefits are withheld from a member under an erroneous im- 
pression of the condition of his health, his benefits remain still due him, so 
that upon his death from that sickness the Lodge cannot deprive his widow 
of her claim on the ground that he was in arrears at the time of his death, 
the benefits due him being more than sufficient to pay his dues. It is 
the duty 'of the Lodge not to permit a member, who is in receipt of benefits, 
to become in arrears, even in ordinary cases, but where the member is in ex- 
tremis, it becomes especially its duty. 

417. Where a brother was taken sick on the morning of the day when 
his dues must be paid to prevent his becoming non-beneficial, to such an ex- 
tent that he was unable to attend the Lodge meeting that night. Held that 
he was beneficial when taken sick, and it was the duty of the Lodge to apply 
his benefits so as to prevent him becoming non-beneficial. Also, that al- 
though his dues were not paid that evening, he could not have been declared 
non-beneficial until the next meeting. 

418. During the time of an appeal to the Grand Lodge or Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, a brother is bound to pay his dues to the Lodge as though the 
proceedings were not pending, and if he fails to keep himself beneficial he 
will not be entitled to benefits for sickness happening after he has become 
in non-beneficial standing any more than as though the proceedings were not 
pending. 

419. Funeral benefits cannot be denied upon the grounds that the de- 
ceased brother became in arrears after his illness began, and before the date 
of his death. 

(c). Payment in Full. 

420. A member paying in his Lodge at a stated meeting all the dues that 
were chargeable against him at the end of the previous meeting should be 
regarded as having paid his arrearages in full. The dues chargeable against 
him for that evening are not due until the Lodge is closed. 

421. A brother is in arrears on November 7th to the amount of $1 90, 
being over three months in arrears ($1.69) being three months' dues. The 
brother paid, on November 8th, $2.00, which was placed to his credit the next 
meeting night, November 14th. On November 11th the brother was injured. 
The brother is not entitled to benefits. 

4 



58 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ARREARS— Payment in Full. 

422. Where there is no provision in the By-Laws prescribing a penalty 
for the want of prompt payment of arrears, any member who has been in 
arrears and who may be taken sick or disabled at a time when he shall owe 
not more than the amount of thirteen weeks' dues (weekly and assessments) 
to the Lodge shall be entitled to benefits. 

423. A Lodge under the general law, as well as by the Constitution for 
Subordinate Lodges, may provide by By-Law that members in arrears shall 
not be entitled to benefits until a specified time after they shall have paid up 
their dues in full. 

424. By the general law, a member who is in arrears for dues so as to 
deprive him of benefits under the local law, cannot become entitled to them 
until he shall have paid up in full all dues (weekly and funeral) and 
fines that have accrued against him, nor then until the expiration of such 
time thereafter as may also by the By-.uaws be provided as a penalty. 

425. A brother becomes over thirteen weeks in arrears for dues, and 
the By-Laws provide that members in arrears shall not become beneficial 
until four weeks after paying all arrearages in full. The brother pays up all 
arrearages, but is taken sick before the expiration of the penalty. He will 
become beneficial at the expiration of the four weeks from the date of pay- 
ment. 

426. A brother who pays his dues while in arrears becomes entitled to 
draw benefits at the end of the probationary period fixed by the By-Laws of 
his Lodge. Therefore for a sickness occurring and reported during said pro- 
bationary period and continuing thereafter he becomes entitled to benefits 
from the end of said period and during the continuance of such disability. 



(d). Paid while Sick. 

427. In case a member has neglected to pay his dues for such length of 
time as to be debarred by the laws of his Lodge from drawing benefits 
while sick, he cannot be permitted, while he continues sick, to come in and 
pay his dues so as to entitle himself to benefits during that sickness. 

428. While a member was in arrears for dues, and not entitled to bene- 
fits, he was shot and in a few hours died. After the accident, and before he 
died, the amount of his dues was presented to the Secretary of his Lodge 
and accepted by that officer. This was not during a Lodge meeting, but the 
Secretary afterwards gave credit for the amount, and the Lodge, assuming 
that this payment placed the deceased in good standing, grants his family 
funeral benefits, which was an error. 

429. A brother was reported sick, and being in arrears, was r.on-beneficial. 
His dues were paid while he was sick. He thereafter died, bat there being 
no creditable testimony to show that he recovered from the first sickness 
before his death, his widow was held not to be entitled to benefits. 

430. A brother having been disabled while in arrears and not beneficial, so 
far recovered as to engage in business. Subsequently he paid all arrears and 
put himself in good standing, and the Lodge paid him benefits. Afterwards 
while in good standing, he is again taken sick from a fresh cold that aggra- 
vated the old malady. The brother was entitled to benefits. 

431. Where a brother has been for several years afflicted with such dis- 
ease as epilepsy, occasional and unpremonitory attacks of which render him 
at times,, for short periods, unable to follow his usual or other occupation, 
the fact that he was in arrears and not beneficial during one of these attacks, 
will not disqualify him from receiving benefits at the time of a subsequent. 
attack, if he is not in arrears, and is otherwise in good standing. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 59 

ARREARS— As Affected by Lodge Indebtedness. 

482. A brother was taken sick, but was in arrears for dues and not en- 
titled to benefits. He paid up and became in good standing while sick. The 
sickness continued about three months, and then he went to work and worked 
five months. Was again taken sick with the same disease. He was not de- 
clared off the sick list officially during the first sickness. The fact that the 
brother went to work and worked for five months took him off the sick list. 
His own actions removed him from the care of the Lodge. 

(e.) As Affected by Lodge Indebtedness. 

433. A member is indebted to the Lodge for one quarter's dues, and the 
Lodge is indebted to him for salary as Secretary to the amount of the quar- 
ter's dues, the accounts stand open, no settlement having been made between 
him and the Lodge, and no order having been directed to be drawn on the 
Treasurer for the salary; the member is not entitled to benefits, but his 
widow, in case of his death from this sickness, would be entitled to funeral 
benefits. 

434. A brother cannot be deprived of sick benefits on the grounds that 
he is in arrears, if the Lodge is indebted to him on account of a prior sick- 
ness sufficient to place him in good standing. 



(f ). Mistake of Secretary. 

{See Secretary.^ 

(g). Mistake of Lodge- 

{See Mistake of Lodge..) 

(h). For Funeral Dues. 

{See Dues— Subheading Funeral Dues.) 

435. It is legal for a Lodge to assess its members a stipulated amount 
for the purpose of paying funeral benefits. It is also legal for a Lodge to 
charge such amounts as are unpaid at the end of thirteen weeks as dues 
that are in arrears. 

436. A brother was refused his wife's funeral benefit for the alleged 
reason that he was more than thirteen weeks in arrears for dues. The Con- 
stitution of the Lodge provided that no brother shall be entitled to benefits 
who is more than thirteen weeks in arrears for dues. The law of the juris- 
diction provided that funeral assessments should not be added as dues, so as 
to make a member non-beneficial until the close of the Lodge on the four- 
teenth meeting night thereafter. The secretary had charged in his account 
against the brother his funeral dues, which, with his Lodge dues, made him 
non-beneficial four days prior to his wife's (feath; deducting them, he was, 
at the time of her death oeneficial. Held that he was entitled to the funeral 
benefit, for the reason that the funeral assessment not being chargeable as 
dues until after the close of the fourteenth meeting night, it could not, in the 
meantime, operate to make the brother non-beneficial. 

(It will be noticed that the law defining arrearage as affecting beneficial 
standing is, in the conjunctive, to wit: Weekly and funeral dues, while the 
law defining good standing is, in the disjunctive, to wit: weekly or funeral 
dues.) 

437. Funeral dues cannot be added to, or counted as weekly dues until 
after being charged over thirteen (13) weeks, nor can they be counted so 
as to make a member non-beneficial within fourteen weeks. 



60 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ASSESSMENTS. 
(a). By Grand Lodge. (b). By Subordinate Lodge. 

(a). Assessment by Grand Lodge. 

438. The Grand Lodge has the power to assess the Subordinate Lodges 
to meet the deficiencies and pay current expenses, and the ratio of member- 
ship may form the basis of the assessment on the Subordinate Lodges, out of 
their Lodge funds. 

439. Where the Constitution of a Grand Lodge provides that the "reve- 
nue of this Grand Lodge shall be raised solely for defraying the necessary 
expenses thereof, and shall not be appropriated to any purpose foreign to 
the objects of the Order," it was held that the Grand Lodge had power to 
assess its subordinates for purposes other than its own support. 

440. The Grand Lodge cannot impose an assessment on the Subordinate 
Lodges for the establishment or support of Odd Fellows' Libraries. 

441. The Grand Lodge has the power to assess Subordinate Lodges by a 
per capita tax, or any proper form of tax, for the establishment and mainte 
nance of Homes for Orphans of Odd Fellows and Odd Fellows' Homes, even 
though such homes are not entirely under its complete control, but is made 
up of such Lodges as may join the association. 

442. The question of establishing and maintaining these homes has been 
delegated to and vested in Grand bodies. This power necessarily implies 
the power to raise money for the support of such homes by a per capita tax, 
or such other form of tax levied against their subordinates as tne grand 
bodies may determine to be consistent with the welfare of the Order in their 
respective jurisdictions. 

• 

(b). Assessment by Subordinate Lodge. 

443. It is the right and duty of subordinates to impose dues and assess- 
ments upon their members, that they may be enabled to grant stipulated 
weekly benefits to sick members and pay funeral benefits. 

444. It is lawful for a Lodge to provide by its By-Laws that assessments 
shall be levied for nurse hire, and such laws are enforceable. It is also legal 
to charge the amount of the assessments as dues at the end of thirteen weeks, 
so as to place in arrears a member who fails to pay the same. 

445. A Lodge cannot lawfully assess its members so as to get the money 
to purchase regalia or to fit up the Lodge-room and to procure necessary 
fixtures therefor, or to support an Odd Fellows' Library, or for the general 
relief of transient brethren, or for insurance of any kind. 

446. It is lawful for a Lodge to provide by its By-Laws for watching with 
its sick members, and to tax the members for nurse hire 

447. A By-Law which provides for levying assessments upon the Lodge 
members to pay for watchers with the sick is legal. 

448. It is legal for a Lodge to require monthly or quarterly contributions 
to create a fund to pay a stipulated amount to the widow or heirs (meaning 
dependent relatives) of a deceased brother. It is legal for a Lodge on the 
death of a brother to assess the membership a stipulated amount (say fifty 
cents per member), for the purpose of paying the widow or children of the 
deceased a certain amount (say fifty cents for each remaining member), it 
is legal for a Lodge to charge such amount at the close of the quarter as 
dues — that is, such assessments are to be considered as funeral dues. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 61 

ASSESSMENTS— Assessment by Subordinate Lodge. 

449. A Lodge may legally have a nurse fund raised by assessment in 
equal proportions on every member of the Lodge to defray the expenses of 
a trained nurse, instead of calling upon the members to watch, a brother 
taken ill who is not in good standing. If care is necessary, the Lodge is com- 
pelled to supply a nurse, and he is not debarred on account of not being in 
good standing. 

450. A Subordinate Lodge may legally, from time to time, levy an assess- 
ment on all its members in order to provide a special fund out of which to 
pay a funeral benefit of say $200, and enforce payment of these assessments 
under penalty of suspension from the Order for non-payment of dues, there 
being no local law to the contrary. 

451. A By-Law of a Lodge providing for levying an assessment upon 
the members to pay a stated sum as funeral benefits is enforceable. 

452. An assessment to pay funeral benefits on account of the death of a 
member of a Lodge, which provides by By-Law for the payment of funeral 
benefits by assessment, can be charged as dues, so as to place the brother in 
bad standing at the end of the quarter. Funeral assessments can be charged 
as dues. 

453. A Lodge may legally adopt and enforce a By-Law authorizing an 
assessment on the members in case tnere is a deficiency in the fund from 
whence payments are made for nurse hire (the By-Laws providing for nurse 
hire), funeral benefits, sick benefits and for the general expenses, without 
the Grand Lodge passing an enabling law, unless there is something in the 
Constitution for Subordinate Lodges or in the local legislation of this jurisdic- 
tion to prevent. 

454.. The Grand Lodge has authoiity to pass a law authorizing Lodges to 
levy and enforce assessments on their members in case there is a deficiency 
in their funds for benefits and general expenses. 

ATTENTIVE BENEFITS. 

(a). General Principles. (b). Watchers. (c). Nurses. 

(a). General Principles. 

455. According to the general law it is a fundamental principle of Odd 
Fellowship that a brother in arrears for dues who is not dropped is entitled 
to be visited by the officers of his Lodge and cared for and watched with at 
night in sickness although he may not be entitled to pecuniary benefits, and 
any provision to the contrary in the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, 
prescribed by any State Grand Lodge, is void. 

456. In 1902 the Sovereign Grand Lodge so far modified this fundamental 
principle as to enact that hereafter the qualifications for "attentive benefits" 
in this Order, and which involves the payment of money of the Lodge so far 
as such benefits include the services of watchers or nurses, shall be the 
same as for "weekly benefits." The Grand Lodge may limit, or permit its 
subordinates to limit by By-Law the time for which such services shall be 
rendered, as may be deemed best for the interests of said subordinates and 
their members in the several jurisdictions, or providing that watchers and 
nurses paid from Lodge funds shall not be furnished to members who shall 
be so much in arrears for dues as to prevent them from receiving sick or 
funeral benefits. 

457. The question was asked: "Are the qualifications for attentive bene- 
fits, so far as applicable, mandatory upon Subordinate Lodges, or are they 
optional with Subordinate Lodges, after Grand Lodges have given them per- 
mission to change their By-Laws to that effect?" It was held that construing 



62 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ATTENTIVE BENEFITS-General Principles. 

the first part of trie above resolution separately it would seem to be self- 
executing and absolute, but it is limited by that which follows, and the entire 
resolution must be construed together. Thus construed it means that when 
Grand Lodges so provide or authorize, subordinates may limit the time of 
employment of paid watchers and nurses for and as to members who are 
qualified to receive "weekly benefits;" and that when Grand Lodges have so 
provided or authorized, subordinates will not be required to provide watchers 
or nurses at all for those not entitled to "sick or funeral benefits." If the 
iirst statement of the resolution was intended to be absolute, the qualifica- 
tions following thereafter of limiting the time as to the beneficial class, and 
authorizing no such paid service to the non-beneficial class would have been 
idle and contradictory in terms. The Grand Sire therefore held that the 
resolution is not mandatory, but empowers Grand Lodges either to make it 
mandatory on subordinates, or to permit subordinates desiring the authority, 
to have the benefit of it. At the same session of 1903, the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, in order to remove any doubt upon the subject, passed the following: 
"That hereafter Grand Lodges may, and they are hereby empowered, to so 
legislate as to require the same qualifications in order to entitle members to 
attentive benefits, as are, or may be required in order to entitle members to 
pecuniary benefits, and that all former legislation in conflict herewith is 
hereby repealed." 

458. There has been no legislation on the subject by the Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania, so the general law prevails here; therefore the Grand Lodge 
has recently approved the decision of the Grand Master that a member more 
than thirteen weeks in arrears is entitled to attentive benefits. 

459. Attentive and pecuniary benefits must be distinguished. Pecuniary 
benefits depend upon "good standing," attentive oenefits do not. 

460. Members of a Lodge in this or another Grand Jurisdiction are en- 
titled to receive the same care and attention from another Lodge within whose 
territorial jurisdiction they may be visiting or residing, as this latter Lodge 
extends to its own members. "Attentive benefits" are fraternal obligations, 
due to a brother as a brother and members of the Order; "Sick Benefits" are 
financial obligations, dependent upon the law governing the Lodge to which 
the member belongs. Lodges in this jurisdiction, whose By-Laws provide for 
the payment of a nurse, are bound to refund the amount thus necessarily ex- 
pended by another Lodge upon their members under its care, or so much 
thereof as their By-Laws provide. 

(b). Watchers. 

461. Night watching is a form of attentive benefits. 

462. The general laws of the Order require only night, not day watchers, 
to be furnished as attentive benefits. 

463. Any expense incurred in the payment of such watchers is altogether 
apart from the sick benefits due under the general or local law. 

464. A Lodge has the right to expend its funds not otherwise interdicted, 
for the hiring of watchers. 

465. The Grand Lodge has recommended to the Subordinate Lodges that 
they include the following among their By-Laws: Should a member be so 
sick as to require it, and the disease be not contagious, the Noble Grand shall 
appoint two members in rotation, as they stand on the list of members (al- 
ways commencing where having left off on a former occasion) to attend him 
during the night; any member failing to perform his duty when so appointed, 
shall be fined one dollar, unless a sufficient excuse be rendered. Provided, 
that a member may employ a competent person to perform the duties of his 
appointment. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 63 

ATTENTIVE BENEFITS-Watchers. 

466. A brother assigned to watch with the sick cannot lawfully recuse to 
attend to this fraternal duty, if the sick brother is within the territorial juris- 
diction of the Lodge. 

467. Where a By-Law of a Lodge provides that a member must watcn 
with the sick or pay a fine, a member of the Lodge who resides beyond the 
jurisdiction of the Lodge and fails to report to the nearest Lodge where he is 
residing, for nurse or watch duty, and have a certificate of such facts sent 
to his own Lodge, can be assigned to watch with the sick, and failing to do so, 
can be fined. 

468. Where a Lodge provides for "night watchers" for sick members, it is 
to be considered as a form of "attentive benefit," and any expense incurred 
in payment of such watchers is altogether apart from the sick benefits and 
dues under the general or local law. 

469. On complaint of a brother that he had been repeatedly fined by his 
Lodge for not visiting the sick, as required by the By-Laws, he himself being 
confined to his chamber by illness, such fines resulting in delinquency that 
deprived him of benefits, it was held that every fine so imposed and enforced 
was contrary to the principles, teachings, spirit and intents of Odd Fellow- 
ship, and was at variance, practically with the ' dictates of humanity and 
fraternity, and being so, was illegal, as the act of a Lodge. And that any 
delinquency of his contingent on such illegal charges of fines was a quasi 
delinquency, and could not rightfully, in itself, be a bar to his claims for bene- 
fits; and if, at any time that he claimed benefits, his alleged bad standing 
on the books of the Lodge was the result of such charges, and none other of 
sufficient amount to make him in themselves delinquent, then the Lodge is 
bound, bo%i in law and equity., to r, ... ■ benefits claimed by him, he other- 
wise making his claim good. A Lodge cannot demand impossibilities of a 
brother, nor inflict penalties for the failure to comply with such demands. 

, 470. The By-Laws of a Lodge state that no member is entitled to benefits 
until five months after receiving the Third Degree. A brother who has not 
been a member five months since receiving the Third Degree is taken sick. 
He is not entitled to a paid nurse until the expiration of the five months; 
then he will be. In the meantime, he is entitled to be cared for by the 
brothers with personal attentive benefits, that is, the brothers to visit and 
care for him. 

(c). Nurses. 

471*. If a Lodge desires to secure the services of a nurse for its mem- 
bers when sick, some provision must be made to provide the means to pay 
for the same outside of the weekly dues, and they can be gratified in their 
desire to have such attendance. 

472. If the By-Laws so provide, the expenses of nurse hire may be paid 
out of the five per cent, contingent fund. 

473. It would be legal for a Lodge to have a By-Law to have brothers 
watch nightly with sick members, and at the same time to have a By-Law 
to assess their members to pay for a day nurse, as this is an added expense 
not contemplated by general law as coming out of the dues. 

474. A brother is taken ill who has not paid his nurse fund assessment. 
It depends upon the local law to determine whether the Lodge is compelled 
to supply a nurse, or if he is to be debarred on account of not having paid the 
nurse fund assessment. 

475. There are cases where a Lodge undertakes by By-Law to do by in- 
direction that which it cannot do directly. It provides for the payment of 
sick nurses out of the general funds, without specifically providing for rais- 
ing a fund to meet the expense. The Grand Lodge, after long and careful 



64 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ATTENTIVE BENEFITS-Nurses. 

consideration, and the expenditure of much time and labor, has fixed a rela- 
tive amount of dues to weekly benefits as a basis upon which it may be fairly 
expected that Lodges may live and comply with their engagements. And the 
Grand Lodge is not prepared to change that system, either directly or by 
allowing drafts upon the treasuries of Lodges for other purposes, although 
in themselves perfectly proper, whereby the proportion designed shall be im- 
paired. 

476. The "Nurse Fund" of a Lodge, whether raised by weekly dues or 
otherwise, must be kept in a separate account from the other funds of the 
Lodge. The amount paid into this fund, the amount expended, and the 
amount in the treasurer's hands at the close of the term, should each be dis- 
tinct items in the semi-annual report to the Grand Lodge. 

477. The Constitution for Subordinate Lodges of a jurisdiction provides 
only for assessments on cases where the regular funds are reduced below a 
certain amount. No other express authority to assess the members is to be 
found in the Constitution. Held that it would be legal for a Lodge to have 
a By-Law to have brothers watch nightly with sick members, and at the same 
time to have a By-Law to assess their members to pay for a day nurse, as 
this is an added expense not contemplated by general law as being covered 
by the weekly dues. 

478. In 1893 the Grand Sire decided that where a Lodge provides for 
"night watchers" for sick members, this is to be considered as a form of 
"attentive benefits," and any expense incurred in payment of such watchers 
is altogether apart from the sick benefits due under the general or local law. 
But when provision is made for hiring a nurse, the local law may a^o provide 
for a reduction of sick benefits during the time such nurse is engaged, on 
condition that the aggregate amount paid for nurse hire and benefits shail 
not be less than the sum to which the sick brother is entitled under the Mini- 
mum Benefit Law. The Sovereign Grand Lodge approved the following por- 
tion of said decision, to wit: "Where a Lodge provides for night watchers 
for sick members, this is to be considered as a form of 'attentive benefits,' 
and any expense incurred in payment of such watchers is altogetner apart 
from the sick benefits due under the general or local law." The remainder of 
said decision, to wit: "But when provision is made for hiring a nurse, the 
local law may also provide for a reduction of sick benefits, during the time 
such nurse is engaged, on condition that the aggregate amount paid for nurse 
hire and benefits shall not be less than the sum to which the sick brother is 
entitled under the Minimum Benefit Laws," was not approved, for the reason 
assigned by the Grand Sire in the portion of the decision above approved, 
to wit: That nurse hire is a form of "attentive benefits" and is altogether 
apart from sick benefits. 

479. In this jurisdiction the endorsement on a brother's card that his 
Lodge does provide for hiring a nurse is to be regarded by any Lodge or 
Relief Committee as authority to hire a nurse for a transient sick brother, 
when the nature of the sickness requires such nurse's attention. 

480. The endorsement on a brother's card that his Lodge provides for 
hiring a nurse, has been construed only as giving correct information, and is 
not to be construed, per se, as unqualified authority to any Lodge or Relief 
Committee to hire a nurse for such brother when sick and under its care, 
without asking the permission of the brother's Lodge. 

481. It shall be the duty of the recording secretary of a Subordinate 
Lodge, when he issues a visiting card, to endorse thereon the character of 
attentive benefits allowed by the By-^aws of such Lodge, and if such By- 
Laws allow the hiring of nurses during sickness, such fact shall also be 
stated, together with the compensation allowed per night for such nurses, 
which endorsement shall be signed by such secretary, with the seal of the 
Lodge attached. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 65 

ATTENTIVE BENEFITS— Nurses. 

482. A Lodge or relief committee which provides for nursing its own 
members by draft cannot hire a nurse ior a transient sick brother who is 
not afflicted with a contagious malady, unless authorized by the Lodge of 
which such transient sick brother is a member. But it is a sacred duty, en- 
joined by the principles and laws of the Order, that every Lodge or relief 
committee must care for a transient sick and disabled brother in the same 
manner that they care for their own members. 

483. No Lodge or relief committee that cares for its members by draft 
shall be liable for the payment of nurse hire, unless said Lodge or relief com- 
mittee shall have first authorized the payment of the same. 

484. A Lodge shall not be required to pay for nursing its members, when 
out of its jurisdiction, a sum in excess of the provisions of its By-Laws, or in 
excess of the sum which the Lodge or relief committee, in whose care the 
brother may be, is in the habit of paying for such service for its own sick 
members. 

485. A brother is sick and under the care of a sister Lodge; the By-Laws 
of his own Lodge do not provide for nurse hire; his Lodge did not authorize 
the sister Lodge to engage a nurse. The Lodge taking care of him cannot 
legally claim reimbursement from the brother's Lodge for nurse hire. It is 
a moral but not legal obligation, as the brother's Lodge did not authorize it. 

486. A brother was injured in a mine. The Lodge detailed two members 
to sit up with him at night, but the brother having no one to take care of him 
during the day, a nurse was hired. A bill was handed to the Lodge for nurse 
hire. The Lodge did not hire the nurse. The Lodge has no nurse fund. By 
motion regularly made and seconded, the bill was paid. At the next meeting 
objection was raised to the bill having been paid. The Lodge did wrong in 
paying the bill, and the Noble Grand transgressed the law. 

437. A Lodge shall not be permitted to provide for non-payment of a 
nurse for ohe of its members when out of its own territorial jurisdiction 
when it provides for hiring nurses for its members who are within its own 
territorial jurisdiction. 

488. Where the By-Laws of a Lodge provide for a nurse for its sick 
members, it is liable for moneys expended for nurse hire for one of its sick 
members when away from the territorial jurisdiction of his Lodge. 

489. The general law of the Order requires only night nurses to be fur- 
nished as "attentive benefits," not day nurses. 

490. A lodge which provides for hiring nurses for its sick members, 
shall not be required to pay for nursing its sick members when beyond its 
own jurisdiction and in the care of a Lodge or relief committee which does 
not provide for hired nurses for its own members, unless special request be 
made by said Lodge to which the sick brother belongs to hire a nurse, or 
when the sick brother is afflicted with a contagious disease. 

491. A Lodge adopted the following By-Law: "Sec. 6. Should any mem- 
ber be so sick or disabled as to need it, the relief committee is empowered 
to employ a nurse to care for such member during the night, at as reasonable 
expense as possible, not exceeding the sum of one dollar per night, the same 
to be paid out of the 'Nurse Fund,' upon orders drawn for the same, for the 
amount expended." The committee to whom was referred these By-Laws for 
approval, declined to approve the above provision unless the following clause 
be inserted after the words relief committee, "or the Lodge under whose care 
he may be." Under the section as presented by the Lodge to the Committee 
on By-Laws, the necessity for a nurse was left to the discretion of the relief 
committee of the Lodge. Under the section as now approved by the Com- 
mittee on By-Laws, this discretion for brothers of this Lodge who may be 
sick and under the charge of a distant Lodge is delegated to the Lodge under 



66 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1507. 

ATTENTIVE BENEFITS-Nurses. 

whose charge the sick brother may be. To this the Lodge objected. The 
Committee on By-Laws was directed to approve the By-Laws as submitted to 
it by the Lodge. 

492. The necessity of employing a nurse for a sick brother must, in the 
first instance, be determined by the Subordinate Lodge to which the sick 
brother belongs, or by the Lodge in whose care he is at the time. The de- 
termination of that question can never be left to the judgment or caprice 
of a person who is not thereto authorized by the proper Lodge, whether he be 
or be not, a member of the Order. 

493. A Subordinate Lodge which, at no time during the sickness of a 
brother, is asked to furnish a watcher or nurse, and at no time during said 
sickness was a watcher or nurse so furnished, either by the Lodge or any of 
its officers, is not bound to pay a watcher or nurse hire bill otherwise con- 
tracted. 

494. When the Noble Grand and Secretary were, under the local law, 
authorized to employ nurses for sick members, and so employed a nurse for 
a sick member who was in arrears for dues fifteen months, the Lodge is 
bound for such nurse hire, and cannot under the law refuse to pay the same. 

495. A brother is 111, and by order of his physician is removed to a hos- 
pital so that he will be properly cared for; his Lodge has a nurse fund, 
raised by assessment equally on all members, for the purpose of supplying a 
trained nurse, instead of the brothers being called on to sit up with him. It 
depends upon the local law as to whether or not the Lodge has to supply a 
nurse for the day time or only at night time, if the disease is not contagious. 

496. The law does not require a Subordinate Lodge under whose By- 
Laws watchers are furnished at $1.50 per nignt, to pay such an amount when 
the brother is in a hospital, and not sick enough to require the attention of 
one nurse, the rules of the hospital not allowing anyone but their own nurses 
to care for patients, and only one nurse at night in a whole ward. The pur- 
pose of the law is to provide for an expense necessary to be incurred by the 
employment of a nurse. The amount of $1.50 per night for a nurse is not a 
gratuity to be paid by reason of the fact that the brother is sick, but to meet 
a necessity. A brother in a hospital, not sick enough to require the atten- 
tion of a nurse, and nursed under the rules of the hospital, by the nurse of the 
ward, it is not incumbent upon his Lodge to pay the $1.50 for something he 
never got, or which was not required. 

497. It is not a legal appropriation of Lodge funds to pay his wife, or 
any other member of a brother's family for nursing him during his illness. 



ATTESTATION. 

498. When the laws of the Order require a document to be signed by the 
officers of the Lodge, it must have the signature of the Noble Grand and 
Secretary, in addition to the seal, to make it authentic. 

499. When a Lodge has two Secretaries, and the law requires the signa- 
ture of the Secretary to attest or accompany that of the Noble Grand, it 
means the Recording Secretary, as he alone can attest anything for or on be- 
half of the Lodge. 

500. When visiting cards or official certificates are issued, the Noble 
Grand and Financial Secretary will sign and the Recording Secretary will 
affix the seal. In the case of a Visiting Card the Recording Secretary will 
make the necessary endorsement concerning the relief to which the brother 
is entitled in case of sickness or death and will attest this endorsement. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. *7 



ATHEIST. 

501. Belief in the Supreme Being, the Creator and Preserver of the uni- 
verse is essential to membership in this Order. An athiest is therefore 
disqualified. Denying the existence of God renders a person ineligible for 
membership. 



AUDITING COMMITTEE. 

Note.— A correct audit should include— 

1. The Dues Account, that is to say, the total dues coming to the Lodge during the 
term. This can readily be accomplished by treating every member who was on the books 
at any time during the term as chargeable with one full term's dues, be it 26 or 27 weeks, 
No matter how brief a part of that period he may have actually been in the membership, 
and also without regard to when or how he got in or out of membership. Then by allow- 
ing credit for the total number of weeks dues necessary to be deducted in order to cover 
the time when the dues of the members who came in or went out during the term were 
not chargeable to them during the term, the balance will represent the actual amount of 
dues that either should have been collected by the secretary or remain charged on the 
books against the members of the Lodge. 

2. The Fees Account, or all initiation, dispensation fees, fines, and the like chargeable 
during the term, and an examination of the accounts to see that they were charged and 
liquidated. 

3. The Investment Account, particularly as to the receipts from investments and all 
expenditures in connection therewith. 

4. The Individual Accounts, or a comparison of the cash receipts of the Secretary- 
with the credit entries made by him in the members' individual accounts. 

5. The total payments made by the secretary to the treasurer and a comparison thereof 
with the secretary's total receipts. 

6. The total receipts and payments made to and by the treasurer. 

7. An actual inspection of the money due the Lodge by the treasurer as shown by the 
treasurer's account, or of a balanced hand-book showing the same balance in bank, if the 
moneys of the Lodge are deposited in bank to the treasurer's account as "Treasurer of the 
Lodge." 

8. An inspection of the deeds, securities and other evidences of investments made by 
the trustees for the Lodge, which should be in the hands or keeping of the treasurer. 

9. A clear concise report to the Lodge of the audit in order that all the members may 
be made fully acquainted with the financial operations of the Lodge. 

If a Lodge should desire a form for Auditing Committee's Report in accordance with 
the above, a sample copy can be obtained by a request to the Grand Secretary for same 

502. The committee appointed on the last night of the term to audit the 
accounts of the Secretary and Treasurer shall report at the next stated meet- 
ing of the Dodge, under such penalty as the By-Daws may determine. 

503. The Constitution imposes on the Noble Grand the duty of appointing 
this committee, and therefore the By-Daws cannot regulate in any way the 
selection or appointment thereof. 

504. All committees appointed to audit the accounts of the Secretary 
and Treasurer must require a voucher for every payment made, and care- 
fully compare the same with the entries upon their books; and in examining 
the Secretary's books, in addition to the duties above described, they must 
compare the amounts credited to each member on the ledger with the entries 
on the cash book of the Secretary. 

505. A Dodge had a By-Daw making it obligatory on the Noble Grand- 
elect, on the night of his election to appoint the Auditing Committee. This 
By-Daw is a violation of the Constitution for Subordinate Dodges, and is 
therefore null and void. 

506. The Auditing Committee can only take cognizance of the members' 
account as they appear on the books at the closing of the Dodge at the last 
stated meeting of the term, the same being election night. 



68 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

AUDITING COMMITTEE. 

507. The Treasurer and Trustees of the Lodge are bound, when it is so 
demanded by the Auditing Committee, to exhibit to said committee the 
Lodge moneys in their hands, or the evidence of their deposit. 

508. The Auditing Committee appointed by the Noble Grand on the last 
night of the term does not hold over until their successors are appointed. 
The Auditing Committee, after making the financial and statistical report 
required by the Constitution, to the satisfaction of the Lodge, should be 
discharged. 

509. A Lodge may at any time investigate the books of the Secretary and 
Treasurer after the semi-annual Auditing Committee has made its report, 
committee discharged, and said report approved by the Lodge. The Lodge 
has a right at any time to examine the books of the Secretary and Treasurer 
by a special Auditing or Investigating Committee appointed for this purpose. 

510. A Lodge has no legal right to pay the Auditing Committee for 
auditing the books at the end of the term. 

BALL. 

See Application for Permission to Use Name of Order. Regalia, etc. 

511. A masquerade ball held under the auspices of a Lodge, is not neces- 
sarily an affair which may scandalize the Order. It depends on the character 
and surroundings of the ball. 

512. The consent of the Grand Master must be first obtained before a 
Lodge can hold a ball, and he has the right to interdict the wearing of regalia 
on such occasions. 

BALLOT. 

(a.) General Rules. (c.) In Other Cases. 

(b.) For Membership. (d.) Reconsideration. 

(a.) General Rules. 

513. Balloting by ball or ticket is a secret mode of voting, so designed 
that the vote of one member should not influence that of another, but that 
every one should vote according to the dictates of his own conscience, free 
from all external influence. And it is a violation of the laws of the Order to 
go into an investigation as to how any one member voted. 

514. In balloting it is not legal to have balls and cubes of the same color, 
the cubes of the same color as the balls, to take the place of and to be con- 
sidered as black balls. While it has been held that the use of a black cube 
satisfies the requirement for the use of a black ball, yet the distinction and 
difference in color between the negative and affirmative votes cannot be dis- 
regarded. White balls and black cubes would answer the requirements of 
the law. 

515. It is a brother's right to vote a secret ball ballot. The other 
brothers who may vote upon a ballot have no right to show their votes, for 
the secrecy of the ballot would thereby be necessarily destroyed. To en- 
deavor to discover how a brother has voted on a secret ballot, for the pur- 
pose of bringing odium on him, is an offence of itself. That cannot be done 
by indirection, which is directly forbidden. 

516. It is the right of a brother to vote a secret ballot, and he has not 
the right to conceal or expose the character of his vote at pleasure, except 
that in the case of a voluntary motion of all those who cast black balls against 
an applicant for membership for a reconsideration of the ballot. In such case 
it is lawful for such brothers to expose the character of their vote. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 69 

BALLOT— General Rules. 

517. In balloting when there is a tie, the Noble Grand does not have the 
casting vote. 

518. If a member openly avows having blackballed a candidate, and states 
the reason for so doing, should the allegation prove malicious or improper, 
the member may then be subject to the action of the Lodge. 

519. In balloting for initiatory or other degrees, it is permissible for the 
ballot box to be carried to the chairs of the Noble Grand and Vice Grand 
only. 

520. At the close -of a ballot, the Warden moist present the box to the Vice 
Grand, who shall inspect the vote and announce to the Noble Grand whether 
the ballot is favorable or unfavoraole. 

521. A ballot is closed when it is so declared by the presiding officer. 

522. The Vice Grand is simply to say, "Noble Grand, the ballot is favor- 
able," or "Noble Grand, the ballot is unfavorable." If there be one black 
ball in the case of an application for admission by initiation; or, in the 
case of an application for admission by Withdrawal Card or Dismissal Cer- 
tificate, or to transfer membership, there are no more than two black balls; 
or, in the case of an application for reinstatement, there is less than a ma- 
jority of black balls cast, the Vice Grand is simply to say, "Noble Grand, 
the ballot is favorable." 

523. The Warden will then present the box to the Noble Grand, who 
will inspect the vote, and proclaim the result to the Lodge and its effect upon 
the application. 

524. It is the duty of the Noble Grand to supervise all ball ballots and 
declare the result. The Vice Grand may assist in the examination of the bal- 
lot, and make known the result of his examination so far as to state whether 
the ballot is favorable or unfavorable. The Noble Grand alone has the pre- 
rogative of deciding the result of a ballot. 

525. It is the duty of the Noble Grand to supervise all ball ballots and 
declare the result. Grand Jurisdictions subordinate to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge may authorize their subordinates to enact By-Laws that the Vice 
Grand may assist in the examination of the ballots, and make known the re- 
sult of his examination, so far as to state whether the ballot is favorable or 
unfavorable. The whole matter is left to local legislation, except that the 
Noble Grand alone has the prerogative of declaring the result of the ballot. 

526. A Noble Grand who may make a mistake in announcing the result of 
a ballot, and immediately afterwards perceives the error, has a right to cor- 
rect it at the time, and before the ballot box has been put aside. 

527. When, upon a ballot, the number of black balls required by the law 
to reject are cast, the applicant shall be declared to be rejected; and it is 
not lawful for the application to be referred for further investigation, and a 
new ballot at some future meeting. Nor can a law provide for a second or 
third ballot, on a given number of black balls being cast on a preceding bal- 
lot, the law being well established that but one ballot and one reconsideration 
of the same can be had on application for membership in a subordinate. 

(b.) For Membership. 

See Investigating Committee- 

528. A ballot must be had upon an application for initiation, whether the 
report of the committee be favorable or unfavorable. 

529. An application for membership may be withdrawn without the per- 
mission of the Lodge, before the report of the committee thereon is read to 
the Lodge, but not afterward. 



70 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

BALLOT— For Membership. 

530. Every member of a Lodge has a right to deposit his ballot upon each 
individual application for membership, and a collective ballot would be an in- 
fringement of his right. 

531. If the report is recommitted to the committee, it is then toolate to 
withdraw the name of the candidate. 

532. When an application for membership is received by a Lodge and re- 
ferred to a committee, it cannot be withdrawn from the committee, 
which is the direct creature of the Lodge, possessing no power further than 
that of inquiry and recommendation or disapproval, etc. One of the first prin- 
ciples of parliamentary law is that a committee is the creature of the appoint- 
ing body, and must report its acts to the body creating it, unless otherwise 
authorized by such body. 

533. When the candidate has been balloted for and declared elected the 
ballot cannot be reconsidered, or a reballot be had, upon the allegation that 
there were no black balls in the box from which the members must procure 
them, even though the allegation be true. There can be no reballot where it 
has been declared favorable, except in case of unworthiness or of error or 
fraud. 

534. When a ballot for membership is had and an insufficient number of 
black balls appear to reject the applicant, the ballot cannot be deferred until 
the next meeting. 

535. In balloting upon an application for initiation and membership, one 
ballot in the Third Degree, if favorable, elects to the initiatory and three 
Degrees, without further action, in regular succession. 

536. A ballot upon an application for initiation, the balls being all white, 
or only one black ball appearing, the candidate is elected; but two or more 
black balls reject. 

537. A Lodge cannot compel the Noble Grand to give the number of black 
balls cast. 

538. In balloting on an application for membership, should there be out 
one ball placed in the box, and that a black ball, the candidate shall be de- 
clared rejected. 

539. A Grand Lodge has no power to authorize its Grand Officers to grant 
a dispensation to reballot in case of a rejected application for membership. 

540. In a ballot upon an application for membership on card, or on a 
Dismissal Certificate, the balls being all white, or only two black balls ap- 
pearing, the applicant is elected; but more than two black balls reject. 

541. Wlhat constitutes good moral character is left to local action, and is 
generally to be determined by the vote of a Lodge in the reception of a 
candidate. 

542. It is not improper for the members to discuss openly, in the Lodge, 
the character, fitness and standing of an applicant for membership. 

543. A member of a Lodge, who was suspended for non-payment of dues, 
applied for reinstatement to active membership, paying the required fee there- 
for, which application was properly referred to a committee, two of whom 
reported favorably, the other being sick and not at the Lodge-room. A bal- 
lot was taken, which resulted in a majority of the ballot being favorable, and 
the Noble Grand declaring the candidate "reinstated." A discussion then 
arose, and the character and fitness of the applicant was freely questioned, 
when a motion was made to take a new ballot. Objection was made to the 
second ballot and the legality of the same raised, but the Noble Grand allowed 
the motion for a new ballot, which was carried, and the second ballot taken, 
when the Noble Grand declared it unfavorable and the applicant "not rein- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 71 

BALLOT— For Membership. 

stated." The question was raised whether the right to a reballot applied to an 
application for reinstatement. Held that the discussion in open Lodge of the 
fitness of an applicant for admission or reinstatement is one of the sources 
of its protection from bad material, and the law which allows a reballot in 
so prompt a form for such a cause is one of the privileges which, granted to 
Lodges, should not be taken away without the weightiest reasons. 

(c). Ballot in Other Cases. 

544. In a ballot upon an application for restoration to membership of a 
brother who has been suspended for non-payment of dues, a majority of the 
ballots is decisive. 

545. In a ballot upon the report of a committee upon charges as to the 
guilt or innocence of the accused, a majority decides. 

546. In balloting to prescribe the punishment to be inflicted upon a 
member found guilty of a charge, a majority of the votes cast will determine 
a fine or suspension, but to expell, it will require a two-thirds' vote of the 
members voting. 

547. In a ballot upon the application of an expelled member to be re- 
stored to membership, two-thirds of the votes cast are necessary to reinstate, 
provided permission from the Grand Lodge or the Board of Grand Lodge 
Officers be first obtained. 

548. It is competent for a Grand Body to legislate for the expulsion or 
suspension of a brother for cause by a vote by ball ballot or otherwise. 

549. In a ballot upon an application for the degrees, three or more black 
balls reject the application of a member initiated prior to July 1, 1882. In 
no case can the ballot which rejects the application for a degree be recon- 
sidered unless all the brothers who may have cast the black balls shall vol- 
untarily ask for a reconsideration of the ballot. 

(d.) Reconsideration of Ballot. 

550. Where all the brothers who have cast black balls against an appli- 
cant for membership voluntarily make a motion for a reconsideration of the 
ballot, the same may be reconsidered; and in such case, the vote on the re- 
consideration shall be taken by ball ballots, and if all the balls cast be in 
favor of it, the reconsideration shall be had; whereupon the application shall 
lie over until the succeeding stated meeting, when another ballot shall be had 
with ball ballots, and if the same be unanimously in favor of the applicant, 
he shall thereby be elected; but if one or more black balls appear in either 
ballot, the applicant shall be rejected; and in no case shall a reconsideration 
be had, except on the voluntary motion of all those who cast the black balls; 
and never more than one motion for a reconsideration in the same case shall 
be allowed; and provided, always, that such reconsideration shall be had 
within four meeting nights next succeeding the rejection. 

551. The time for a motion to reconsider an unfavorable ballot is not a 
subject for local legislation. 

552. There can be no reconsideration of a ballot expelling a member. A 
member once expelled is out of the Order, and no motion made to reconsider 
that vote can be entertained, as he can only be readmitted by complying with 
the regulations which provide the mode and manner of his reinstatement. 

553. The Grand Lodge has no power to authorize its Grand Officers to 
grant a dispensation to reballot in case of a rejected application for member- 
ship. 

554. No error or informality will reverse any action, unless it may have 
affected the result. If the error be such that it can be seen that it could not 
by any possibility have affected the result, the decision will not be reversed, 
for the error has done no harm; but if it might by any possibility have af- 
fected the result, there is error, and the decision will be overturned. 



72 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

BALLOT— Reconsideration of Ballot. 

555. It is competent for a majority of a Subordinate Lodge, but not for 
an officer alone, to order a new ballot when an election is either fraudulent or 
illegal; but where the election is favorable, such order must be made pre- 
vious to the applicant's initiation. The ordering of the new ballot, in such 
cases, necessarily involves the abrogation of the former ballot. 

556. A ballot by which a candidate was rejected cannot be declared null 
and void on account of errors committed by several brothers in voting. 

557. It is not competent for a Lodge to insert in its By-Laws a 
provision that a member who may draw a final card shall have the priv- 
ilege of depositing the same in said Lodge within a specified time by a 
simple vote of the Lodge, instead of a ballot vote as in the case of initiating 
members. The laws of the Order clearly provide the way in which a person 
may regain membership upon card, and a Lodge granting a final card has no 
more power to depart from that way, when the person holding that earn seeks 
to reunite with said Lodge, than upon the application of a stranger. 

558. Where a candidate for membership shall have been elected, and 
the Lodge, prior to his initiation, shall become satisfied of his unworthi- 
ness, it may annul such election and declare it void by a majority of two- 
thirds of the members present. 

559. If a person should be elected a member through an error or fraud 
(as to health or otherwise), a majority of the Lodge can, previously to his 
initiation, order a new ballot; but if the fraud be not discovered until after 
initiation, then the initiate must be regarded as a member, and can only be 
expelled upon a regular trial. 

560'. When a ballot has been declared null and void, the proposition and 
report of the Investigating Committee are again brought before the Lodge 
for another ballot. 

561. Where a ballot has been had, and a candidate rejected, the Noble 
Grand cannot order a reballot on the ground that several members suppose 
that black balls may have been voted in mistake. 

562. In case illegal ballots are cast for membership in a Subordinate 
Lodge (such illegality being that the brothers voting upon such application 
were disqualified by the By-Laws), such ballot cannot be declared void by 
the presiding officer alone, but may be by a majority of the Lodge, previous 
to initiation, if the candidate be elected. The ordering of a new ballot nec- 
essarily involves the abrogation of the former ballot. 

563. After the Noble Grand had declared a candidate elected, the Vice 
Grand claimed he was mistaken, that there were three black balls cast. 
The ballot having been destroyed, the Noble Grand, without objection, or- 
dered a new ballot, when the candidate was rejected. Held that, under the 
circumstances, the Lodge must be presumed to have consented to the new 
ballot, and that such new ballot was legal. 

564. A suspended member is a quasi-member of his Lodge, and there- 
fore the effect of a ballot for reinstatement is only to change his status into 
that of full membership, and is not such a ballot for membership as is con- 
templated by the general law regulating reconsideration of ballots for 
membership. In the absence of any local law prohibiting the same, the ballot 
for reinstatement can be reconsidered the same as any other pending action 
of the Lodge. 

BARTENDER. 

See Saloon Keeper. 

565. A bartender is a person who tends bar or waits on customers in a 
place of any kind or description where intoxicating liquors are sold as a 
beverage, and to be drunk in the place or on the premises where sold. 

566. A brother who carries drink and liquor from a bar to customers in 
an adjoining opera house is a bartender. 



3 907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 73 

BENEFITS. 

See Attentive Benefits. Funeral Benefits. Weekly Benefits. 

567. In the payment of sick and funeral benefits and funeral expenses 
Subordinate Lodges (in the absence of local law or general law), are sovereign, 
both as to the amount of such benefits and the disposition of the same, so 
long as the benevolent and charitable features that underlie the institution of 
Odd Fellowship are complied with and the enactments of their respective 
State jurisdictions in that connection are obeyed. 

BEQJJEST. 

568. There is no provision that an Odd Fellow can make during his life- 
time, or when disposing of his estate, that will keep him in more lasting re- 
membrance by his brothers than to make a gift of real estate or money to 
one or more of the homes of the Order. No matter how small, he will have 
thereby indelibly written his name in the records of the Order's most fraternal 
work, and will be lovingly recalled by hundreds who will partake of his 
bounty. 

569. In making a devise or bequest to either of the homes of the Order, 
care should be taken to make it in the corporate name of the home, and to 
aid in the identification, the location of the home shoiuld be given. 

570. The corporate names and locations of the several homes are as 
follows : » 

Odd Fellows' Home of Western Pennsylvania, located at Meadville, 
Crawford County, Pa. 

The Odd Fellows' Home of Pennsylvania, located at Seventeenth and 
Tioga streets, Philadelphia, Pa. 

The Home for Orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania, located at Phila- 
delphia, Pa. 

The Home for Widows and Orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania, 
located at Ben Avon, Allegheny County, Pa. 

The Odd Fellows' Orphans' Home of Central Pennsylvania, located at 
Sunbury, Northumberland County, Pa. 

Odd Fellows' Home for the Aged and Infirm of Pennsylvania, located at 
Grove City, Mercer County, Pa. 

The Rebekah Home, located at Philadelphia, Pa. 

571. Extract from the Laws of Pennsylvania: By Act of Assembly of 
29th of April, 1885, a devise or bequest to charitable uses is void unless it is 
done by Will, and attested by two creditable and disinterested witnesses, at 
least thirty (30) days before the death of the testator. 

572. Form of Bequest of Money: — I give and bequeath unto (here insert 

name of home, as above) the sum of to be expended by them for 

the general purposes of the Home. 

573. Form of Devise of Real Estate: — I give and devise unto (here insert 
name of home, as above), their successors and assigns, absolutely, all that 
certain, etc., etc. 

574. Form of Devise when there is no last Will and Testament for 

land only: — I.. of County, and State of 

do hereby devise and give to the (here insert name of Home as per Sec. No. 570) lo- 
cated at'. , their successors and assigns, forever, that certain tract 

of land situated, bounded and described as follows: (Here describe the land 
so devised.) To have and hold the same absolutely for themselves, their 
successors and assigns, for the uses and purposes for which the said Home 

5 



74 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

BEQUEST. 

was incorporated. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and 
seal this day of , A. D. 19. .. Signed and published and de- 
clared by the above named testator as and for his devise to said "Home" in 
the presence of us, who, in his presence and in the presence of each other, 
at his request, have hereunto signed our names as witnesses. 



(Full name.) 
(Seal.) 



575. Form of giving money where there has been no Will made: — 
I, of County, and State of do hereby 

give and bequeath to the (here insert name of Home as per Sec. No. 570) located at 

, their successors and assigns dollars for the uses and 

purposes for which the Home was incorporated. In witness whereof I have 

hereunto set my hand and seal this day of 19... Signed, 

published and declared by the above named testator as and for his bequest 
iv the said Home in the presence of us, who, in his presence, and in the 
presence of each other, at his request, signed the same as witnesses. 



(Full name.) 
(Full name.) 



(Seal.) 

576. Form of giving land or money by making a codicil to last Will and 
Testament: — I, of county, and State of , 

do hereby make and pufelish this codicil, to be added to my last will and tes- 
tament bearing date the day of A. D in manner as 

follows to wit : I hereby give, devise and bequeath to the (here insert name of Home 

as per Sec. No. 570) located at , their successors and assigns,. 

the following described property: (Here describe land, money or other 
forms of property to be given to said Home.) For the uses and purposes for 
which said "Home" was incorporated, absolutely. In witness whereof I have 

hereunto set my hand and seal this day of A. D. 19. .. Signed,. 

sealed, published and declared by the above named testator as and for a 
codicil to his last will and testament, in the presence of us, who, in his pres 
ence, and in the presence of each other, and at his request, signed our names 
as witnesses thereto. 

(Full name.) 

(Full name.) 

(Seal.) 

BLIND. 

577. A person permanently so blind as not to be able to distinguish per- 
sons and things, although in good financial circumstances, cannot be initiated 
into the Order. "He could not rigidly comply with the obligations which Odd 
Fellows take upon connecting themselves with the Order." 

578. It is a settled principle of the Order that any brother who, by sick- 
ness or disability, is rendered incapable of following his usual occupation or 
otherwise gaining a livelihood, is entitled to benefits. It would seem, there- 
fore, as though there could be no doubt but tnat any brother who, by sick- 
ness has become blind would, prima facie, be entitled to benefits, althougn 
his bodily health, in other respects, might be good. The disability in such 
case is almost total. A blind man is almost helpless. The occupations in 
which he can engage are few, indeed, and it would be a reproach to our Order 
if benefits could not, prima facie, be demanded. 

579. A member who by sickness or disability has become blind, is prima 
facie entitled to benefits; nevertheless, if he can reasonably obtain an occu- 
pation whereby he can make a living, he would not be beneficial, but this can- 
not be presumed, but must be made to appear by proper proof of the Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 75 

BLIND. 

580. There is no prima facie presumption of right to benefits in favor of 
a brother who has only partially lost his sight. 

581. A brother who is afflicted with a partial loss of sight, and has 
thereby been incapacitated from following his usual occupation, but being in 
other respects in good health, is able to carry on, manage and direct another 
and lucrative business, which enables him to amply provide for the support 
of himself and family, is not entitled to benefits. 

BOARD OF GRAND OFFICERS. 

See Districts. 

582. They shall decide all matters referred by the Grand Lodge to the 
Grand Lodge Officers; and it shall be their duty to enter, in a book to be kept 
for that purpose, a synopsis of all subjects so referred, together with such 
cases as may come properly before them from Subordinate Lodges. And 
their decisions in every case shall be entered immediately under or opposite 
the matter to which it refers, and the whole printed with the journal. 

583. Resolved, That the Board of Grand Lodge Officers, and their succes- 
sors from time to time, be and they are hereby created a Board of Trustees 
to have and take control and custody of all property of all Subordinate Lodges 
heretofore defunct, or that hereafter may become defunct, in this Common- 
wealth, for such uses and purposes only as are provided by the laws of the 
Order; and that the said Trustees and their successors shall have and they 
are hereby directed and given full power and authority to take into their 
possession all such property, and to bring suit or suits against any person 
or persons having in their possession any property and accumulations De- 
longing to the said defunct Lodges for the recovery thereof; and for such pur- 
poses they are authorized and empowered to draw on the treasury of the 
Grand Lodge for the payment of any and all expenses incurred in and about 
any such suit or suits. 

584. Resolved, That all moneys paid out and all property disposed of as 
having belonged to defunct Lodges, shall be only upon an order, signed by 
the Grand Master and Grand Secretary of this Grand Lodge. They are au- 
thorized and empowered to draw upon the fund for the purpose of the trust 
when, in their judgment, they may deem it necessary. 

585. An account shall be opened, to be denominated the "Defunct Lodge 
Fund," in 1 which all the cash receipts and expenditures shall be entered, as 
they may be received or disbursed. 

BOND. 

586. The form of bond to be taken by a Lodge from its Treasurer, as 
security for the faithful performance of his duties, was approved by the Grand 
Lodge in 1892, and can be purchased from the Grand Secretary. 

587. Should a Subordinate Lodge require its Treasurer to give bond with 
a guarantee or indemnity company as surety, it shall pay the premium there- 
for out of its own funds, but if it is not required, and the Treasurer gives sucn 
surety for his own convenience, then he should pay the premium. 

BOOKKEEPING. 

588. The Grand Lodge may introduce a uniform system of bookkeeping, 
and compel Lodges to use it. 

BORIE'S MANUAL. 

589 The Committee on the State of the Order having carefully examined 
P. G. M, Borie's Manual of Rules of Order and Digest of Parliamentary Law, 



76 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

BOEIE'S MANUAL. 

compiled and arranged expressly for use in the various organizations of the 
Order in this jurisdiction, and being of the opinion that the work will facili- 
tate the transaction of Lodge business and greatly relieve the Grand Officers 
from deciding the interminable questions submitted to them, we do therefore 
offer the following: Resolved, That the Manual of 'Rules of Order and Digest 
of Parliamentary Law, compiled and arranged by Geo. F. Borie, P. G. M., ex- 
pressly for the use of members of the Order, be, and the same is hereby en- 
dorsed and approved by this Grand Lodge, and recommended to the Subor- 
dinate Lodges in this jurisdiction as an authority for the transaction of Lodge 
business and deciding such questions of parliamentary law as may arise. 

590. Therefore in 1894 it was resolved that the Grand Secretary be, and 
he is hereby empowered and directed to procure from the publisher four hun- 
dred copies of said Manual, and to place the same in the list of supplies 
furnished t© Subordinate Lodges. 

BRINGING SUIT. 

591. A brother was expelled from his Lodge and then commenced a suit 
to recover benefits, which he claimed his due from his Lodge, which claim 
was based upon the favorable report of two committees of the Lodge, ap- 
pointed to specially investigate the claim. His expulsion was reversed, on 
appeal to his Grand Lodge, and he was reinstated in all his rights as a mem- 
ber. He immediately withdrew his suit, paid all the costs, and began pro- 
ceedings in his Lodge to secure his benefits. It is inferred, though the report 
does not so state, that he was expelled a second time, inferentially for bring- 
ing the suit, which expulsion was sustained by his Grand Lodge, on appeal. 
Held that the action of the Grand Lodge should be reversed, and the brother 
•reinstated to full membership. 

592. A brother arose in open Lodge and threatened to bring suit against 
his Lodge to recover certain benefits which he claimed, and also threatened in 
a written communication the same, unless the Lodge considered the case 
favorable to him. The brother plead guilty and the committee reported 
in accordance with the fact, and he was expelled. The appeal admits using 
the threat as charged, under the excitement of sickness and the treatment he 
received at the hands of the Lodge, but claims that he did not begin any ac- 
tion at law. There being no law which makes a threat to appeal to the courts 
an offense, the appeal was sustained and reinstatement directed. 

593. A brother, to whom a deceased member owed money, took out let* 
ters of administration on his estate, filed his inventory, and sued the widow 
to collect from her money which she had received from an insurance of his 
life, the part sued for being declared assets, under the law to pay the debts 
of the deceased. Held that this constituted no offense. In his effort to dis- 
charge official duty there is not sufficient ground for the charge of conduct un- 
becoming an Odd Fellow. In bringing the action, as administrator, he was 
discharging a duty that the law and his bond of office imposed upon him for 
the benefit of all the creditors of the deceased brother, whoever they might 
be, to be determined and the fund apportioned by the probate judge, should 
anything be recovered. 

594. The tribunals of our Order cannot, and will not, undertake to ad- 
judicate all the pecuniary obligations or differences growing out of civil 
transactions between members, or Lodges and members. It would be an im- 
possible, as well as an unprofitable, undertaking. There is no law that would 
prevent either side to any such controversy, when dissatisfied with the de- 
cision of the Subordinate or Grand Body, or of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, 
from resorting to his legal rights in the civil courts under the laws of the 
land. It would not be beneficial to the individual members, or the Order at 
large, for the Subordinate or Grand Bodies to attempt the adjudication and 
settlement of such differences. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 77 

BRINGING SUIT. 

595. In a subsequent case, where a brother claimed that his Subordinate 
Lodge owed him $5,123.17, the brother presented a petition to the Grand 
Lodge, requesting it to inquire into the matter of the disagreement between 
him and his Lodge, and to give him such relief as he might be found entitled 
to, and that the Lodge be required to pay him such sum as might be found due 
him. The point was made that the Grand Lodge is not a court of law to settle 
financial disputes, and could not enforce its judgment even if it attempted 
to adjudicate the controversy. It was held that the Grand Lodge had juris- 
diction to hear and determine the matter in controversy, being a dispute con- 
cerning the payment for the Lodge's hall, and that it was incumbent upon the 
Grand Lodge to do so. 

596. One Lodge may sue another in the civil courts, unless inhibited by 
its Grand Lodge Constitution, as there is no general law forbidding it. 

597. By the general law of the Order, redress for grievances connected 
with Odd Fellowship should be sought in the tribunals of the Order, and 
neither a Subordinate Lodge nor a member thereof should appeal to the 
civil courts until all remedies provided by the Order have been exhausted. 

598. The Constitution for Subordinate Lodges providing that if a member 
commences against the Lodge any proceedings, either at law or in equity, in any 
court, he shall be amenable to the Lodge therefor, and shall be tried and punished 
by reprimand, fine, suspension or expulsion, the member is bound by this provi- 
sion, as it forms his contract with the Lodge. 

599. When a brother loses a suit brought against the Lodge in the civil 
courts, the Lodge has the right to retain accrued benefits as a set-off against 
a judgment against the brother for costs of the suit. 

BUSINESS. 

600. All the business of the Subordinate Lodge must be transacted in the 
Third Degree, or the Degree of Truth. The Lodge shall open in each de- 
gree, for the purpose of conferring the degrees, and each degree shall be con- 
ferred when it is opened in that degree. 

601. All business, except conferring the Initiatory and the First and sec- 
ond Degrees, must be transacted in the Third Degree. 

602. Every Subordinate Lodge, when open, is a Third Degree Lodge, 
and none other is recognized by our laws. When reduced to the Initiatory, 
the First or Second Degree, it is the same Lodge, but open for specific pur- 
pose only, in a lower degree. The Third Degree Lodge opened at the begin- 
ning is not closed, in any sense, except to confer degrees, until formally closed 
at the end of the session. 

BUSINESS DEALINGS. 

603. A charge by two members of a Lodge, preferred against a brother 
for defrauding them by persuading them, as brothers of the Order, to assist 
him to obtain money, and then neglecting to repay the same out of the re- 
ceipts from the business they assisted him to engage in, only refers to an or- 
dinary business default, and is not an offense triable by the Order. 

604. Lodges have no jurisdiction in settling business matters between 
members, nor in collecting business debts. 

605. No person on being admitted to membership in this Order thereby 
loses any rights he had in possession as a citizen. His right to protection by 
the civic authorities is not impaired by becoming an Odd Fellow. The laws 
of the land and the courts which administer them are the surest and most 
proper means by which justice can be attained. Especially is this so in re- 
gard to civil contracts, frequently involving, as they do, long, intricate and 
conflicting accounts, requiring close and patient scrutiny and impartial in- 
vestigation. 



78 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

BUSINESS DEALINGS. 

606. Pecuniary relations amongst brothers which are of a civil nature, 
do not entail public scandal on the Order, have never been considered the 
subject of legislation, and ought not to be allowed to vex the Brotherhood. 
Such matters are of a strictly private nature, and though they may and do 
oftentimes cause individual trouble and personal enmity, yet they are gen- 
erally of so delicate a nature that it would be unsafe, ungenerous and injurious 
to give them prominence and attention in a Lodge. 

607. The Order cannot too strongly condemn the practice, on the part of 
some Lodges, in holding members of the Order amenable to its penalties for a 
failure to comply with promises to pay pecuniary obligations. Such obliga- 
tions are generally honestly incurred, and promises to pay them made in good 
faith, and a failure to do so is more the result of financial misfortune, over 
which the debtor has no control, than of intentional wrong. All grievances 
of this character are properly referable to the courts of competent jurisdic- 
tion for a full and complete remedy. An attempt to collect debts, or to en- 
force any kind of pecuniary obligation, through the instrumentality of our 
code of trials, is subversive of justice and against the spirit and teachings of 
our Order; unless, however, the obligation was incurred through some false 
pretence, or the transaction involves some act of personal dishonesty, sub- 
jecting the offender to a prosecution and conviction under the laws of the 
land. 

608. All grievances of this character are properly referable to the courts 
of competent jurisdiction for a full and complete remedy. 

609. The tribunals of our Order cannot, and will not undertake to ad- 
judicate all the pecuniary obligations or differences growing out of civil 
transactions between members or Lodges and members. It would be an im- 
possible, as well as an unprofitable, undertaking. There is no law that would 
prevent either side to any such controversy, when dissatisfied with the de- 
cision of the subordinate, from resorting to his legal rights in the civil courts 
under the laws of the land. 

BUILDING ASSOCIATIONS. 

See Halls. 

610. "The legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge on the subject of 
building associations, has for its chief purpose the prohibition of the use of 
the names, symbols, initials or emblems of the I. O. O. F. in connection with 
Building Associations, which are business enterprises and carried on for 
profit." This is manifested from the provision as follows, to wit: "Nothing 
herein shall be construed against or inhibit the building and support of any 
Temples, Widows' and Orphans' Homes, Asylums, Schools or Halls which are 
used, or are to be erected and maintained, within the legitimate purpose of 
the I. O. O. F." 

611. That the privilege and purpose contained in the exception just quoted 
might not be abused, it was wisely provided that any enterprise m the nature 
of an Odd Fellows' Building Association should first obtain the consent of 
the State Grand Body of the jurisdiction, and comply strictly with the law, 
etc. This regulation was intended to secure a twofold object of confining 
the building enterprise strictly within the purpose of the Order, and keeping 
it under the control, management and ownership of the Order. In any build- 
ing enterprise having for its object the providing of an Odd Fellows' Temple 
or building for the accommodation of the meetings and work of the Order, 
the Grand Body having jurisdiction, or its executive grand officer in vacation, 
should see to it that the building is controlled and owned by the Order, 
through its organization and members, and that it should not partake of a 
business enterprise for profit. "In other words, the use of the names, symbols, 
initials or emblems of the Order, in connection with any such enterprise or- 
ganized for individual profit or speculation, is strictly prohibited." If only 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 79 

BUILDING ASSOCIATIONS. 

owned and controlled by the organization and members of the Order, the fact 
that incidentally some portion of the building, not needed by or adapted to tne 
uses of the Order, should be let or used for other purposes, would not neces- 
sarily divest it of its character of a building for the Order. 

BY-LAWS. 

(a). Making and Amending By-Laws. (d). Proper and Improper By-Laws, 

[b). Approval Necessary Before Effective. (e). Construction and Interpretation. 

<o). How They May Effect Dues and Benefits, (f). By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. 

See Amendment. 

(a). Making and Amending By-Laws. 

612. A Subordinate Lodge has no legislative power, except to make By- 
Laws for its own internal government. 

613. When the By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge conflict with the laws 
and decisions of the Grand Lodge or of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, the laws 
of the higher bodies must be conformed to. 

614. The proper rule for guidance in making By-Laws is for the Subor- 
dinate Lodge to follow the Constitution provided for Subordinate Lodges. 

615. Where the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges directs a provision 
to be made by the By-Laws, the latter must be the guide in carrying out such 
provision. 

616. The Grand Lodge may frame a model code of By-Laws, and recom- 
mend the same to Subordinate Lodges, but cannot compel its adoption. Any 
regulation it may desire to have uniformly followed by all the Subordinate 
Lodges in this jurisdiction must be included in the Subordinate Constitution, 
whereupon all By-Laws must conform thereto. 

617. By-Laws can embrace only such additional provisions supplemental 
to the Constitution as are necessary for the regulation of such affairs, as are 
left to the discretion of the Subordinate Lodges. It may, however, repeat the 
name and number of a Lodge, although the same appears in the Constitution 
and warrant of institution. 

618. A Lodge cannot insert in its By-Laws any part of the Constitution 
or other law of the Order. A Lodge can only make such By-Laws, in addi- 
tion to existing laws, as it may desire for its government, provided they do 
not conflict; but it cannot pretend to adopt any law of the Order and call it 
a By-Law, for the reason that such existing law is already a law governing 
the Lodge upon the subject, and by inserting the same in the By-Laws would 
not be making a law, but would be inserting in its By-Laws that which is a 
law of the Order, which it cannot legally do. 

619. A Grand Lodge has no right to interfere with the By-Laws of its 
Subordinates, when submitted to it for approval, unless they conflict with 
the Constitution or the general principles of the Order, and it is therefore 
not responsible for the insufficiency of the language used in said By-Laws, 
whether construed by the courts or the Grand Lodge itself. 

620. A Lodge cannot prefer a claim against the Grand Lodge for tho 
amount of a judgment recovered against it by a widow of one of its deceased 
members for benefits, which judgment, it is alleged, contravenes one of the 
By-Laws of the Lodge, regularly approved by the Grand Lodge. It is not the 
duty of the Grand Lodge to see that all the By-Laws it approves are so drawn 
as to carry out the object contemplated and to stand the test of judicial con- 
struction by the courts of the country. 

621. The course pursued by many Lodges is causing the Committee on 
By-Laws to give more time and labor in the performance of its duties than 



80 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

BY-LAWS— Making and Amending By-Laws. 

this Grand Lodge should expect or require from any of its committees. It 
is therefore ordered by the Grand Lodge that Lodges when revising or 
amending their By-Laws, shall hereafter be requested to use the latest printed 
Revised Form of By-Laws prepared for the use of Subordinate Lodges, said 
Lodges to be permitted to strike from or to add to such form such provisions 
as they may deem proper. That hereafter any Lodge revising its By-Laws 
(except those working in the German language) shall be required to submit 
its revised Code of By-Laws in a printed form. That hereafter any Lodge 
amending its By-Laws shall be required, in submitting the same for approval, 
to submit the Section or Article in the exact language in which it will read 
as amended. 

622. By-Laws can only be amended, modified or repealed in the way des- 
ignated by the Code of By-Laws itself. 

623. Neither the Grand Master, the Grand Lodge, nor a Lodge has the 
power to suspend a By-Law; the utmost that can be done is to set it aside 
when it is contrary to law. 

624. A Lodge cannot provide, by a resolution, that a designated By-Law 
shall not be changed for a given period. A member cannot, by the adoption 
of such a resolution, be deprived of his right to propose amendments to the 
By-Laws. 

625. A Lodge cannot, by the tacit consent of its members, keep in foree 
a By-Law that has been actually repealed or declared illegal. 

[Note. — The parliamentary procedure necessary to amend the By-Laws or to adopt a 
new code of By-Laws, will be found set forth in detail under the title Amendments and 
Committee of the Whole.] 

626. A Lodge cannot suspend the operation of a By-Law, and the Grand 
Master has no authority to grant permission to do so. 

627. A By-Law is legal when adopted at a stated meeting with only ten 
members present (that being a quorum), notwithstanding 184 members were 
absent, providing the form of law pertaining to Amendments to By-Laws be 
complied with. For the adoption of ill-advised laws, absent and present 
members are equally responsible. 

(b). Approval Necessary Before Effective. 

628. "When the laws of the Grand Lodge provide for the approval by It 
(or its committee) of the By-Laws of its subordinates, such By-Laws, to have 
force and effect, must be confirmed in accordance with such laws. 

629. Amendments to the By-Laws or new Codes of By-Laws of a Subor- 
dinate Lodge take effect from and after the receipt by the Lodge of the ap- 
proval by the Committee on By-Laws, except when otherwise provided by the 
Lodge in the By-Laws. 

630. The Grand Lodge and the Committee on By-Laws have the author- 
ity to withhold approval whenever the By-Laws, in the exercise of their dis- 
cretion in the matter, do not appear to be in conformity to law, or to tne regu- 
lations of the Grand Lodge; and however much approval may be accorded a 
By-Law on its merits, it cannot be sustained or legally approved by the By- 
Law Committee or the Grand Lodge, when it contravenes an organic or sanc- 
tioned law. 

631. A Grand Body refused its approval of the By-Laws of one of Its 
subordinates in reference to excusing a Visiting Committee and the vote 
necessary to order a draft for money on the Treasurer. Held to be an exer- 
cise of discretion in a matter in which the Grand Lodge had full and com- 
plete jurisdiction. 

632. Whenever a Lodge adopts By-Laws or an amendment to its By-Laws, 
the Article or Section must be written out in full as amended, and two (2) 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 81 

BY-LAWS— Approval Neoessary Before Effective. 

copies forwarded to the Committee on By-Laws, care of the Grand Secretary, 
for approval, certified to by the Noble Grand and Secretary, as the action of 
the Lodge, with the seal attached. Unless so certified, the Committee have 
no authority to consider the amendments. A copy of the printed By-Laws 
of the Lodge must also be forwarded, with any amendment thereto. The 
blacks in the form, when it is used, must be filled in with ink. 

633. A By-Law not in accordance with the Constitution for Subordinate 
Lodges, or the local laws, or the general laws and usages of the Order, al- 
though it may have been inadvertently received the sanction of the Committee 
on By-Laws, is void, and therefore inoperative. 

634. A Lodge cannot be permitted to reap any advantage by a law which, 
at the time of its adoption, is clearly in contravention of the published regu- 
lations of the Order, even though it may have been approved by the Com- 
mittee on By-Laws. 

635. The refusal of the Grand Lodge to approve a By-Law of a Lodge is 
such legislation as will affect a similar By-Law of any other Lodge until such 
decision is modified or reversed. 

636. When a new Lodge frames By-Laws, or an old one requires a re- 
print, either from exhaustion of copies or change of matter, the Form of By- 
Laws for Subordinate, Lodges adopted by the Grand Lodge should be used. 
The Committee on By-Laws are not required to approve any not corresponding 
in titles and arrangement of the articles. 

637. Any Lodge revising its By-Laws (except those working in the Ger- 
man language) shall be required to submit its revised Code of By-Laws in a 
printed form. 

638. Any Lodge amending its By-Laws shall be required, in submitting 
the same for approval, to submit the Section, or Article, in the exact language 
in which it will read as amended. 

639. Lodges offering By-Laws for approval will please take notice that 
either full codes or amendments must be attested as follows: 

This certifies that the foregoing By-Laws were considered and 

adopted at a regular meeting of Lodge, No , held on the 

day of 19... 

Noble Grand. 

Attest: Secretary. 

(Seal.) 

640. All Lodges forwarding By-Laws or amendments for approval, are re- 
quired, after the approval of their By-Laws, to forward to the Grand Sec- 
retary's office the printed copy of such approved laws, within thirty days 
thereafter. 

641. It is not the duty of the Grand Lodge to see that all the By-Laws 
it approves are so drawn as to Carry out the object contemplated, and to 
stand the test of judicial construction by the courts of the country. 

642. An appeal from the action of the Committee on By-Laws in refusing 
to approve of an amendment must be made within thirty days from the re- 
ceipt of notice of the action of the committee by the Lodge. 

(c). How By-Laws May Affect Dues and Benefits. 

643. The Grand Lodge fixes the minimum dues and benefits. The By- 
Laws of the Lodge fix the actual sums to be paid, conforming to or in excess 
of these rates. 

644. The approval by the Grand Lodge of a By-Law of a Lodge fixing a 
certain reduced rate of benefits, is not a general law, binding on all the Lodges 
in the jurisdiction. 



8* THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

BY-LAWS— How By-Laws May Affect Dues and Benefits. 

645. A Lodge may, by the terms of the Subordinate Constitution, increase 
its dues by an amendment to its laws. A member who, before the increase, 
had paid his dues at the old rate and taken an official receipt or Visiting 
Card, specifying the time to which they are paid, is bound to pay the increased 
rate. 

646. The By-Laws of a Lodge determine whether funeral dues or assess- 
ments shall be charged its members. 

647. The By-Laws cannot provide, either directly or indirectly, for a sus- 
pension of benefits. 

648. The By-Laws may provide for a funeral benefit to a brother at the 
death of his wife. 

649. The By-Laws may provide that no benefits shall be paid new mem- 
bers until a certain time after receiving the Third Degree. 

650. The By-Laws may provide that no benefits shall be paid for the first 
week's sickness of a member. 

651. The provisions of the By-Laws concerning benefits must be uniform 
and common alike to all the members. 

652. The By-Laws cannot be made retroactive so as to deprive a member 
of benefits already accrued. 

653. When the uniform Constitution for Subordinates specifies how and 
when members become entitled to benefits a Lodge cannot, by its By-Laws, 
limit this right as against such Constitution. 

654. The reason for this is found in the provisions of the uniform Con- 
stitution for Subordinate Lodges in this jurisdiction. That Constitution 
states clearly who is entitled to benefits, and the Lodges have no right to 
make By-Laws imposing other conditions than those found in the Constitu- 
tion. By-Laws of Lodges must not be inconsistent with the provisions of the 
Constitution. Nor can these By-Laws impose conditions on the receipt of 
benefits beyond those imposed or permitted by the -Constitution. 

655. The Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, by stating, in effect, that 
every member entitled to benefits, shall receive such sum as weekly benefits 
as the By-Laws prescribe, the member is limited to such benefits as the By- 
Laws of his Lodge may provide for its members, and none other. 

656. A Lodge may provide by its By-Laws that a member taken sick shall 
not be entitled to benefits anterior to the time his sickness is reported to the 
Lodge; or it may fix a period of time anterior to notice, during which a sick 
brother may be entitled to benefits. 

657. Under our local law the By-Laws may prescribe different amounts 
for different degrees as to members initiated under the old work, but not as 
to members initiated since 1882. 

658. The By-Laws may provide for the payment of a larger weekly bene- 
fit to sick brothers who are confined to the house than it does to those who 
are not so confined, provided that under no circumstances it pay less.than the 
minimum benefits required by law, and otnerwise conforms to the scale of 
dues and benefits fixed by the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges. 

659. The By-Laws may provide a scale whereby benefits are reduced to 
the members who have continued to enjoy the beneficial privileges, and un- 
less specially stated otherwise all such By-Laws include previous sickness, 
and they may provide the reduction shall apply to those who have received 
a specified number of weeks sickness, whether the sickness was continuous 
or intermittent. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 83 

BY-LAWS— How By-Laws May Affect Dues and Benefits. 

660. The By-Laws may, subject, of course, to the provisions of the gen- 
eral law concerning notice, contain reasonable provisions fixing the time when 
benefits become payable, depending upon notice to the Lodge, and fixing the 
form of notice as well as the proof of sickness required of an absent mem- 
ber, not in the charge of another Lodge. 

661. The By-Laws of a Lodge may provide for the payment of benefits 
to its members during sickness or disability, "commencing not more than one 
week anterior to the date at which the same shall have been reported to the 
Lodge." This By-Law to apply only to members at home, and not to apply to 
brother's sick away from their homes. 

662. The By-Laws cannot make any discrimination in the payment of 
benefits by reason of the length of time the several members of the Lodge 
have been enrolled in its membership. 

663. A Lodge may legally adopt the following By-Law: "Should the 
Relief Committee, or any member of the Lodge, believe a brother applying 
for or receiving sick benefits is not so sick or disabled as to prevent him from 
following his usual business, or some other occupation by which he can earn a 
livelihood, the question, by a majority vote, may be referred to one or more 
physicians, whose decision shall be final." And when adopted, the result of 
the final judgment of the physician or physicians will be binding on the Lodge 
as well as on the sick brother. 

664. The By-Laws may provide that absent members, not in the charge 
of another Lodge, shall make application for benefits, say every four weeks, 
during the continuance of the sickness, and that each application shall be ac- 
companied by a physician's certificate. 

665. The By-Laws may provide that a member in arrears shall not bo 
beneficial until a specified time after he has paid his arrears in full. 

666. The By-Laws may provide that a member in arrears shall not be 
beneficial until after he has paid all his arrears in full. 

667. The By-Laws may fix a funeral benefit in excess of the minimum pre- 
scribed by the Constitution. 

(d). Proper and Improper By-Laws. 

668. The By-Laws may fix a graduated system of dues; for example, it 
may require that members shall pay according to their age at admission a 
rate of weekly dues which will aggregate in yearly payments as follows: 
From 21 to 35 years old, $6; from 35 to 40, $8; from 40 to 45, $9; from 45 to 
BO, $10; from 50 to 60, $12.50; this rate of dues to continue during mem- 
bership. Those who are or become members before such approval to pay ?6. 

669. It is within the jurisdiction of a Grand Body to approve of the By- 
Laws of a subordinate which provides for the payment of a higher rate of 
dues by those whose occupations are of such a hazardous nature as to make 
them more liable to acident, or by reason of their residing in a locality where 
the climatic conditions increase the liability to disease, than is required of 
the members living under ordinary conditions. 

670. The By-Laws may permit the Vice-Grand to appoint a minority of all 
committees, except the Auditing Committee, which the Constitution makes 
it the duty of the Noble Grand to appoint. 

671. The By-Laws may provide for graduated initiation fees, based upon 
the age of the applicant, which in no case shall be less than the minimum 
fee directed by the law to be charged. 

672. The By-Laws cannot provide that the acting Past Grand shall per- 
form the duties of Chaplain. 



84 - THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

BY-LAWS— Proper and Improper By-Laws. 

673. The By-Laws cannot provide that firemen or any other members can 
retire from the Lodge-room in any other manner than that required by the 
work of the Order. 

674. A Lodge cannot legally adopt a By-Law as follows: "Nor can any 
brother be balloted for except he has been regularly nominated and be present 
at the time of election or notify the Lodge of nis acceptance of the 
nomination. 

675. Except as to its officers, the By-Laws cannot impose fines for non- 
attendance at meetings, or make a scale of benefits dependent upon attend- 
ance at Lodge meetings. 

676. A Lodge can make a By-Law permitting the Vice Grand to destroy 
the ballot after the result of the vote has been announced by the Noble Grand. 

677. The By-Laws may impose a fine for non-attendance at funerals, or 
for the non-performance of the duties incident to the attentive benefits of 
the Order, such as night watching with the sick. 

(e). Construction and Interpretations of By-Laws. 

678. There can be no legal construction or interpretation of any By-Law 
which makes it retroactive in its operation, except where it may be remedial 
in character, or where it in no manner interferes with vested rights. For 
example, a B,y-Law cannot deprive a member of benefits already accrued 
and due him, but it may use these benefits to determine the amount of bene- 
fits the brother is now entitled to receive under a uniformly reducing scale of 
benefits. 

679. An amendment to a By-Law of a Lodge which is general in its terms 
and does not specifically except any of its members from its operation is 
binding upon all the members of such Lodge, when approved by the Grand 
Lodge or the Committee on By-Laws. 

680. Questions of construction as to the meaning of the By-Laws of a 
Lodge are first determined by the presiding officer of the Lodge, and on 
appeal from him to the Lodge itself, and an appeal from the Lodge to the 
Grand Master, in recess, or the Grand Lodge. 

681. The By-Laws cannot legally contain a requirement that their con- 
struction is to be referred to a committee for decision. Such questions are 
first to be determined by the presiding officer of the Lodge, and on appeal 
from him by the Lodge itself. An appeal lies from the action of the Lodge. 

682. The By-Laws of a Lodge provided that should a question arise as to 
the true meaning of said By-Laws, it shall be referred to a committee of five 
Past Grands, whose decision shall be final. Held to be illegal and contrary to 
the usage of the Order. 

683. The Bj'-Laws cannot legally provide for the dissolution of the 
Lodge and the surrender of its charter. 

(f ) By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. 

684. The By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, or amendments thereto, are not 
submitted to the S. G. L. for approval. 

685. At one time the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania submitted an amend- 
ment of its By-Laws to the Sovereign Grand Lodge for approval, and they 
were referred to the Committee on Constitution, who reported that the Sov- 
ereign Grand Lodge does not deem the By-Laws of a Grand Lodge, or amend- 
ments thereto, a legitimate matter of reference to the Committee on Consti- 
tutions. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania had leave to withdraw the paper 
referred to. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 85 

BY-LAWS— By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. 

686. A By-Law of the Grand Lodge cannot be repealed by a mere resolu- 
tion. If a resolution be passed, professedly in pursuance of a By-Law, it must 
presume the By-Law to be valid, and therefore where the resolution conflicts 
with the plain reading of the By-Law it must control, therefore where the 
resolution conflicts with the By-Law, it is the duty of the officers and mem- 
bers of the Grand Lodge to follow the requirements of the By-Law. 

CANVASSING. 

{See Circulars.) 

687. A Lodge may impose by a By-Law a fine as penalty for a candidate 
canvassing in the Lodge on the night of election, and if the fine is not paid 
before installation, he will not be clear on the books, consequently cannot 
be installed. But a By-Law making the act of canvassing a disqualification for 
office is inoperative. 

688. In the election of officers for a Subordinate Lodge it is permissible 
for one brother to ask another to vote for a certain nominee, while in the 
Lodge room, unless prohibited by local law lor by the By-Laws of the Lodge. 

689. Ballots at the election for Grand Lodge Officers headed "People's 
Ticket," and all papers of an electioneering kind are to be earnestly con- 
demned. It is an introduction into the Order of part of the machinery of 
politics which cannot be too strongly reprobated. If permitted to continue 
to be practiced, it will sap the foundations of the Order, and convert the 
temples dedicated to Friendship, Love and Truth into dens of corruption and 
hate. 

690. The Grand Lodge has the right to forbid the issuance of election- 
eering circulars by a Lodge or individual member seeking to influence the 
vote for Grand Lodge Officers. 

691. When Past Grands of a jurisdiction vote for Grand Lodge Officers In 
their respective Lodges, it is not a violation of law for the Secretary of a 
Lodge, in his individual capacity, to mail a letter or postal card, giving the 
names of candidates for such office to the other Subordinate Lodges, re- 
questing that such be returned with the result of such vote; and to make 
such returns public. 

692. A brother endeavoring to ascertain the names of those voting for 
officers, where written ballots were used, is not guilty of an offense under 
our laws. It is otherwise with respect to balloting on candidates for ad- 
mission. 

693. Candidates for office are prohibited from circulating, previous to 
an election, any ticket, except those having upon them all the names on 
regular nomination. Any candidate who shall print, or cause to be printed, 
circulate or cause to be circulated, any tickets differing from those printed 
and circulated by the Grand Lodge, shall not be eligible to the office sought. 

694. No brother who is a candidate for any elective office in the Grand 
Lodge shall be permitted to address or send, directly or indirectly, any letter 
or circular to any Subordinate Lodge; nor shall he be allowed to do the 
same by the hands of any other person or persons, under the penalty of be- 
ing excluded from the office solicited. A Lodge, by a committee, may address 
respectful communications, in sealed envelopes, to the individual Past 
Grands by name, of his own or other Lodges, recommending one of his own 
members; but such communications must be strictly confined to such recom- 
mendation, and shall not in any way allude to any rival candidate. A Lodge 
or committee, whether appointed by a Lodge or voluntarily selected, violat- 
ing these provisions of this section shall be liable to charges, and, on convic- 
tion, subject to suspension or expulsion, as the Grand Lodge may determine. 



86 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [19u7. 

CANVASSING. 

695. Circulars addressed to the Secretary of a Lodge, whether directly, 
i. e., by the candidate himself, or indirectly, it matters not, asking for the 
names of the Past Grands of the Lodge, and soliciting their votes, are con- 
trary to the laws concerning permissible election circulars, as the Secretary, 
as such, is bound to present all such matters to the Lodge, when they come' 
addressed to him as Secretary. 

CARDS. 

(a). General Provision. (d). Withdrawal Card to Transfer Membership. 

(b). Visiting Card. (e). Duplicate Card. 

(c). "Withdrawal Card to Sever Membership. 

See Official Certificate. See Relief. 

Defunct Lodge Certificate. Eight of Visitation. 

Grand Lodge Certificate, Defunct Charges. 

Lodges. Application for Membership. 

Dismissal Certificate. Transfer of Membership. 

(a). General Provision. 

696. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has prescribed the form of Visiting and 
Withdrawal Cards to be used exclusively throughout its jurisdiction. All 
cards must be in the prescribed form and bear the counter signature of the 
Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge or a fac simile thereof. They 
must be signed by the Noble Grand and attested by the Secretary of the 
Lodge issuing the same, and be under seal. They must be signed by the 
holder thereof on the margin, in his own handwriting, in the presence of 
the officer communicating the A. T. P. W. 

697. A card is complete without the counter signature of the Secretary 
of the Grand Lodge. 

698. In issuing a Visiting or Withdrawal Card, it is mandatory to insert 
therein the highest rank the brother has attained, whether in Subordinate 
or Grand Lodge, or Sovereign Grand Lodge. If the form of the card will not 
admit of it, it must be endorsed on the card, and authenticated by the seal 
and the signatures of the officers of the Lodge granting it. 

699. A card cannot be granted by any other name than the one by which 
the brother appears upon the books of the Lodge as signing the Constitu- 
tion at initiation, or by which he has subsequently been permitted to sign the 
Constitution. 

700. The Grand Secretary is prohibited from delivering or transmitting 
Visiting Cards or Withdrawal Cards or Dismissal Certificates to any person 
whatever, or to any Lodge, except upon the order, in writing, of a Lodge, 
authenticated by its seal and signed by the Secretary. Not less than one 
dollar's worth of cards should be ordered at one time. 

(b). Visiting Cards. 

701. A Visiting Card entitles the brother holding it to visit Lodges during 
the life of the card, while traveling or sojourning in States or other places 
without the limits of the jurisdiction in which his own Lodge may be located. 
This card also entitles him to all the courtesies of the brotherhood, as well 
as the benevolent usages of the Order, if he should meet with accident or 
misfortune. This card likewise entitles him to transfer his membership to 
another Lodge, in accordance with the provisions of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge concerning transfer of membership. 

702. A member holding an unexpired Visiting Card shall be amenable to 
his Lodge for any misconduct. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 87 

CARDS— Visiting Cards. 

703. A brother holding an unexpired Visiting Card, may visit upon the 
Annual Traveling Pass Word that was given to him at the time the card was 
granted, although another may be in force at the time of his visitation; and 
Lodges can examine the visitor only in the Annual Traveling Pass Word that 
was in operation at the date of the card, unless the visiting brother should 
have the Annual Traveling Pass Word in force at the time of his visitation. 
If not, it is the duty of the Noble Grand to communicate the Annual Traveling 
Pass Word in force at the time of his visitation. 

704. It is the duty of any Subordinate Lodge, Encampment or General Re- 
lief Committee of the Order, on application of a brother, and the presentation 
of a properly certified card, to promptly render the same fraternal sympathy 
and attention to a traveling or sojourning brother, being sick or disabled, 
as they would bestow on a sick or disabled brother of their own Lodge or 
Encampment, and pay such pecuniary benefits as the brother may be entitled 
to receive from his own Lodge, as shown by the endorsement on his card. 

705. When a member of the Order in possession of a Visiting Card from 
a Subordinate Lodge or Encampment obtains money, either from a Lodge. 
Encampment or from a Relief Committee, the amount so obtained shall be 
endorsed upon such card, with the date, and by what Lodge, Encampment, 
or Relief Committee furnished, attested by the proper officer. 

706. The possession of a Visiting Card, the date of which extends to a 
date later than when the same is presented, properly signed and sealed, is 
sufficient authority for any Noble Grand, whether his Lodge is located on the 
continent of North America or elsewhere, upon proper identification, to com- 
municate the Annual Traveling Pass Word. 

707. When application is made in writing by a member in good standing, 
the Noble Grand and Secretary of the Lodge may grant him a Visiting Card 
during the recess of the Lodge, which action they must report to the Lodge 
at its next meeting. 

708. In granting Visiting Cards no ballot is necessary, but the application 
must be passed upon by the Lodge. This may be done by a formal motion, 
made and seconded, and put by the chair, or it may be done by the presid- 
ing officer stating that "the card will be granted, if there is no objection." 
The latter is by general consent of the Lodge, and in such case the card ia 
granted by the action of the Lodge as much as in the former. 

709. Upon proper application being made by a member in good standing, 
a Lodge is bound to grant him a Visiting Card, whatever may be his risk of 
health or life in a change of residence, or climate and occupation, and to pay 
him benefits when sick or disabled, wherever he may be located, so long as 
the card remains in force. 

710. Lodges issuing Visiting Cards must state on such cards the amount 
of weekly and funeral benefits allowed by the By-Laws of the Lodge by which 
the same are issued, and are liable for any proper relief afforded to brothers 
holding such cards, by any Lodge, Encampment or Relief Committee of the 
Order. 

711. On the back of all Visiting Cards, in the blank giving information in 

regard to benefits, is the following: "And care for its members by 

at per night." In filling said blanks, the Secretary of the Lodge shall 

write in the first blank space either the word "nurse" or "appointment," and 
if the word "nurse," he shall write in the blank space following, the amount 
paid by his Lodge per night for such nurse. 

712. It is the duty of the Secretary of a Subordinate Lodge, when he is- 
sues a Visiting Card, to endorse thereon the character of attentive benefits 
allowed by the By-Laws of such Lodge, and if such By-Law allow the hiring of 
nurses during sickness, such fact shall also be stated, together with the com- 
pensation allowed per diem for such nurses, which endorsement shall De 
signed by such Secretary, with the seal of the Lodge attached. 



88 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGES1. [19C7. 

CAKDS— Visiting Cards. 

713. A Visiting Card is an official certificate of the good standing in bis 
Lodge of the member to whom it is granted, up to the time of its expiration. 
Therefore a Lodge cannot grant a card for a period beyond the time the 
member's dues are paid, without rendering itself responsible for benefits tbat 
may be paid to the holder of the card. 

714. A brother in possession of a Visiting Card is not thereby deprived ol 
any rights as a member of his Lodge, or as an officer therein. 

715. A brother insane or lunatic cannot visit a Lodge, and therefore 
does not need the Word; but he requires the good offices of the Order as a 
sick brother, and these can only be had by a card certifying him to a Lodge 
where he may temporarily reside. An endorsement on the card of the condi- 
tion of the brother will be sufficient. 

716. A Lodge may grant a card to a newly-initiated member before he 
may be entitled to benefits, or to a brother who has not taken the Third De- 
gree, or to a brother who has taken the Third Degree but is not beneficial, 
but after filling up the blanks of the Card, the Secretary must append thereto 
a statement why the brother is not beneficial, and if the period the card is 
granted for should extend to the time when the brother may be entitled to 
benefits, the date when he will be entitled should be given. 

717. Brothers of a lower degree than the Third are entitled to Visiting 
Cards, and to visit on the same, as in their own Lodges in a lower degree; 
and such cards shall show whether the holders thereof are beneficial or 
non-beneficial, and if the former, what benefits are allowed. 

718. A Visiting Card is to be issued to an absent brother applying for tfie 
same in writing. 

719. If a brother applying for a Visiting Card or Withdrawal Card be 
absent from the location of his Lodge, so that he cannot obtain the Annual 
Traveling Pass Word with his card in person, it shall be the duty of the 
proper officers, upon the granting of such card, to transmit the same to the 
Brother, and also to send therewith a letter in the following form: 

Lodge, No , of State of day of 19.. 

To the Noble Grand of any Lodge of the I. O. O. F.: 

The bearer, Brother , holding a legal card from this Lodge, dated 

this day of 19. ., for the period month, is entitled to the Travel- 
ing Pass Word for the period named in the card, which please communicate 
to him, after due examination, whereupon you will either retain or destroy 
this letter. 

Noble Grand. 

, Secretary. 

(L. S.) 

720. A Visiting Card must be signed by the holder thereof, in the presence 
of the officer by whom the Annual Pass Word is communicated to such holder. 

721. A Noble Grand has authority, however, to communicate the Annual 
Traveling Pass Word to the holder of a Visiting Card showing dues paid in 
advance, if the card has been signed by the holder prior to its presentation 
to the Noble Grand. 

722. A brother who is sick and non-beneficial cannot receive a Visiting 
Card as a beneficial member until he recovers from the sickness and be- 
comes beneficial. If he has recovered from his sickness, but is not entitled 
to benefits under the By-Laws, he may be granted a Visiting Card, but the 
words "is entitled to benefits from the date of this card," must be cancelled, 
and the date when he will become beneficial under the laws of the Lodge in- 
serted; provided, that he has paid his dues in advance down to the end of the 
term for which the card is issued. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 89 

CARDS— Visiting Cards. 

723. If the By-Laws of a Lodge shall provide thr„t no benefits shall be paid 
to a member for the first week's sickness, and it shall issue a Visiting Card 
to a member, the Secretary shall endorse on the back of the card the follow- 
ing: "By the By-Laws of the Lodge issuing this card, benefits for the first 
week's sickness or disability are not paid;" or, in case the benefits are re- 
duced after a specified time, that fact shall also be stated, and if the endorse- 
ment shall be omitted, the Lodge shall be liable for such benefits as may be 
paid by any other Lodge, according to the face of the card. 

724. The want of a statement, setting forth the amount of attentive and 
pecuniary benefits the brother is entitled to weekly, if sick or disabled, on 
a Visiting Card, will not exclude the brother holding the card from admission 
into any regular Lodge. 

725. If a card is duly granted and afterwards revoked, the revocation 
does not absolve the Lodge granting the card from a claim made by a sister 
Lodge for money advanced in accordance with the face of the card, unless 
special notice has been previously served upon the said Lodge of the re- 
vocation of the card. 

726. A member is imperatively required to return a Visiting Card upon 
its expiration, or earlier, if the object for which it was granted shall have 
been accomplished; and a new card cannot be issued until the former one be 
returned to the Lodge, except in the case of a transfer of membership. 

727. It shall not be lawful for any Subordinate Lodge to grant to any 
member a Visiting or Traveling Card who has heretofore applied for and ob- 
tained a Visiting or Traveling Card, until such card shall have been returned 
to the Secretary of the Lodge, or until such brother shall produce satisfac- 
tory proof of the loss or destruction of the same. 

728. The Visiting Card is not returned to the Lodge issuing it where it 
has been deposited with the brother's application for a transfer of member- 
ship and he has been elected. Then a certificate of his election, signed by the 
officers of that Lodge, entitles the brother to a Withdrawal Card, if he is free 
from all charges upon the books of his Lodge. 

729. Any brother in good standing may receive, with the consent of his 
Lodge, a Withdrawal Card, the effect of which is entirely to sever his connec- 
tion with the Lodge for the time being. The holding of a live Withdrawal 
Card does not, however sever the holder's connection with the Order, but 
only with his Lodge, and the severance from the Order in such case is not 
complete, as he is a quasi-member, and may visit Lodges. Holders of un- 
expired Withdrawal Cards, although not members in the strict sense of that 
term, are, as has been said, to a certain extent subject to the jurisdiction or 
the Order, as these cards may be annulled within one year from their date, 
but after that they have no force or validity and cannot be annulled. Hence, 
it follows that holders of expired cards are not members of the Order, nor 
are they brother Odd Fellows. 

(c). Withdrawal Card to Sever Membership. 

730. A brother applied in writing for a Withdrawal Card, "with the priv- 
ilege of deposit." The Lodge granted him a card in the usual form. Being 
dissatisfied with this, he asked that such permission be given him, or that 
he be placed back in the Lodge without depositing his card, or, in other 
words, that he still be considered a member, notwithstanding the card had 
been granted him. Held that the words used by the brother in his applica- 
tion, "with the privilege of deposit," were simply superfluous; that the card 
was legal and severed his membership. 

731. A brother, who was treasurer thereof, applied to his Lodge for a 
Withdrawal Card on August 8, and the Lodge deferred action on his applica- 
tion until such time as his books were audited. On September 5, following, 

6 



80 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CARDS— Withdrawal Card to Sever Membership. 

the Lodge, by ball ballot, granted the Withdrawal Card; to be delivered when 
his accounts were audited and approved by the Lodge. The books of the 
brother were not audited or approved until October 2. Held that a With- 
drawal Card cannot be considered as granted -until it is delivered, when the 
Lodge withholds it as above mentioned, and until such time the brother is a 
member of the Lodge, and entitled to all the privileges of membership. 

732. There is no law to prevent Lodge members dissatisfied with the 
officers, each to apply for a Withdrawal Card, and unitedly vote to grant 
them, for the purpose of applying for a charter for a new Lodge in the same 
place. (See Readmission.) 

733. A Withdrawal Card entitles the brother to the Annual Traveling 
Pass Word in use at the time of its issuance, and to the privilege of visiting 
for the space of one year; after that period he cannot be admitted as a 
visitor, but the card may be received upon deposit at any future period, how- 
ever remote, by any Lodge to which the brother may desire to attach himself.. 

734. A Withdrawal Card must be signed on the margin by the brother to 
whom it is granted, in the presence of the officer who imparts the Annual 
Traveling Pass Word. 

735. An elective officer of a State Grand Body cannot introduce Into a 
subordinate a brother holding an expired Withdrawal Card. 

736. Members holding expired Withdrawal Cards or Dismissal Certifi- 
cates are competent applicants for charters for new Lodges, or for member- 
ship in the Order. There is no limit to the age of the card, but the applica- 
tion for a charter must also be signed by a legal number of Third Degree 
members, who are in good standing, as is evidenced by membership in a Sub- 
ordinate Lodge, or by holding unexpired Withdrawal Cards. 

737. An application for a Withdrawal Card must be made to, and granted 
by the Lodge, and not to or by an officer of the Lodge. Final cards are 
granted only by vote of the Lodge, the vote to be by ball ballot. 

738. A Withdrawal Card cannot lawfully be granted by his Lodge to a 
brother while charges are pending against him. For example, where charges. 
were preferred against a brother in a Subordinate Lodge, and the trial com- 
mittee reported no cause of action; the Lodge sustained the report of the 
committee, and in due season an appeal was taken to the Grand Lodge.. 
The brother, pending such appeal, cannot lawfully be granted a Withdrawal 
Card, as until the appeal is settled, the charges are still pending. 

739. A brother applied for a Withdrawal Card, which was granted by the 
voting sign, instead of by ball ballot, as required by law. He died before 
depositing the card, and his family claimed death benefits on the ground that 
the card was illegally granted. The Lodge is not liable for death benefits, the 
brother having treated the card as legally issued. If the card had been de- 
posited in another Lodge, he would have been a member of the Lodge receiv- 
ing it. 

740. The vote by which a Withdrawal Card was authorized cannot be 
reconsidered or rescinded. 

741. If a brother personally applies for a Withdrawal Card, but before 
it is granted the Lodge adjourns, it is not necessary to renew the application, 
at a subsequent meeting. 

742. A Lodge has no right to proceed to a ballot upon an application for 
a Withdrawal Card until the applicant has settled in full his accounts with 
the Lodge. If the dues are overpaid when the card is granted, the Lodge is. 
bound to refund the amount. 

743. If a brother, who applies for a Withdrawal Card, pays for the same, 
and also pays his dues up to the date of his application for the said card, he 
has complied with the law. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 91 

CARDS— Withdrawal Card to Sever Membership. 

744. When a financial officer of a Subordinate Lodge refuses to settle his 
accounts and deliver all moneys, books and papers belonging to the Lodge, he 
cannot, of right, demand a Withdrawal Card; and a Lodge may refuse to grant 
such card until the brother's accounts are adjusted, and the Lodge is satisfied 
that he is clear of the books and free from all charges of whatsoever kind. 

745. When a brother, properly qualified, applies for a Withdrawal Card, 
a ballot must be taken upon the application; and the affirmative vote of a 
majority of the members present shall be necessary to the granting of such 
card. 

746. Any notice reaching the Lodge of a wish to withdraw an application 
for a Withdrawal Card before a vote has been taken, is sufficient notice to 
etay further action on granting the card. 

747. Should, upon such a ballot, a majority of the members present refuse 
their consent to the granting of a Withdrawal Card to an applicant therefor, 
such applicant upon the payment of all dues, and tendering a written resig- 
nation of his membership, and not being otherwise disqualified, shall 
be entitled to receive from the Secretary, under seal, a certificate that he has 
resigned his membership; and such certificate shall be sufficient evidence 
that the brother was in good standing at the time of his resignation. Pro- 
vided, that upon the refusal of a Lodge to grant such Withdrawal Card, the 
member applying for the same shall have the right of appeal to the Grand 
Lodge. (See Resignation for form of Certificate.) 

748. A Lodge has the right to refuse a Withdrawal Card to one of its 
members, although application is made in proper form and the applicant 
ig of good moral character and in good standing in the Lodge. 

749. The Grand Master cannot compel a Lodge to issue a Withdrawal 
Card after the Lodge has refused, and given as a reason that they were un- 
willing to recommend the brother to all Odd Fellows. 

750. A vote taken upon a member's application for a Withdrawal Card, 
and decided in the affirmative, severs such brother's connection with the 
Lodge, even if he declines to take the card. If charges are not preferred, the 
Lodge is bound to grant the card; but during the interval between the ap- 
plication for a Withdrawal Card and the vote thereupon, a charge may be 
preferred, which must be acted upon and settled before the vote can be 
taken; and a brother may, at any time prior to the vote being taken, withdraw 
his application for the card. 

751. A brother having a Withdrawal Card from his Lodge has ceased 
to be a member thereof, and is in the same relation to it as with any other 
Lodge of the Order; which is to say, that within the life of the card he may 
visit thereon, and he can use it at any time, either before or after it has 
expired, to deposit with an application for membership. His old Lodge, 
however, has a certain control over him for one year, unless the card has 
been deposited elsewhere. 

752. A Withdrawal Card may be declared void by the Lodge issuing it 
for good cause existing at the time of granting the card but not discovered 
until it has been delivered, or for good cause arising between its granting and 
expiration; provided this action be taken within one year from the issuance 
of the card. 

753. An expired Withdrawal Card cannot be annuled as it has no vitality. 

754. The effect of the annullment of an unexpired Withdrawal Card 
would be to revoke it, and, instead of expelling the brother from the Order, 
it brings him back into the Lodge, where, after due notice of the charges 
against him which have induced the Lodge to abrogate his card, and a fair 
and impartial trial thereon, he may be expelled or acquitted. 



92 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CARDS— Withdrawal Card to Sever Membership. 

755. When the holder of a Withdrawal Card has, within a few months 
after its issue, deposited the same in and thereby became a member of an- 
other Lodge, the Lodge issuing such card has no authority to annul it. 

756. A Card of Withdrawal may be annulled by a Lodge before the 
charges are proven and before trial. 

757. A brother who is a saloon-keepeT or bartender and protected by 
the fact that he was in the business prior to the adoption of the amendment 
of the Sovereign Grand Lodge Constitution relating to the subject of quali- 
fications for membership, may take a Withdrawal Card from his Lodge, and 
if he continues in the occupation and within a year deposits it with another 
Lodge and applies for membership therein, he may be legally admitted. 
When a brother who has started in the saloon business since the adoption 
of the above mentioned amendment to the Constitution of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, applies for a Withdrawal Card, the same can be granted, unless 
charges have been preferred at the meeting to which the application for 
Withdrawal Card is made. A saloon-keeper or bartender taking a With- 
drawal Card is entitled to the Annual Traveling Pass Word, and may visit 
upon them one year, though he continues the business. 

758. A Card of Withdrawal having been granted to a member of a Lodge, 
and if, before its expiration, charges are duly preferred against him, and the 
card annulled and the brother, after trial acquitted, his position in the Lodge 
is the same as if the card had never been granted. 

759. A Withdrawal Card having been granted to an officer upon proper 
application, if the card be afterward revoked, it does not restore him to his 
former official position in the Lodge. 

760. When a member receives a Withdrawal Card and permits the same 
to expire by the lapse of twelve months from its date without depositing the 
same, he is beyond the jurisdiction of any Lodge, or of the Order. The card 
becomes utterly null, except as to evidence of former membership in the 
Order. He becomes an Ancient Odd Fellow. 

761. A Withdrawal Card is of no value unless the seal of the Lodge is 
affixed. 

762. A Withdrawal Card, ihe blank spaces of which are written in any foreign 
language, is as valid as if written in English. 

763. A Withdrawal Card is to be granted only by the Lodge of which tfie 
brother is a member, and by ball ballot. 

764. The Grand Lodge, through the Grand Secretary, can issue a With- 
drawal Card to a member of a defunct subordinate who applies therefor 
within one year of the date of the surrender of the charter of his Lodge, 
such card covering the right of visitation for one year from the date of such 
suspension. 

765. The Grand Lodge cannot grant a card to a member of a subordinate 
to enable him to join another Lodge, although the subordinate has not held 
a meeting for two terms, the charter of such Lodge not having been re- 
claimed or declared forfeited. 

(d). Withdrawal Card to Transfer Membership. 

766. Any member of any Subordinate Lodge of the Order, holding a 
Visiting Card in force, or an Official Certificate showing dues paid in advance 
of depositing the same, shall have the privilege of applying for membership 
in any Lodge, without first applying for a Withdrawal Card from the Subor- 
dinate Lodge in which membership is held. 

767. The above is general law, and therefore the Grand Lodge cannot 
limit it to those who make a change of residence. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 93 

CARDS— Withdrawal Cards to Transfer Membership. 

768. Upon the election of such brother by the Lodge to which he shall 
apply for membership, said Lodge shall notify the Lodge of which he is a 
member of such election, when, being free from all charges, and the pay- 
ment of all dues and fees, upon proper application he shall be entitled to a 
Withdrawal Card. Upon deposit of said Withdrawal Card with said Lodge 
to which he had been elected, he shall be entitled to sign the Constitution 
and By Laws, and be received in full membership from such time, upon the 
payment of the admission fees required by the By Laws of the said Lodge. 

769. A member of the Order entitled to a Withdrawal Card, changing his 
residence from the territorial jurisdiction of his own Lodge to the territorial 
jurisdiction of another, and desiring to unite with a Lodge at his new place 
of residence, upon so stating in his application for membership, and being 
elected by ball ballot, as provided by local law, shall be entitled, upon notice 
being sent to his old Lodge by the new Lodge, to receive a Withdrawal Card, 
at the actual cost of the card to the Lodge, and to admission to the new Lodge 
without being required to pay a card or admission fee, but where a physi- 
cian's certificate is required, he must pay the expense of the same. 

770. Any member of this Order who has been a contributing member 
twenty-five years, upon change of residence, shall have the privilege of ap- 
plying for membership in any Lodge at his new place of residence, without 
first applying for a Withdrawal Card from the Lodge in which he holds mem- 
bership. Upon election of such brother by the Lodge to which he shall ap 
ply for membership, said Lodge shall notify the Lodge of which he is a mem 
ber of such election, when, being free from all charges and the payment of 
all dues and fees, upon proper application he shall be entitled to a With- 
drawal Card. Upon deposit of said card with the Lodge in which he has 
been elected, he shall be entitled to sign the Constitution and By Laws, and 
be received in full membership from such time, upon the payment of the 
admission fees required by the By Laws of said Lodge. 

771. "Change of residence" in the above law of 1880 means from one 
place to another, without reference to territorial jurisdiction. 

772. When application for a Withdrawal Card or Dismissal Certificate 
is made by the Secretary of the Lodge to which the brother has been elected, 
in writing and under the seal of the Lodge, authority from the brother to 
make such application shall be "presumed," in the absence of evidence to the 
contrary. 

773. When an applicant is elected to membersnip upon deposit of Visit- 
ing Card or an Official Certificate, it is the duty of his former Lodge, upon 
application and in the absence of charges, to grant a Withdrawal Card, and 
upon refusal of the Lodge to grant the Withdrawal Card, the Grand Master 
shall direct its issuance by the Lodge. 

774. Like every other ballot, whether favorable or unfavorable, a ballot 
under the above laws cannot be reconsidered. 

775. The laws as to transfer of membership by Card do not apply in the 
case of brothers uniting together and applying for a charter for a new Lodge 
by means of Withdrawal Cards. 

(e). Duplicate Cards. 

See Satisfactory Evidence of Former Connection with the Order ; Cards, Admission 

to Membership. 

776. A brother who has lost or been dispossessed of a Withdrawal Card 
or Dismissal Certificate from no cause which should impeach his own con- 
duct, may obtain a new card or certificate, bearing the same date, from the 
Lodge which granted the original one, the said Lodge being tbe judge as to 
the propriety of granting the new issue, and, if granted, expressing on its 
face that it is a duplicate. 



94 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CARDS-Duplicate Cards. 

777. Where a Card of Withdrawal, which may have expired, may have 
been lost or destroyed, the Lodge which issued the same may grant a 
certificate under seal, setting forth the facts of such original issue, and the 
certificate so granted may be used in lieu of a card as evidence of previous 
good standing. 

For which the following form may be issued: 

Lodge, No. , I. O. O. F 

, 19... 

To Whom it May Concern: 

This certifies that at a meeting of this Lodge, held this day 

of , 19 ... . Brother formerly a member of this 

Lodge, presented his written petition setting forth that this Lodge had, at 
the time the said brother severed his connection with the Lodge, issued to 
him a Withdrawal Card, which said card has expired and has been lost or 
destroyed, and praying that this Lodge may issue to him a certificate in lieu 
thereof, evidencing his former connection with the Order and severance of 
membership, as aforesaid, and this Lodge, after careful consideration thereof, 
has granted the request of the said brother. Therefore be it known that our 
said brother , who attained the Degree, was regularly ad- 
mitted a member of our Lodge by .on the day of 

.,1 , and that said Withdrawal Card, which has expired and 

has been so lost or destroyed, was issued to him by this Lodge on the 
day of ., 1 

It witness whereof we subscribe hereto our hands and affix the seal of 

our Lodge this day of , A. D. 19 ... . 

, Noble Grand. 

, Secretary. 

(Seal.) 

778. The Grand Lodge may grant a duplicate Dismissal Certificate to a 
member of a defunct Lodge of the same jurisdiction who has lost or mislaid 
the original. 

779. The Grand Lodge may grant a Defunct Lodge Certificate to a mem- 
ber of a defunct Lodge, who has lost or mislaid his Withdrawal Card, so that 
he may join another Lodge as an Ancient Odd Fellow. 

780. A member of a Lodge at Lawrenceville, now a part of Pittsburgh, 
took a "Withdrawal Card, and is now a resident of South Oil City, in this 
State; lately the brother, having lost his original Withdrawal Card, applied 
to his old Lodge for a duplicate Withdrawal Card, which the Secretary, by 
letter informed the brother that the Lodge, by ballot, refused to grant, and 
returned the fee of twenty-five cents, for the reason that' as he, has been out 
of the Order for twenty-seven years, and being nearly seventy years old, it 
would only be a burden put on the Order, and should not be. The Lodge was 
directed to issue a duplicate card. 

781. It is not lawful for any Lodge to grant to any member a Visiting 
Card who has heretofore applied for and obtained a Visiting or Traveling 
Card, until such card shall have been returned to the Secretary of the Lodge, 
or until such brother shall produce satisfactory proof of the loss or destruction 
of the same. 

CELEBRATIONS. 

782. No public celebrations of any kind may be held in this jurisdiction 
by the Lodges, or members thereof, without permission having been first 
obtained from the Grand Master. (See application for the use of the name 
of the Order; also see holidays.) 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 95 



CERTIFICATES. 

783. A certificate of the Secretary of the Subordinate Lodge of which 
the applicant is a member, with the seal attached, shall accompany all appli- 
cations for membership made to an Encampment, and it is the duty of every 
Secretary to fill out and furnish to any Scarlet-Degree Member, who is in good 
standing, such certificate upon application therefor. No vote of the Lodge 
is necessary upon such a certificate. It is fundamental in the Order that no 
Lodge is required to certify to the good character of unworthy persons, if objec- 
tion is made. (See Encampment for form of certificate.) 

784. A certificate to authorize a brother to receive his degrees away 
from the location of his Lodge can only be granted Dy application to his 
Lodge at a regular session, when open in the Third Degree. (See Degrees 
for form of certificate.) 

785. A certificate to receive the Past Official Degree must be furnished 
without a vote thereon to all past officers entitled thereto. 

786. The Grand Secretary sends to Subordinate Lodges, with other 
blanks, certificates entitling the Representatives to seats in the Grand 
Lodge, and Past Grand's Certificates, entitling the Past Grands to admission 
to the session of the Grand Lodge, and to the conferring of the Grand Lodge 
Degree. It is the duty of the Secretary to fill up these certificates, sign and 
seal them, have them signed by the Noble Grand, and send one copy to the 
Grand Secretary, and to give or send the other to the Past Grand entitled 
thereto. (See Degrees for form of certificate.) 

CHAIRMAN OF STANDING COMMITTEE. 

787. The chairman of a committee in a Grand Lodge proceeded to read 
the report of that committee. After reading a portion of the report, and be- 
fore concluding same, a motion was made that the further reading be dis- 
pensed with, and that the report be adopted. The brother refused to give 
way for action upon this motion, and continued reading the report. The 
Grand Master called him to order, directed him to cease reading, and stated 
the motion to the Grand Lodge. The chairman raised the point of order, 
that he was entitled to read said report under one of the rules of order of the 
Grand Lodge, which read as follows: "That no motion can be made while 
another is speaking." The Grand Master decided the point of order not well 
taken, and the Grand Lodge sustained him in his decision. From this ac- 
tion of the Grand Lodge an appeal was taken to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, 
which held that a committee of a Lodge is a creature of such Lodge, and 
as such, both it and its report are wholly subject to the pleasure of the 
Lodge, who may dispose of the report (and for that matter, the committee 
also) as such Lodge may see fit. The chairman of such committee, making 
for the committee its report to the Lodge, is the mouth-piece of the commit- 
tee, and is not a "member," speaking within the meaning of the aforesaid 
rule, which applies to a member and his individual rights arising from his 
membership of the body, and not to a committee or to committee action. 

CHANGE OF RESIDENCE. 

788. Change of residence, jinder the resolution of 1880, relating to trans* 
fer of membership, means from one place to another, without reference to 
Lodge, State or territorial jurisdiction. 

789. Change of residence, under the resolutions of 1904, relating to the 
same subject, as amended in 1906, means from the territorial jurisdiction of 
his own Lodge to the territorial jurisdiction of another Lodge. 

790. The change of residence need not have occurred after the enact- 
ment of this legislation of 1904, nor after the date of the Withdrawal Card, 
but must have been after he joined the Lodge from which he proposed to 
withdraw. If, residing in the territorial jurisdiction of one Lodge he lawfully 



96 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CHANGE OF RESIDENCE. 

joins another more distant from his residence, in whose territorial jurisdiction 
he does not reside, he cannot claim the benefit of this law to alter his choice. 

791. A brother who has lived for years away from the territorial juris- 
diction of his old Lodge, keeping himself in good standing so that he would 
be entitled to a Withdrawal Card at any time, concludes finally to transfer 
his membership to the Lodge in the territorial jurisdiction of which is lo 
cated his present residence. The new law applies to such a member, with- 
out regard to the time at which he changed his place of residence, provided 
such change was after he became a member of the Lodge he now proposes 
to leave. 

792. A brother who has changed, or shall change his residence, may 
make application, under said law, at any time after such change of residence; 
there is no limit in the resolution as to the time within which the applica- 
tion must be made after the change of residence. 

793. A Grand Lodge has no right to require a residence for any definite 
period before a brother can deposit a Withdrawal Card from a sister Grand 
Jurisdiction. 

794. A member who obtains a Withdrawal Card and changes his resi- 
dence to another Grand Jurisdiction, but has no settled residence therein, 
cannot, within twelve months of the issuance of the card, deposit it and apply 
for membership in the Lodge granting it, he not being a resident of the 
jurisdiction of said Lodge. 

CHARGES. 

(a). General Principles (f). The Charges. 

(b). Who May Prefer Charges. (g). The Appointment of the Committee. 

(o). Ex Parte Investigation. (h). Charges Against a Lodge or Member of 

(d). Who May Be Tried. the Grand Lodge. 

(e). Where Must the Accused Be Tried, (i). Effect of Charges. 

(a). General Principles. 

See Trial, Appeals, Evidence, Testimony, Witnesses. 

795. Odd Fellowship is an ethical government, a sovereignty within 
itself, self-controlling and independent. Within its own prescribed sphere 
its authority is supreme. Its members acquiesce in the teachings of its faith, 
and are required to yield obedience to its laws and decrees. Outside of its 
own boundaries Odd Fellowship never presumes to pass, except in doing 
good to mankind, for that is the limit of its existence. It punishes the viola- 
tors of its obligations, yet it has no physical power; all its forces are moral 
agents. To be declared unworthy of membership by the Brotherhood is the 
heaviest punishment that the Order inflicts — the greatest degradation that an 
Odd Fellow can suffer. Love is the central principle by which the Order is 
governed, the power that gives potency to its resolves. The cohesion of the 
Order, its perpetuation, depends upon an adhesion to the established prin- 
ciples of its ritual, and its fundamental laws, and upon the incessant recog- 
nition by the Brotherhood of the great principle of universal fraternity. 

796. A brother cannot be punished by reprimand, suspension (save for 
non-payment of dues), or expulsion, except upon a conviction by his Subor- 
dinate Lodge upon charge duly preferred. 

797. As a general rule, a brother cannot be put on trial for an offense said 
to have been committed prior to his becoming a member of the Order, unless 
the offense was not previously discovered. 

798. The right to an impartial trial is given by the general laws of the 
Order to every brother. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 97 

CHARGES— General Principles. 

799. He is entitled to be present when the Trial Committee is being 
selected, to have such notice of the charges and time of trial as will permit 
him to properly prepare his deiense, and the proceedings of such committee 
and the action of the Lodge should appear on the records of the Lodge, so 
that the rights of all interested may be protected. If the record in a brotner s 
appeal does not show that his trial was in conformity with the foregoing, 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge may sustain his appeal, and instruct the Grand 
Lodge to require the Subordinate Lodge to proceed to trial of the charges 
in accordance with the laws of the Order. 

800. The entire procedure must be absolutely in accordance with the plain 
requirements of the trial procedure as laid down in the Constitution for 
Subordinate Lodges, which points out specifically the course to be pursued to 
investigate a member's conduct, and these laws should be followed. 

801. It is the right of the accused to know specifically what offense he is 
charged with, to the end that he may prepare a specific defense. 

802. The laws established for the administration of the affairs of Subor- 
dinate Lodges in matters of this character point out specifically the course 
to be pursued where a member's conduct needs investigation. These laws 
should be followed, as any other course, however just it might appear for 
the time being, can only lead to uncertainty, if not confusion, and failure in 
administering the principles of substantial right and justice. 

803. A Lodge cannot require a member, when charges are preferred, to 
appear in the Lodge, before trial, and plead guilty or not guilty of the charges. 
The acknowledgment of guilt, if made, must be the voluntary act of the mem- 
ber charged. 

804. A brother against whom charges are preferred, has the right to be 
heard, personally or by counsel, on the question of law as to whether the 
charges preferred constitute an offense. 

(b). Who May Prefer Charges. 

805. While it is the right of any member of the Lodge to which the ac- 
cused belongs, having knowledge or information concerning the brother's conduct 
which is unbecoming au Odd Fellow, to lay such charges before the Lodge, there 
is no law T which makes it compulsory upon him to do so. 

806. It is the duty of the brother cognizant of the violation of obliga- 
tion on the part of a member to bring charges against the offender. There is 
no law specially requiring any officer of a Lodge, as such officer, to prefer 
charges. In the event of a brother having personal knowledge justifying the 
preferring of charges, and the said brother being the only reliable and im- 
portant witness, he shall have the cnarges preferred by any brother willing 
to do so, to the end that his evidence could be made available at the trial. 

807. In the absence of any local regulation upon the subject, a member 
of one Subordinate Lodge or Encampment desiring to prefer a charge or 
charges against a member or members of another Subordinate Lodge or En- 
campment, shall present such charge or charges in the usual form to the 
Subordinate Lodge or Encampment of which he (the accuser) is a member. 
Said Lodge or Encampment shall forthwith forward to the Lodge or Encamp- 
ment to which the accused may belong a certified copy of the charge or 
charges over the signatures of the Noble Grand and Secretary, or Chief 
Patriarch and Scribe, and attested by the seal of the Lodge or Encampment, 
and the Lodge or Encampment to which such charge or charges shall be sent 
shall proceed to hear and determine the same in like manner as if preferred 
by a member of its own body. 

808. A brother holding an unexpired Withdrawal Card retains the right 
to prefer charges for unworthy conduct against a member of his Lodge dur- 
ing the year for which said card extends. 



98 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CHARGES-Who May Prefer Charges. 

809. If a brother violates the general law or local law of the Order In 
such a manner as to be liable to a penalty fixed by that law, and if the Lodge 
of which the brother is a member knows of the violation of the law, its duty 
is to prefer charges against the offending brother. 

810. If a member shall violate the laws of the Order by becoming a saloon- 
keeper, the penalty to be inflicted upon an Odd Fellow who becomes either a 
saloon-keeper or bartender, contrary to the law of our Order, and who, at the 
time of his conviction, continues in such business, is expulsion; but if the of- 
fending member has, prior to his conviction, in good faith discontinued such 
business, then the penalty is such as may be determined by the trial Lodge. 
In case no one volunteers to prefer charges, the general law does not make 
it the duty of any particular member to prefer charges. If the local law 
does not regulate or provide by whom charges are to be preferred, then the 
duty would specially devolve upon the Noble Grand, and in the event ot 
his absence or inability, then the Vice-Grand should perform such duty. In 
the absence of any local regulation, any member of the Lodge having knowl- 
edge of such violation would be authorized to prefer charges. 

811. When charges are to be preferred against the Noble Grand of a 
Lodge, they are properly placed in the hands of the Vice-Grand, to be brought 
before the Lodge, but there is no reason why any brother may not prefer 
such charges. 

812. When the Grand Master has knowledge that a Lodge has a member, 
admitted since 1895, who was and is in the saloon business, he can get him 
out by notifying the Lodge, through its officers (in case some member does 
not do the same), to prefer charges against the brother, based on the fact 
that he continues in the saloon business. The fact that the member thus ad- 
mitted was ignorant of his ineligibility to membership, and made no conceal- 
ment of his business, makes no difference. He is liable to charges, under 
which he will be liable to. expulsion. 

813. It is proper for a Lodge to report to the Lodge granting a With- 
drawal Card any conduct on the part of the holder calculated to injure the 
Order in the eyes of the community at large. 

(c). Ex Parte Investigation of Charges. 

814. A subordinate cannot appoint a committee to investigate rumors 
regarding the conduct of a brother in good standing, prior to charges being 
preferred against him, and report to the subordinate. The report of such a 
committee that the evidence warranted them in saying that the brother had 
been guilty of conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow is more than an ordinary 
accusation founded upon ex-parte testimony, and is a proceeding unknown 
to and unwarranted by the laws of Odd Fellowship. 

815. An investigation of rumors respecting the charge and conduct of a 
brother in good standing, prior to charges preferred, and against his wishes, 
is forbidden. 

816. Owing to certain rumors afloat, a Grand Master called a meeting 
of a Grand Lodge, at which a committee was appointed "to examine the 
books of certain Lodges, and ascertain whether the laws of the Order had 
been violated in the matter of charges for initiations and degrees." The re- 
port of the committee was adopted, recommending that a committee examine 
the books of the Lodge, take testimony, etc. Held that the action of the 
Grand Lodge was unconstitutional and in conflict with the general laws and 
usages of the Order, on the ground that the Grand Body has not the right to 
appoint a committee to enter a Lodge and take its books' for examination, 
and to take testimony concerning certain rumors affecting some of its subor- 
dinates, it being a well-defined principle that charges must always be first 
presented against the offending Lodge or Lodges, before investigation can, 
by a committee, be had concerning the acts and doings of a Subordinate 
Lodge. The books of a Lodge cannot be interfered with in this manner. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 99 

€HAKGKES— Ex Parte Investigation of Charges. 

817. In a case where the Grand Master was informed that at the election 
of Grand Officers in a Lodge, the conduct of the officers and members was 
such, that if true, it would amount to corruption and fraud; the Grand Mas- 
ter reported what he ascertained to the Grand Lodge. No charges were pre- 
ferred by the Grand Master or any one else; the Grand Lodge appointed a 
committee to make a thorough and exhaustive investigation of the condition 
of affairs referred to in the Grand Master's report, and to report speedily 
their findings, together with such recommendations as to them may seem 
proper. It was held that a Grand Lodge in the exercise of its supervisory 
power, and being charged with the maintenance of the fair name of the Order 
within its jurisdiction, would, even in the absence of specific charges against 
Lodges, or individuals, have the right to investigate statements and informa- 
tion submitted to it by the Grand Master, and tending to bring the Order 
into disrepute. To hold otherwise might prevent the Grand Lodge from ex- 
ercising its proper supervision, and from obtaining such information as might 
be necessary to be secured in order to ascertain who the offending parties 
are, and to enable proper charges to be preferred. A committee appointed 
for the above purpose would not have the power to compel the attendance 
of witnesses, nor the production of books or papers belonging to a Subor- 

'o^nate Lodge. The case of Emmons vs. the Grand Lodge of the District of 
Columbia, where it was sought to clothe the committee with privileges here 
denied it, is not inconsistent with this finding. In that case the claimed 
power of the committee, and not its right to exist, was denied. Ex parte 
evidence in such case can only be used as a basis upon which to prefer 
charges. It would be incompetent upon a trial of the Lodge. 

(d). Who May be Tried. 

818. Charges may be preferred to a Subordinate Lodge against one of its 
members for conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow, wherever the offense may 
have been committed, whether in a Rebekah Lodge, Encampment, or else- 
where. 

819. It is not within the jurisdiction of one Lodge to try the members 
of another Lodge. 

820. No member of the Order, by becoming Grand Master, or holding any 
other office, becomes entitled to immunity from the laws of Odd Fellowship, 
but is subject thereto the same as any other individual. 

821. Charges may be brought against a member who has an application 
for a Dismissal Certificate before his Lodge after five years from the late of 
suspension. ' 

822. Pending the discussion on the granting of a Withdrawal Card,, 
charges may be preferred against the brother making application therefor, 
and under such circumstances the vote on granting the card should not be 
taken until the charges are withdrawn or a trial has been had upon them. 

823. A suspended member may be arraigned and tried without first being 
reinstated; but when arraigned for trial and punishment he must be tem- 
porarily admitted to the Lodge for the purpose of making his defense, with- 
out being restored to rights of membership. 

824. If a card shall have been indiscreetly granted to an unworthy 
brother, the Lodge may annul it, taking care to allow to the brother impli- 
cated a fair and impartial trial, as in the case of suspended members 
against whom charges are preferred. The effect of the annulment of a With- 
drawal Card (which can only be done during the twelve montns in which such 
card has vitality) would be to revoke it, and instead of expelling the brother 
from the Order, it brings him back into the Lodge, where, after due notice of 
the charges against him, which have induced the Lodge to abrogate his card, 
and a fair and impartial trial, he may be expelled or acquitted. 



100 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [15*07. 

CHARGES- Who May be Tried. 

825. When charges are preferred after a Withdrawal Card is granted, 
and the card is annuled and the brother brought to trial and acquitted, his 
position in the Lodge is the same as if the card had never been granted. 

826. An Ancient Odd Fellow cannot have charges preferred against him 
in the Lodge to which he formerly belonged, as he is in no way connected 
with that Lodge or the Order, his relationship to it being simply that of a 
former member who has retired honorably and completely severed his mem- 
bership. 

827. A Dismissal Certificate cannot be annuled; the holder is not a mem- 
ber of the Order and cannot be tried in the Order. 

828. If charges have been preferred against a brother prior to, or at the 
time of the presentation of his resignation of membership, he cannot resign 
until the charges are legally disposed of. 

829. Charges cannot be preferred against a brother wnose resignation 
has been received by his Lodge before charges are presented. 

(e). Where Must the Accused be Tried? 

830. The Subordinate Lodge to which the accused belongs is the proper 
tribunal to try all cases of delinquency, when the charge is cognizable under 
the law. 

831. An Encampment should not assume jurisdiction to try a brother for 
words spoken in a Subordinate Lodge, if the words spoken are only subject 
of charge because offensive to the Lodge for being spoken therein. But if 
the words spoken are offensive in themselves, if they evidnecc conduct "un- 
becoming an Odd Fellow," or the like, acquittal or conviction by the Lodge 
affords no bar to a prosecution and trial in the Encampment. Although the 
act may be single, the offense may be several, and the place where the offense 
is committed must generally be immaterial. 

832. There is no such rule in the Order a.s "to change the place of trial 
of the brother." He must be tried in the Lodge where he is a member and 
where the charges are preferred. No other Lodge has jurisdiction in the 
matter. 

833. All charges against members of the Order in this jurisdiction, made 
pursuant to the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, should be drawn as 
follows, and be signed by a member in good standing. The general charge 
shall be an averment of "conduct unbecoming an Odd I ellow," followed by 
a specification, or specifications, stating the time, place and circumstances 
of the offense, and each offense shall be the subject of a separate specifica- 
tion. 

(fj. The Charges. 

834. The following or some similar form may be used: 

CHARGES. 

,19-. 

To Lodge, No , I. O. O. F.: 

The undersigned, a member of Lodge, No I. O. O. F., under 

the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F., 

hereby charges Brother , a member of Lodge, No 

with having been guilty of conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow, as more fully 
appears in the following 

Specifications : 

First — the above named in violation of the laws of the Or- 
der, did on or about the day of 19. . (here state the offense, 

place and other circumstances, and if there are other offenses, continue with 
Specifications Second, etc.) 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 101 

CHAHGES-The Charges. 

835. The charges having been presented and accepted, it is the duty of 
the Secretary, at once, to send an attested copy thereof to the accused, and 
to notifl him of the time when the Trial Committee will be appointed, which 
must be fixed by the Lodge at a stated "meeting not less than one week after 
the charge has been preferred. 

836. When charges are preferred they must be signed by the brother who 
makes them in his proper name. 

83.7. Charges must be certain and definite, not vague, uncertain, indefi- 
nite, and allege no specific offense. 

838. The following charges were preferred against a member of a Lodge: 
"I charge Brother P. to have abused the laws of our Lodge, viz: First — To 
have misused the benefits of this Lodge. Second — To have been seen at 
work several times during his sickness." Held that the cnarge and specifica- 
tions, were vague, uncertain and indefinite, and alleged no specific offense. 

839. Charges must ^contain definite specifications and otherwise conform 
to the prescribed procedure. The following were the specifications under 
a charge of "Conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow," preferred against a 
brother, viz: "I. Abuse of his family; 2. Calling his wife and daughter vile 
names; 3. Defaming the names of brothers." No names, dates or other 
particulars were given. Held that these specifications were too general in 
their nature, and not sufficiently explicit or definite. 

840. The words "Misdemeanor, fraud or conduct unbecoming an Odd 
Fellow," are general terms, and are too vague and uncertain to place any 
one upon a defense; the specific thing said or done must be set out clearly, 
so that the alleged offending member may know what charge he has to meet, 
and that impartial minds may be able to judge whether the act complained of 
does constitute an offense against the laws of the Order. 

841. The charge must specify some offense under the laws of the Order. 

842. In 189$ the Grand Master reported the following decision: 3. — 
At a regular meeting of the Lodge, charges were read, and at the following 
meeting a motion to quash the charges was adopted. On an appeal, I decidea 
that there is no law by which charges can be quashed. The Constitution 
says that a committee of five shall be appointed. Where, however, it appears- 
that the charges, even if proved, could not be sustained under the laws of 
our Order, the Noble Grand should refuse to entertain them. The question 
of the sufficiency is a question of law to De decided by the Noble Grand. 
The Grand Lodge disapproved that part of the Grand Master's decision which 
stated that the Noble Grand should pass upon the legal sufficiency of the 
charges, and decided that charges being presented, the Trial Committee 
must be appointed and the charges referred to them, according to the pro- 
visions of the trial procedure, as set forth in the Constitution for Subordinate 
Lodges. 

843. A Lodge is required to entertain a charge against one of its mem- 
bers brought by a member of another Lodge, if the charge be in regular form, 
and be properly attested. If the Lodge refuse to entertain the charge, or to 
try the accused, it is then the duty of the Grand Master, on being informed 
of the facts by the accuser, to require the Lodge to do its duty in this regard. 
(See who may bring charges.) 

844. There is no law or usage by which a Grand Patriarch, in his official 
capacity, can prefer charges to a Subordinate Lodge against one of its mem- 
bers; charges should be preferred as a member of the Lodge to which the 
accuser belongs, and transmitted by his Lodge to the Lodge of the accused. 

845. A Grand Master is not under obligations to forward charges pre 
sented to him by a Grand Patriarch against a member of one of his subor- 
dinates, or to become an accuser, but if the Lodge to which the charges are 
transmitted from the Lodge to which the accuser belongs refuses to enter- 
tain them or tc try the accused, it is then the duty of the Grand Master, on 



102 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CHARGES— The Charges. 

being notified of the facts by the Grand Patriarch, or the accuser, to require 
the Lodge to do its duty in that regard. 

846. The charge and specifications shall be presented and read to the 
Lodge at a regular session, when open in the order "New Business," and shall 
be entered in full on the records. 

847. The Secretary of the Lodge will at once hand or forward by mail to 
the member complained of a copy of the charges, duly attested, together with 
a notice of the stated meeting of the Lodge at which the Trial Committee 
will be appointed. 

848. For this purpose, the following form may be used: 

Lodge, No 

19 

To 

Sir and Brother: — You are hereby notified that on this day of , 

19 . . , charges and specifications were preferred against you and filed in this 
Lodge, of which an attested copy is herewith enclosed. 

You are also notified, in pursuance of the requirement of the Constitution 
for Subordinate Lodges, that a committee of five, to try said charges, will be 

appointed at the stated meeting of this Lodge, to be held on the day 

of ., 19. .. It is your privilege to be present when the said committee 

is appointed. 

Secretary. 

(Seal.) 

(gO. The Appointment of the Committee. 

849. At the next meeting of the Lodge, after the charges are presented, 
it must clearly appear that the accused either personally received his copy 
of the charges and notice of the meeting from the Secretary, or that this 
officer at once mailed them in a registered letter to him to h^ regular address, 
which appears on the Lodge books, as the accused is entitled to be present in 
the Lodge when the Trial Committee is appointed. 

850. If the accused brother fails to appear at the time when the commit- 
tee is to be appointed, he shall be deemed to have waived his right to chal- 
lenge, and the Lodge shall proceed to the choice of the committee, as pro- 
vided by the By-Laws of the Lodge. 

851. Where a brother, with charges pending against him, is mailed a copy 
of the charges by registered letter to his last known address, and the letter 
is returned to the Lodge, it should, nevertheless, proceed with the appoint- 
ment of the Trial Committee. 

852. To uniform Code of By-Laws for Subordinate Lodges contains the 
following provision concerning the appointment of the Trial Committee: 
"The committee provided for in the Constitution shall be appointed as fol- 
lows: The Noble Grand shall appoint two members, the Vice Grand shall 
appoint two, and the member against whom the charge is preferred may 
appoint one; but should he fail or decline to do so, the odd member shall 
be appointed by the Noble Grand. 

853. The accused may waive the right of requiring the committee to be 
appointed at the next stated meeting of the Lodge, and his waiver of this 
right will be presumed where a motion is made in his presence, at the meet- 
ing when the Trial Committee should have been appointed, that the appoint- 
ment of the committee be laid over for one week. 

854. While a Lodge cannot require a member, when charges are pre- 
ferred, to appear in the Lodge before the appointment of the committee, and 
plead guilty or not guilty of the charge, nevertheless, if he voluntarily comes 
to the Lodge and pleads guilty of an unworthy action, he may avoid a trial, 
iand it is not necessary to proceed to trial. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 103 

CHARGES— The Appointment of the Committee. 

855. The practice in Pennsylvania has been to consider the plea of guilty 
as equivalent to the report of the Trial Committee finding the accused guilty, 
and the proceedings from this point are then resumed according to the re- 
quirements of the law, by deferring or laying over the consideration of tne 
plea for one week, at which time the proceedings are followed out according to 
the requirements of the Subordinate Lodge Constitution; first, affording the 
accused an opportunity to be heard in his own defense; then motion made to 
accept the plea, followed by the motion fixing tne penalty. This brings the 
controversy to final judgment in the Lodge, from which judgment the ac- 
cused or the prosecutor, or, in the case of acquittal, any member in good 
standing in the Lodge has an appeal, according to law. 

S56. A charge having been preferred against a brother, and notice of the 
same and of the time for the appointment of the Trial Committee having been 
sent to the brother, according to law, he appeared in the Lodge and volun- 
tarily pleaded guilty in open Lodge. The consideration of the matter was 
thereupon laid over for one week, when the Lodge, by ballot, upon his plea 
of guilty, suspended him for one year. The brother appealed, and claimed 
that he had been given no trial, nor an opportunity to defend himself. The 
appeal was dismissed, and the action of the Lodge approved, for the reason 
that the brother, having plead guilty in open Lodge, waived a trial. 

857. A Past Grand under charges is not entitled to have a committee 
composed entirely of Past Grands to try the charges against him. 

858. The Scarlet is the highest degree in a Subordinate Lodge, and one 
of that degree is the peer of any other member of the Lodge, and qualified to 
sit on any Trial Committee selected by the Lodge. 

859. The Noble Grand cannot be appointed one of the committee on the 
trial of charges. 

860. Neither the Noble Grand or Vice Grand are eligible to be members 
of a Trial Committee. 

861. The By-Laws may specify the manner of appointing the Trial Com- 
mittee. 

862. A man, even though he be a brother Odd Fellow, should not be 
permitted to sit as a juror in his own case. 

863. It is error to nominate a Trial Committee from the floor of the 
Lodge, when the By-Laws require such committee to be appointed by the 
Noble Grand. 

864. The Vice Grand cannot appoint a Committee of Trial, although or- 
dered to do so by the Lodge, when the By-Laws provide that the Noble Grand 
shall appoint. 

865. Objections to the members of the Trial Committee cannot be passed 
upon by the committee. They must be passed upon by the body appointing 
them. 

866. No officer who is any way related to the accused, or directly inter- 
ested in the outcome of the trial, can legally appoint the Trial Committee, 
or preside over the Lodge and conduct the proceedings during the trial. 

867. If it should appear that there is no member of the Lodge eligible to 
fill the Noble Grand's chair, but who is either related to the accused or di- 
rectly interested in the outcome of the trial, the Lodge may ask a Past Grand 
of some sister Lodge, who is not interested or related, to preside at the 
trial. 

868. The Trial Committee cannot be appointed, in whole or in part, by an 
officer who is the member accused in the charges. 



104 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CHARGES— The Appointment of the Committee. 

869. On the meeting night set fior the appointment of the committee, 
the Lodge shall, immediately after the reading of the charges, proceed to the 
appointment of the Trial Committee. 

870. Any brother nominated or appointed as one of the Trial Committee 
may be challenged for cause by the accuser, accused or any memuer of the 
Lodge, in which case the Lodge shall, by vote, determine as to the sufficiency 
or non-sufficiency of the challenge. 

871. The same committee can be appointed to act on separate cases of 
charges, but each case must be tried separately. Both cases can be tried on 
the same day. 

872. On the trial of a member of a Lodge before a committee an irregu- 
larity in the appointment of the committee under the By-laws is waived 
by the appearance of the accused, who, having knowledge of the irregularity, 
does not object thereto. 

873. The Trial Committee having been appointed, the Recording Sec- 
retary should certify, under seal, the original copy of the complaint and speci- 
lications, and place them in the possession of the first named member of 
the Trial Committee, together with a notice of the appointment of the Trial 
Committee. 

874. The following, or similar form of notice, may be used: 

Lodge, No.. .. 

19... 

To 

Sir and Brother: — The brothers named below were this evening ap- 
pointed a Trial Committee on the complaint charge and specifications pre- 
ferred against Brother 

As the temporary chairman of such committee, you will, within one 
week, call a meeting of said committee for organization. The committee 

consists of , and you will please notify the other members 

of the committee of their appointment. 

, Secretary. 

(Seal.) 

875. The committee having met and organized, will fix a time for the 
hearing, naming a date that will certainly give the accused ten full days' 
notice of the time and place of the meeting. (See Trial.) 

/ 

876. "It it should appear that one of the Committee on Charges cannot 
be present, whose duty will it be to fill the vacancy? When charges were 
made the Noble Grand appointed three and Vice Grand appointed two of 
committee." Even if the By-Laws of Lodge prescribe that the Vice Grand may 
appoint a minority of all committees (except Auditing Committee), the Vice 
Grand exercised that prerogative when the committee was originally ap- 
pointed. It is the Noble Grand's province to fill all such vacancies. If the 
By-Laws of the Lodge are silent as to such appointments, the Noble Grand 
can appoint all members of committees, if he so desire. 

(h). Charges Against a Lodge or Member of the Grand Lodge. 

877. The proceedings in a case of charges against a certain Lodge, prob- 
ably the most carefully litigated which ever came before the Grand Lodge, 
and which appears in the Journal of the Grand Lodge for the years 1880 and 
1881, sets out, in the fullest details, all the procedure to be taken where 
Lodges or members are charged in tne Grand Lodge with the commission oi' 
an offense. 

878. Where no charges were preferred and no opportunity given a Lodge 
to answer charges, if any had been preferred, the Grand Master has no right 
to deprive the Lodge of its charter. But in case of persistent disobedience to 
his mandate, the Grand Master may suspend a refractory Lodge until the case 
is tried and determined by the Grand Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 105 

CHARGES— Charges Against a Lodge or Member of the Grand Lodge. 

879. A Lodge cannot be suspended from all rights by action of its Grand 
Lodge, without an opportunity to make answer and defense to charges pre- 
ferred; but action, suspending a Lodge temporarily, pending a trial upon 
charges duly preferred, such trial to be promptly given, is warranted by law. 
When such suspension, without charges, trial and opportunity to defend, 
is intended as a final disposition of the case, it is contrary to the law of the 
Order. 

880. Where a Lodge refuses to obey the mandate of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, and pay the benefits required to be paid it by the decision of the Sov- 
ereign Grand Lodge, the Grand Master of the jurisdiction to which the Lodge 
is subordinate may demand and take away its charter; which would, how- 
ever, only amount to a suspension, as the Grand Master would be bound to 
report the matter to the Grand Lodge. Hence it would be the right practice 
to appoint a Trial Committee to hear the case and report to the next session. 
In the Laura Vane Rebekah Lodge case the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania 
sustained the Grand Master where, under most unusual conditions, that 
would not stand repetition, the Grand Master took away the charter of the 
Lodge, and no trial was held. 

881. There being no specified number of members stated in the By-Laws 
of the Grand Lodge as constituting the Trial Committee, it would be within 
the power of the Grand Lodge, or the Grand Master to refer the matter to 
the "Committee of the Whole." 

882. Where charges are made in the Grand Lodge against a Lodge or a 
member, or an officer thereof, the Grand Lodge may indefinitely postpone the 
charges. This is an exercise of its power as a Grand Lodge where it has full 
and complete jurisdiction. The Grand Lodge may lay charges on the table. 

883. The Grand Lodge can expel a member from its own body only, but 
it may require the Subordinate Lodge of which he may be a member to try 
him for a violation of the law, usages or customs of the Order. 

884. The Grand Lodge has no power to appoint a committee of the Grand 
Lodge to try a brother of a Subordinate Lodge. It may, however, order a 
Subordinate Lodge to try a brother, and to the order the subordinate must 
yield obedience. 

885. A provision in the Constitution of a Grand Body that no officer shall 
officiate in the Grand Body during the time of his trial, is illegal. 

886. A Grand Lodge cannot try and expel a member at a special meet- 
ing, not called in accordance with its Constitution. A trial is of no effect 
when no specifications or charges of any specific kind are contained in the 
notice of the meeting sent to the accused. 

(i). Effect of Charges. 

887. The proposition that "a member under charges and during the in- 
vestigation thereof by the Lodge is under a state of suspension, and cannot 
participate in the work of his Lodge," is subversive to that well-known prin- 
ciple that a man is presumed to be innocent until he is proved guilty. The 
only effect of undecided charges is to deprive the member of the right to 
take a Traveling or Visiting Card, and, when the charges bear upon the right 
to benefits, to suspend the payment thereof until a final decision. A member 
cannot resign from a Lodge while charges are pending against him and thus 
avoid trial. 

888. Charges were preferred against a brother for representing that he 
was unable to do work of any kind, while he had been assisting his wife in 
doing housework and in the tailoring business, and on the trial he was ac- 
quitted. Held that having been acquitted of the charges, he was entitled to 
the benefits withheld on account of the charges. 

7 



106 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CHARGES— Effect of Charges. 

889. A member of a Lodge was charged with fraud, etc. He failed to 
appear before the Trial Committee, and the committee resolved to report 
him guilty of contempt, but before the report was made the brother died. He 
had not been summoned to appear and answer a charge of contempt, no such 
charge having been preferred against him. He left a widow, and at his death 
was in good standing, and the By-Laws provided that the widow of a brother 
who was in good standing at the time of his death shall receive certain 
monthly benefits, and also be entitled to funeral benefits. Held that in this 
case the charge did not bear upon the right to benefits, and that the Lodge 
had no right to refuse to bury the deceased brother with funeral honors, and 
was liable for the payment of the benefits prescribed by the By-Laws. 

890. An officer is not suspended from the performance of his duties dur- 
ing the pendency of charges against him, except so far as these duties may 
have a relation to the charges, such as the appointment of the whole or a 
part of the committee to try them or any action upon the report. 

891. It is illegal to provide in a Constitution or By-Laws that an officer 
shall be suspended from the performance of his duties during the pendency 
of charges against him, or that no officer or member shall officiate in the 
Lodge during the time occupied with his trial. 

892. It is improper to require the Past Grands of a Lodge, or its Repre- 
sentatives to retire from the session of the Grand Lodge during the discussion 
of charges against the Lodge brought by appeal. 

893. A Lodge has a brother against whom charges are about to be pre- 
sented for conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow. The son of the brother is the 
Noble Grand, and all the Past Grands of the Lodge are either related or di- 
rectly interested in the trial. Held it will not be lawful for the son to pre- 
side, appoint the Trial Committee, and conduct the proceedings during the 
trial, and no Past Grand related to the accused, or directly interested in the 
trial, could lawfully preside at the trial. Therefore, under the circumstances, 
it would be competent to ask a Past Grand of some sister Lodge, who is not 
interested, to preside at the trial. 

894. Charges were presented against a Grand Master while he was in 
the chair, under the guise of a privileged question, and were ruled out of 
order. The Grand Master, not being under charges, had the right to decide 
this question ; but a Grand Master cannot, by his rulings, prevent the presen- 
tation of charges altogether. 



CHARTERS. 

See Institution of Lodge, Surrender of Charter, Consolidation of Lodges. 

895. According to general law, at least five of the petitioners must be 
Third Degree members in good standing. The remaining petitioners may be 
brothers of the Third Degree holding expired Withdrawal Cards, or who have 
resigned from the Order, or holding Dismissal Certificates, as the case of 
each may be. They need not necessarily be members of any Lodge, as they, 
are in good standing, within the meaning of the law, if they hold unexpired 
Withdrawal Cards. 

896. The petition for a Subordinate Lodge must be signed by five Third 
Degree members in good standing. This is the general law, without excep- 
tion. 

897. The term "brothers of the Order in good standing," must be con- 
strued to include brothers holding unexpired Withdrawal Cards; and as 
the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge require the signatures of ten or 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 107 

CHARTERS. 

more brothers of the Third Degree, and as "brother Odd Fellows" are only 
those who are in full affiliation or holding unexpired Withdrawal Cards, it 
follows that all the petitioners must be Third Degree members, in good stand- 
ing. 

898. A charter cannot be granted to petitioners, all of whom are holders 
of Dismissal Certificates, but they and holders of expired Withdrawal Cards 
may join in a petition for a charter with ten holders of unexpired Withdrawal 
Cards, and thus become charter members. Resignation severs membership 
instantly and totally, and Dismissal Certificate is simply evidence of resigna- 
tion. Holders of unexpired Withdrawal Cards, although not members in the 
strict sense of that term, are, to a certain extent, subject to the jurisdiction of 
the Order, as these cards may be annulled within one year from their date, 
but after that they have no force or validity, and cannot be annulled. Hence, 
it follows that holders of expired cards are not members of the Order, nor 
are they brother Odd Fellows, and the same is true of holders of dismissal 
certificates. 

899. The petitioners must have been regularly initiated into the Order, 
for the purpose of becoming applicants for a charter. A Subordinate .Lodge, 
by general law, has no authority to receive applications for membership, re- 
fer, elect, initiate and confer the three degrees the same night for the purpose 
of qualifying them to form a Lodge. 

900. It is legal for State Grand Bodies to adopt a fc law authorizing the in- 
Btitution of Lodges upon the petition of five Third Degree members in good 
standing, or upon the application of twenty persons eligible to membership in 
the Order. All laws in conflict with this law are repealed. 

901. Any Grand Lodge may adopt legislation, that, whenever a petition 
is presented to a Grand Master or Grand Lodge praying for a charter for a 
Subordinate Lodge, and such petition conforms to the requirements of the 
jurisdiction as to petitions for new Lodges, and the Grand Master or Grand 
Lodge finds that the peititon is not signed by the required number of Scarlet 
Degree members with cards, then said Grand Master or Grand Lodge may is- 
sue a commission to five or more Scarlet Degree members of such jurisdic- 
tion, authorizing them to open a temporary Lodge, and to ballot for, initiate 
and confer the degrees on not less than five of said petitioners, who, after 
being elected, initiated and having received the degrees, shall receive the 
charter and become the charter members of such new Lodge. In the event 
of the petition being presented to the Grand Master during recess, his war- 
rant shall only authorize such new Lod^e until a charter is granted by the 
Grand Lodge, unless the local law shall otherwise provide. 

902. The following form of petition for a charter should be used". 

To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania: 

The petition of the undersigned, whose Withdrawal Cards or Dismissal 
Certificates, from Lodges legally recognized by your body, accompany ibis 
petition, or who request admission into the Order, and who enclose herewith the 
charter fee required by your body, 

Respectfully represents : 

1. That it would be consistent with the advantage of the Order to insti- 
tute a Subordinate Lodge, to be located at , County of . . . . , 

State of Pennsylvania, to be hailed as ■ Lodge, No , under 

your jurisdiction. 

2. That in consideration of such admission we severally promise and 
agree, that if elected we will conform to the Constitution and By-Laws of 
the Lodge, for the institution of which we are now petitioners, also those 
of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of 



108 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CHARTERS. 

the Order, and we will seek any remedy for all rights on account of such 
membership or connection therewith in the tribunals of the Order only, 
without resorting for their enforcement in any event or for any purpose to 
the Civil courts. 

Wherefore, your petitioners pray that a Dispensation or Charter may 
be granted, in accordance with the laws of your honorable body. 

This is also to certify that each of the petitioners has donated five dol- 
lars to a common fund, to be paid into the treasury of the new Lodge, when 
instituted, as an absolute and unqualified gift to the new Lodge; and it is to 
be used in defraying the expenses of starting the Lodge, so that the Lodge 
may start with as little debt as possible. 

Dated at , this day of , 19. . 

903. The Grand Officers, or the Grand Lodge have an undoubted right to 
refuse to grant an application for a charter. 

904. The Grand Lodge may provide by law for conferring the three de- 
crees of a Subordinate Lodge upon five or more initiatory Odd Fellows desir 
ing to form a new Lodge of Odd Fellows, to enable them, or any of them, to 
petition for a Subordinate Lodge in a locality where no Subordinate Lodge 
is in operation within a distance of ten miles from the location of said pro- 
posed new Lodge. 

905. Whenever a petition is presented to the Grand Master or the 
Grand Lodge, praying for a charter for a Subordinate Lodge, ana 
such petition conforms to the requirements of ttiis jurisdiction as to 
petitions for new Lodges, and the Grand Master, or the Grand Lodge find 
that the petition is not signed by the required number of Scarlet Degree 
members with cards, then the Grand Master may issue a commission cu five 
or more Scarlet Degree members of this jurisdiction, authorizing them to 
open a temporary Lodge, and to ballot for, initiate and confer the degrees 
on not less than five of said petitioners, who, after being elected, initiated 
and having received the degrees, shall receive the Dispensation and become 
the charter members of such new Lodge. Provided, however, that this shall 
not be done unless the Lodge is being instituted by an elective Grand Of- 
ficer, and in the event of the petition being presented to the Grand Master 
during the recess the Dispensation shall only authorize such new Lodge 
until a charter is granted by the Grand Lodge." 

906. The commission to the five Scarlet Degree members of the Order 
to confer the initiatory and three degrees upon the petitioners for a charter 
may be in the following form: 

Whereas, certain persons, members of the Order, former members of 
the Order and others who desire to become members of the Order residing 
at , in the County of , in the State of Penn- 
sylvania, have by petition requested to be enabled to open a Lodge of Odd 
Fellows at the place aforenamed, and have produced to the Board of Grand 
Officers who have granted their petition sufficient testimony of the neces- 
sity for and likelihood of success of a Lodge located as above mentioned, as 
well as of their personal desirability as members of the Order, and 

Whereas, The said petition discloses that the said petitioners do not 
have among their members ten Scarlet Degree members with unexpired 
Withdrawal Cards, or who are severally in good standing in a Subordinate 
Lodge as required by the general laws of the Order and the provisions of 
the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. 

Therefore, I , Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Penn- 
sylvania of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the jurisdiction 
thereunto belonging by virtue of the power and authority in me vested do 

by these presents hereby authorize and empower , together 

with .' , who will institute said Lodge at , in 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 109 

CHARTERS. 

the County of , State of Pennsylvania, to open a temporary Lodge 

at the time of the institution of said Lodge and to ballot for, initiate and 
confer the degrees upon not less than, five of said petitioners, according to 
the most ancient and honorable custom of our Order, and these having re- 
ceived the degrees shall, together with the other eligible petitioners, receive 
the charter and become the charter members of such new Lodge. 

And , to whom the Commission to institute said Lodge 

is intrusted, should I not institute said Lodge myself, will make full and im- 
mediate report hereunto annexed of his proceedings, and will see that a 
copy of the same, together with this Dispensation, is firmly affixed to tbe 
minutes of the first or instituting meeting of said Lodge to the end that the 
proper record may be had of the making of any Odd Fellows in pursuance 
of this Dispensation for the purpose as stated aforesaid. 

This Dispensation to remain in force for three months from the date 
hereof and no longer. 

Given under my hand and seal of the Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F., of the 

State of Pennsylvania this day of , . one thousand nine 

hundred and , and of our Order the 

, Grand Master. 

, Grand Secretary. 

The following is the form of return of service: 

To the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F.: 

Dear Sir and Brother: — Pursuant to the requirements of the within Dis- 
pensation on this day of , 19 . . , I proceeded to , 

in the County of , State of Pennsylvania, and, assisted by 

Brothers , opened a temporary Lodge, and balloted 

for, elected, initiated and conferred the First, Second and Third Degrees 
upon the following named petitioners for a Lodge at said place: 



NAME. 



AGE. 



RESIDENCE. OCCUPATION. 



REMARKS. 



and who, having been elected, initiated and received the degrees, together 
with the other eligible petitioners became the charter members and received 
the charter for , No , I. O. O. F. 

The original of this return of service, together with the original Dispen- 
sation, I affixed to the minutes of the first, or instituting meeting of said 
Lodge, and a duplicate I hereby forward to you. 



Instituting Officer. 



We hereby certify that the above is 
a correct return of service: 



Scarlet Degree members 
to whom the original 
Dispensation issued. 



Note.— The return of service will be printed in duplicate. 



110 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CHARTERS. 

907. In a petition for a charter for a subordinate, the names therein 
must agree exactly with the names in the cards presented with the petition. 
The law of "no variation" must apply. No person can be admitted to visit 
a subordinate whose name does not agree with that on the card. After the 
granting of a charter the name of a petitioner cannot be omitted from such 
charter, although he has been expelled from the Order between the time of 
the institution and the issuing of the charter. 

908. The charter of a Subordinate Lodge, being a confirmation of mat- 
ters of record, as contained in the warrant, it is not within the province of a 
Subordinate Lodge or Grand Lodge to change or vary the record of facts con- 
tained in said warrant when the charter is issued. 

909. There is no general law requiring the consent of existing subor- 
dinates to the establishment of new Lodges in their vicinity. 

910. When a new Lodge is instituted, its membership is composed of 
those only who present themselves and assume before the instituting officer 
the obligation required by our laws. The absentees can only regain admit- 
tance by withdrawing their cards from the hands of the Grand Officers and ap- 
plying in the usual mode for admission to membership by card. 

911. The requirement of the production of a card or certificate from a 
brother joining a Lodge upon its institution cannot be waived by the Grand 
Master, the Board of Grand Officers or the instituting officer. 

912. A new Lodge cannot legally be instituted on Sunday. 

913. A newly instituted Lodge must be opened by the instituting officer 
in the Third Degree. 

914. A brother withdrawing from his Lodge for the purpose of establish- 
ing, with others, a new Lodge, and failing to appear when the Lodge is in- 
stituted, cannot be considered as one of the charter members. If he wishes 
to join that or any other Lodge, his card must be presented regularly, and he 
must be balloted for according to law. 

915. A brother out of the Order by Withdrawal Card for one year nine 
months and twenty-six days working to get up a Lodge, and becoming a 
charter member, is not entitled to the Honorable Veteran Jewel after fifty 
years of service covering the above period. 

916. It is not legal to make a Constitutional provision that a member who 
may draw a final card shall have the privilege of depositing the same in his 
old Lodge within a Specified time by a simple vote of the Lodge, instead of a 
ballot vote as in the case of initiating members. The laws of the Order 
clearly provide the way in which a person may regain membership, and a 
Lodge granting a final card has no more power to depart from that way when 
the person holding that card seeks to reunite with the Lodge, than upon the 
application of a stranger. 

917. In 1874 the question was asked whether this law applied to a case 
wherein a member may draw his final card for the declared purpose of es- 
tablishing a new Lodge, and takes a Withdrawal Card from it; he offers the 
card for deposit in his own Lodge within a specified time from the date of 
his withdrawal therefrom? The answer was that the decision referred to is 
in accordance with the general principle that in* no case can a Lodge adopt a 
By-Law for the admission of members by deposit of card in any different way 
from that pointed out by the general law, viz, by an application referred to a 
committee and ballot, as in case of an original application for membership. 

918. It is illegal for the Grand Lodge to provide that when a member 
withdraws his card for the express purpose of instituting a new Lodge, he 
can return his card and hold his former standing in said Lodge without the 
least loss, and this is the only case where he can return without regular 
form of deposit of card; and if he remains in the new Lodge an unreasonable 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. iii 

CHARTERS. 

time the contract is violated on his part, and he cannot be readmitted to his 
former standing without the consent of the Lodge. It is at variance with 
the By-Laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, which provide that no person 
shall, at the same time, hold membership in more than one Grand or Subor- 
dinate Lodge. 

919. The Committee on the State of the Order of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge said that they are satisfied that with great propriety a distinction 
should be made in cases where a Withdrawal Card is obtained and especially 
intended to be used only for the purpose of application for a charter for the 
institution of a new Lodge. Here whilst the brother voluntarily relinquishes 
his position of membership, it is to accomplish a purpose for the advance- 
ment of the Order, attainable through no other channel. But our law admits 
of no distinction, and the event could only be accomplished by legislation. 

920. A member of a Lodge applied for a Withdrawal Card fior the express 
purpose of establishing a new Lodge. The Lodge was instituted. The brother 
applied to the new Lodge for a Withdrawal Card, which was granted. He 
then came to his original Lodge and deposited his card, which was accepted 
without being balloted for by, or fee being paid to his old Lodge. All this 
took place within a few weeks of the first application. The brother paid 
dues and was taken sick. It was held that not having come back by deposit 
of card, petition and the paying of the fee prescribed by the By-Laws, he had 
not been legally admitted to membership in his old Lodge, and was therefore 
not entitled to benefits. 

921. When certain members of a Lodge were dissatisfied, they induced 
others to join with them in an agreement to get Withdrawal Cards for the 
purpose of organizing a new Lodge, and got them to sign a paper to that effect. 
They then went to the Lodge, applied for cards and voted on the applications, 
and at that meeting, being in the majority, the cards were granted. The 
Lodge must issue the cards as voted, the cards having been applied for and 
granted in due form for the purpose for which they were applied for, namely, 
the organizing of a new Lodge, was not unlawful. It is not within the prov- 
ince of any one to inquire into the motives that actuated those members in 
doing what they had a legal right to do. 

922. A Grand Lodge is not compelled to issue a charter to a Lodge work- 
ing under a dispensation issued by the Grand Master in vacation. The re- 
fusal of such a charter by the Grand Lodge terminates the existence of the 
subordinate body. 

923. It is purely discretionary with the Grand Lodge to grant or refuse 
to grant the prayer of petitioners for a charter for the resuscitation of a 
Subordinate Lodge. And when the Grand Lodge has refused to grant such a 
charter, or to revive a Lodge, it is not within the power of the Grand Master 
or the Board of Grand Officers during the recess of the Grand Lodge to act 
upon the petition or grant or revive the charter. And in case they should do 
bo, the charter would be void and of no force or effect. 

924. The Grand Master received a petition from ten members of the 
Order with Withdrawal Cards, asking for the institution of a Lodge. This 
petition was referred to the Board of Grand Officers. Upon the unanimous 
consent of the Board of Grand Officers the Grand Master issued to the peti- 
tioners a Dispensation in the usual form, and instituted the Lodge under the 

title of Progressive Lodge, No. , I. O. O. F. Subsequently the Grand 

Master, upon hearing reports that said Lodge was conferring the initiatory 
and three other degrees of the Subordinate Lodge for a sum less 
than the minimum fee, as fixed by the Constitution for Subor- 
dinate Lodges, investigated the same, and informed said Lodge that 
he would recommend to the Grand Lodge that no charter be granted 
said Lodge, as he was convinced said Lodge had willfully violated 



112 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CHARTERS. 

the Constitution by admitting members and conferring degrees for less than 
the legal minimum fees, at the same time commanding said Lodge to produce 
before the Grand Lodge at its next session, all books and records of the 
Lodge. At the next session of said Grand Lodge, the Grand Master concluded 
his report upon the matter of Progressive Lodge, No. , with a recom- 
mendation that no charter be issued said Lodge, which report and recom- 
mendation were referred to the Committee on the State of the Order, which 
committee, on the following day, reported adversely to the granting of a 
charter to said Lodge, and this report was adopted by the Grand Lodge. 
From this action an appeal was taken, the appellant claiming that when a 
Lodge is instituted under a Dispensation it has all the powers and privileges 
of a chartered Lodge, and that such powers and privileges cannot be taken 
away for violation of law, without charges being preferred and proven, due op- 
portunity being given said Lodge to be heard in its defense. It was held that 
the contention of the appellant is not applicable to this case, for the ques- 
tion before the Grand Lodge was not one of taking a cha.rter from a Lodge, 
but of granting a charter to a Lodge. The Grand Lodge possessed the sole 
right and power to grant charters for Subordinate Lodges, and that power it 
has not delegated to any officer or committee. It has, however, given the 
Grand Master power, upon consent of the Board of Grand Officers, to issue 
Dispensations during the recess of the Grand Lodge, but such Dispensations 
contain the express proviso, "that such Dispensation shall be approved by 
the Grand Lodge at the next session thereof." In the case before us the Dis- 
pensation was properly granted, but the Grand Lodge, at its next session, 
refused to confirm the same, as it had an undoubted right to do. 

925. The refusal of the charter to a Lodge working under a dispensation 
terminates the existence of the Lodge, and like the case of an expulsion, its func- 
tions cease altogether. 

926. And, likewise, the refusal of a charter by the Grand Lodge to a Lodge 
working under Dispensation terminates membership. 

927. A member of an extinct Lodge, who did not regularly withdraw 
therefrom prior to its extinction, can be admitted to membership only upon 
the presentation of a card from the officers of the Grand Lodge under which 
the defunct Lodge formerly existed. A member in good standing in a Lodge 
at the time of its dissolution, or suspended for no cause except non-payment of 
dues, proof thereof appearing on the records of said Lodge or in some other satis- 
factory manner, shall be entitled to a certificate [or card] from the Grand Secre- 
tary, under the seal of the Grand Lodge, with which he may make application for 
membership in another Lodge. 

928. The Grand Officers, as such, cannot, after the institution of a Lodge, 
Initiate candidates nor confer the degrees. 

929. The instituting officer of a new Lodge only fills the chairs tempo- 
rarily for the institution, after which the Lodge elects and the instituting 
officer instals the Lodge's new officers. 

930. A Lodge, on the night of its institution, may, if no local law forbids 
it, receive applications for membership, refer the same, receive the report of 
the committee thereon, ballot, elect and confer die initiatory and other de- 
grees upon the elected applicants. 

931. But each applicant must be balloted for separately; a collective bal- 
lot will be illegal, and an infringement of the rights of the members of the 
Lodge. 

932. Upon the organization of a new Lodge, when it may be necessary to 
confer any of the three degrees upon any of the petitioners, the fee for the 
dispensation in such cases is covered by the charter fee, as the granting of 
the charter carries with it the institution and organization of the Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 113 

CHARTERS. 

933. Those who take the obligation provided for in the institution of a 
new Lodge constitute the newly instituted Lodge. Therefore the officers 
must be selected from among this number, and only these members may 
participate in and vote at the election for officers. 

934. go-called charter members, or those who are initiated and receive their 
degrees, or who are admitted to membership in a new Lodge at its first meeting, 
but after the institution, are not in any sense charter members, and are not quali- 
fied to vote for the first officers of the Lodge. 

935. Any Third Degree member in good standing in a Subordinate Lodge, 
who is a charter member may be elected as the first Noble Grand or Vice 
Grand of a new or revived Lodge. 

936. The first Noble Grand of a new or revived Lodge need not have had 
previous services as a Vice Grand or in an appointive Subordinate .L-odge office. 
His service as Noble Grand to the end of the term entitles him to the Past 
Grands' Degree and to admission to the Grand Lodge. 

937. On and after January 1, 1907, Grand Lodges may use the form of 
Charter supplied by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, or they may use such form 
as they may severally elect. 

938. There is no provision for furnishing a Subordinate Lodge with a 
duplicate cnarter, except in cases where the original one has become muti- 
lated or destroyed. In granting a duplicate charter, the granting power can- 
not change or vary the phraseology of the original charter, and all the names 
appearing in the original must be inserted. It should be signed with an 
endorsement stating that the charter was issued in place of one granted at 
such time, and which had been mutilated or destroyed. 

939. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, in consideration of the due per- 
formance of the provisions of its warrant by a Lodge, does bind itself to re- 
pair all damages or destruction of the Warrant, whether by fire or accident; 
provided, that sufficient proof be given that there is no illegal concealment or 
willful destruction of the same; and the Grand Lodge will support the Lodge 
in the exercise of its duties and in the privileges and honors of the Order. 

940. All the names appearing on an original charter must be inserted in a 
duplicate charter when issued. 

941. The following is the form of the Dispensation to continue operations 
where a charter has been destroyed : 

I , Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Independent 

Order of Odd Fellows of the State of Pennsylvania, and the jurisdiction of the 
Order thereunto belonging: 

To the brothers of , No held in the of 

in the State of Pennsylvania, these presents. 

IN FRIENDSHIP, LOVE AND TRUTH, 
Gome Greeting: 

Whereas, It has been represented to me that the charter of your Lodge 

has been destroyed by , and sufficient proof has been given that 

there is no illegal concealment nor wilful destruction of the same : 

Now, therefore, by virtue of the power and authority in me vested, I do 
hereby authorize, empower, and request you, the present and succeeding of- 
ficers and members of the said , No , to continue your labors 

in the same full and complete manner, to all intents and purposes, as you 
could or might legally have done, if your said charter had not been destroyed, 
and was still in existence, agreeably to all the usages, rules, and regulations 
of Odd Fellowship, and especially to those of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- 
vania and of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F., and not contrari- 
wise. 



114 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CHARTERS. 

This dispensation to continue in force until the next annual communica- 
tion of the said Grand Lodge, and until its pleasure in the premises shall 
have been made known to you. 

Given under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F., 

at the city of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, this day 

of , one thousand nine hundred and , and of our Order 

the 

Grand Master. 

Attest, 

, Grand Secretary. 

942. The charter of a Lodge cannot be surrendered by a majority of iti 
members, should there be in the minority a Constitutional number of worthy 
members who may wish to retain and work under it. 

943. The Grand Lodge cannot require a greater number than five mem- 
bers to hold a charter in a Subordinate Lodge. 

944. Nor can a Subordinate Lodge provide by By-Law for a dissolution 
of the Body. 

945. The charter of a Subordinate Lodge cannot be surrendered if five 
members wish to retain and work under it, even although these five mem- 
bers are not present when the vote to surrender is taken. 

946. The law of the Order provides that as long as five members of a Lodge 
desire to retain the charter, it cannot be surrendered. Before any action lookiug 
to the surrender of the charter is taken, there should be as full notice given as 
practicable, and all members should be notified, or an effort in good faith be made 
to notify all who are within the jurisdiction of the Lodge. It would not be ne- 
cessary to notify or wait for notices to reach such members of a Lodge as are ab- 
sent in Alaska and the Philippines. 

947. Nor does this mean that after a Lodge has illegally disposed of its 
funds and surrendered its charter, and in order to defeat the Grand Lodge in 
its action in the civil courts to recover the property illegally disposed of, the 
right to which is vested in the Grand Lodge by the surrender, five members 
of the Lodge may demand the return of the charter, on the ground that they 
were not present and took no part in the illegal distribution. The rights of 
the Grand Lodge are vested by the surrender, and it has ample power to 
adjust the equities of the loyal members, after it has succeeded in making 
the disloyal members disgorge the illegally gotten plunder. 

948. It is not legal, at an adjourned meeting of a Lodge, to entertain 
a motion to surrender the charter of the Lodge, and appoint a special meet- 
ing to consider and vote upon such motion. 

949. The Grand Master has a right to suspend a Lodge for insubordina- 
tion. If the Grand Lodge sustains his action, and determines to reorganize 
the Lodge, it should order the charter returned to such members of ihe Lodge 
as may petition for it, who otherwise are entitled, excluding the disloyal and 
insubordinate members, and until such reorganization, the suspension of the 
Lodge should continue. The power and duty of a Grand Master to suspend 
a Lodge actually in a state of insubordination is unquestioned. 

950. Where a Lodge refuses to obey the mandate of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge and pay the benefits required to be paid by the decision of the Sov- 
ereign Grand Lodge, the Grand Master of the jurisdiction to which the Lodge 
is subordinate may demand and take away its charter. 

951. It is the duty of a Subordinate Lodge to obey the decisions of its 
Grand Lodge, which are final and conclusive until reversed by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, on a proper appeal thereto. Pending such appeal, the Subor- 
dinate Lodge is not entitled to any privileges other than those accorded to 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 115 

CHARTERS. 

it by its Grand Lodge, which may enforce its decision by demanding the char- 
ter and effects of the Subordinate Lodge for non-compliance with the decision 
appealed from. 

952. The suspension of a LOttge takes effect from the time such suspen- 
sion is published or proclaimed; and as soon as practicable it is the duty of 
the Grand Lodge Officers to make such proclamation. 

953. A Subordinate Lodge exists, although it may cease to act as such, 
until its charter is surrendered or annulled. The time when the charter Is 
returned to the Grand Lodge does not refer back to the time when the sub- 
ordinate ceased to act as such. 

954. If a Lodge is expelled, its functions cease altogether. 

955. A Lodge cannot be expelled by action of the Grand Lodge, without an 
opportunity to make answer and defence to charges preferred. 

CIPHER KEYS. 

956. Cipher keys in any proper quantity can be purchased by the Secre- 
tary of a Lodge from the Grand Secretary, upon complying with the condi- 
tions for their distribution by that officer. They are to be sold by Secretaries 
of Lodges to Third Degree members only. The Grand Secretary can only sell 
them to Secretaries of Subordinate Lodges. 

957. A brother having a cipher key cannot sell or part with It to another 
brother without violating the law. 

958. Where a brother of a lower degree is trying to learn the work, it is 
not legal to let such a brother have the cipher key left in his possession and 
in his control apart from the presence of the instructor. If, however, in the 
process of instruction, it is simply handed to the brother by the instructor, 
temporarily, and the brother's examination confined to the work of memor- 
izing the work of the degree he has received, it would not be a violation of 
law. 

959. The key to the secret work cannot be sold to Odd Fellows who have 
received only the initiatory degree. 

960. The Secretary of a Lodge may sell keys to Third Degree members 
of his Lodge only. 

961. No Odd Fellow who is not a Third Degree member can purchase a 
key to the secret work. 

CIRCULARS. 

See Canvassing. See Conventions. 

962. Circulars soliciting aid, or advertising private business enterprises, 
in which the name of the Order is used, or that profess to give information in 
relation to the work of the Order, are illegal and are not to be read in the 
Lodge, unless they have been approved by the Grand Lodge or the Grand 
Master. 

963. The Grand Lodge, by the general law, has the right to forbid, by 
law, the issuing of electioneering circulars, by Subordinate Lodges, or indi- 
vidual members of the Order, within its jurisdiction, advocating, or con- 
demning certain brothers as candidates for Grand Officers. It has therefore 
provided that no brother, who is a candidate for any elective office in the 
Grand Lodge, shall be permitted to address or send, directly or indirectly, 
any letter or circular to any Subordinate Lodge; nor shall he be allowed to 
do the same by the hands of any other person or persons, under the penalty 



116 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CIRCULARS. 

of being excluded from the office solicited. A Lodge, by committee, may- 
address respectful communications, in sealed envelopes, to the individual 
Past Grands, by name of its own or other Lodges, recommending one of its 
own members. But such communications must be strictly confined to such 
recommendations, and shall not in any way allude to any rival candidate. 
A Lodge or committee, whether appointed by a Lodge or Voluntarily selected, 
violating the provisions of this section, shall be liable to charges, and, on 
conviction, subject to suspension or expulsion, as the Grand Lodge may de- 
termine. Any candidate who shall print, or cause to be printed, circulate, or 
cause to be circulated any tickets different from those printed and circu- 
lated by the Grand Lodge, shall not be eligible to the office sought. A circular 
addressed to the Secretary of a Lodge is the same as if addressed to the 
Lodge. 

964. Printing an unlawful communication in a newspaper or fraternal 
paper makes the paper, to all intents and purposes, a circular. 

965. The sending of free copies of newspapers, or fraternal papers, con- 
taining illegal communications to Lodges and Past Grands, not subscribers, 
makes the communication a circular, and subjects the person or persons con- 
cerned in the same, to the penalty for sending improper election circulars. 

CLAIMS FOR BENEFITS. 

Bee Appeals for Benefits. See Counsel and Continuances. 

Commissioner. Appeals. 

966. When a claim is made against a Lodge for benefits, and the Lodge 
has what it deems a good and valid defense, it cannot rest upon that de- 
fense and refuse to appoint a commissioner and take testimony in the case, 
but must proceed according to the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, pre- 
senting its testimony, noting its objections, and making its statements, so 
that the same may be determined by the Committee on Appeals, in case the 
claimant should not be satisfied with the final action of the Lodge, after 
it has again considered the claim in the light of the evidence presented. 

967. A Lodge cannot lawfully deny to a claimant the right to appeal from 
its action to the Grand Lodge. 

968. It is not contemplated that the notice required by the Constitution 
of Subordinate Lodges from persons aggrieved at the action of the Lodge for 
failing to pay benefits that are claimed to be due must be made within thirty 
(30) days from the time when the benefits claimed began to accrue, but 
thirty (30) days after the Lodge has formally communicated to the claimant 
the action of the Lodge in refusing to pay the benefits that are claimed to 
be due; provided, however, as set forth in the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, 
that no appeal relative to the non-payment of weekly or funeral benefits 
that may be due or claimed by or from a Lodge, shall be acted on when it 
appears that more than three (3) months have elapsed from the time the 
benefits have accrued, or are alleged to have accrued, and the filing of the 
appeal, unless the party, or his legal representative, shall be absent from the 
State, in which case the time shall be extended to six (6) months. 

969. The fact that a brother demands too much or too little in making 
his formal claim for benefits to the Lodge, does not bar his right to the 
amount that is subsequently adjudged to him within the period of time for 
which he filed his claim for benefits. 

970. The law of this jurisdiction provides that no appeal relative to the 
non-payment of benefits which may be due or claimed from a Lodge shall be 
acted on, when it appears that more than three months have elapsed from the 
time the benefits have accrued, or claimed to have accrued, and the filing of 
the appeal, unless the party, or his legal representative, shall be absent from 
the State, in which case the time shall be extended to six months. A brother 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 117 

CLAIMS FOE BENEFITS. 

claimed benefits, which were refused him, and he appealed therefrom. The 
appeal was pending for over a year, and, in the meantime, although he 
claimed to have been continuously disabled and entitled to benefits, he neg- 
lected to appeal again from the refusal of the Lodge to pay the benefits. 
Held that the statute of limitations operated to cut off all benefits six months 
prior to any appeal, and that in all cases of continued sickness or disability 
under the law in question, when the brother intends to claim benefits while 
his appeal is pending, he should, at the end of the limited time, make a new 
demand, and upon his Lodge again refusing payment, he must again appeal. 

971. When the report of a Commissioner on a claim for benefits is before 
the Lodge for final determination, the Noble Grand cannot declare a "motion 
to pay the benefits claimed" out of order, because the testimony did not show 
the brother entitled, but it is the duty of the Noble Grand to put the motion. 
In other words, the question is one for the Lodge alone to decide. 

972. The following forms may be used in the procedure for determining 
claims for benefits: The procedure concerning claims for benefits is equivalent 
to a civil suit at law, where personal service is not absolutely essential, therefore, 
service of notice shall be either by delivering the communication personally to 
the brother, or by leaving it at his place of residence with an adult member of the 
family, or, in case the brother is beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge, 
by mailing a registered letter to him containing said notice, at his last known 
place of residence. It is the duty of the Warden to convey all summonses that 
may be issued, unless otherwise directed by the expressed terms of the law. 

(a) Form when the Lodge refuses to pay benefits : 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. P. 

, 19... 

(Brother's Name.) 

Sir and Brother: — In reference to your application for benefits for.... 

the undersigned, as Secretary of the Lodge, in performance of 

his duty as presented by the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges concerning 
applications for benefits hereby fraternally informs you that this Lodge, at 

its meeting held , 19. ., decided that you are not entitled to the 

same, for the reason that 

Yours fraternally, 



, Secretary. 

(Seal.) 

(b) Form when the Lodge refuses to continue paying benefits: 

Lodge, No I. O. O. F. 

19... 

(Brother's Name.) 

Sir and Brother: — In reference to the continuance of your benefits for 
, the undersigned, as Secretary of the Lodge, in perform- 
ance of his duty as prescribed by the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges 
concerning discontinuance of benefits, hereby fraternally informs you that 
this Lodge, at its meeting held , 19. ., decided that it would dis- 
continue paying the same, for the reason that 

Yours fraternally, 

, Secretary. 

(Seal.) 

(c) Form of complaint or notice of claim for benefits: 

To the Officers and Members of Lodge, No I. O. O. F.: 

Sirs and Brothers: — The undersigned, a member of good standing in 
Lodge, No , hereby gives notice that he deems himself ag- 



118 . THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CLAIMS FOR BENEFITS. 

grieved by the action of the Lodge in not paying the benefits 

claimed by him, and requests that the Lodge do now proceed, in accordance 
with the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, to appoint a suitable member 
as a Commissioner, to take testimony in the case, giving the undersigned 
due notice of the time and place of meeting to take the testimony, in con- 
formity with the laws of the Order. 

A copy of the above was served upon the Lodge on the day 

of 19... 

Attest: 

(d) Form for appointment of Commissioner: 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. F. 

, 19... 

(Brother's Name.) 

Sir and Brother: — Brother has felt aggrieved at the action 

of this Lodge in refusing to pay him benefits that he claims to be due, and 
having given the Lodge notice thereof, the Noble Grand of the Lodge, at the 
meeting held , appointed you Commissioner to take the tes- 
timony that either the above named brother or the Lodge may offer in rela- 
tion to the case. 

Your acceptance of this appointment and prompt performance of your 
duties will be appreciated by both parties to this controversy. 

Yours fraternally, 

, Secretary. 

(Seal.) 

The duties of the Commissioner are fully set forth in the Constitution 
for Subordinate Lodges, also in the Pennsylvania Digest. 

(e) Form of notice of the filing of the Commissioner's report and con- 
sideration thereof. 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. F. 

19... 

(Brother's Name.) 

Sir and Brother: — You will take notice that Bro , the 

Commissioner who has taken the testimony in the matter of your claim 
against this Lodge for benefits, has made his report, and the same will be 

considered at the next meeting of the Lodge, to be held 19.., 

at which time all the evidence in the case will be read and the claim finally 
determined. 

Yours fraternally, 

Secretary. 

(Seal.) 

(f) Form of notice of final action of the Lodge; 

Lodge, No I. O. O. F. 

19 

(Brother's Name.) 

Sir and Brother: — You will take notice that in the matter of your claim 
for benefits the Lodge, at its meeting held , 19 . . , after consider- 
ing the report of the Commissioner, including the reading of all the evidence, 
finally determined that 

You are therefore informed, according to law, that if you are still dis- 
satisfied with the action of this Lodge you can appeal to the Grand Lodge 
at any time within thirty days from the date of the service of this notice, 
by filing an appeal with the undersigned, as the Secretary of the Lodge; 
otherwise the action of the Lodge, at the expiration of said time, will be final 
and conclusive. 

Yours fraternally, 

, Secretary. 

(Seal.) 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 119 



COLLECTING DEBTS. 

See Obtaining Credit. See Pecuniary Obligations. 

Bringing Suit. 

973. A Subordinate Lodge has no jurisdiction to enforce the collection of 
debts, and the fact that the disputed claim is against a Lodge, instead of an 
individual, cannot change the principle. 

COMMISSIONER. 

See Appeals for Benefits. See Evidenoe. 
Trials. Testimony. 

Counsel and Continuances. Witnesses. 

Claims for Benefits. 

974. The Commissioner is a mere ministerial officer. He has no power to 
make any ruling. His duty is to take down what is offered, and leave to the 
Lodge and to the Appeal Committee to pass upon the relevancy or the irrele- 
vancy of the proposed proofs. 

975. A Subordinate Lodge may legally appoint a brother of another Lodge 
to act as Commissioner on an Appeal Case for a brother who is refused 
benefits. 

876. The Commissioner is the judge of the time and place of meeting to 
take testimony, subject to appeal from any unreasonable act in such deter- 
mination and removal from any unjust exercise of the power given him. 

977. The aggrieved party shall, at the time and place appointed by the 
Commissioner, present his witnesses. 

978. The testimony of the witnesses, or witness, shall be written down 
with ink by the Commissioner, and after the examination is over it shall be 
read to the witness, and corrected, if any corrections are necessary, and after- 
wards signed by the witness. 

979. After the aggrieved party is through with his witnesses, the wit- 
nesses for the Lodge shall be presented, and their testimony shall be taken 
in the same manner. 

980. If the parties agree thereto, the testimony may be taken by a sten- 
ographer, a member of the Order, and read to the witness, when typewritten, 
and signed by him or her, after reading and verification. 

981. After having examined sucbj witnesses as the appellant may have to 
offer to sustain his claim for benefits, the Commissioner shall give him at 
least one week's notice of the time and place of his meeting the parties to 
take depositions upon the part of the Lodge. This rule must be complied 
with, unless both parties, with the consent of the Commissioner, agree upon 
a more satisfactory course of procedure. The Commissioner must give all 
parties a reasonable time to present their witnesses and to have them ex- 
amined. Both parties may present rebuttal evidence, after the evidence in 
chief has been closed. 

982. W!hen the Commissioner is taking the testimony, all persons will be 
excluded from the room except the parties and their counsel and the witness 
under examination. Either party may be assisted by counsel, who must be 
a member of the Order. When the testimony is all taken, the Commissioner will 
at once certify the same to the Lodge as being the full and correct testimony taken 
by him. 

983. If any objections are made to the testimony of witnesses by either 
party, the Commissioner shall note the objections in writing, as offered by 
the objecting party, and then proceed to take down the testimony, as if no 
objection had been made. 



120 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1901. 

COMMISSIONER. 

984. If a paper is offered in evidence by either party, and the opposite 
party objects to its reception in the case, the Commissioner shall designate 
the paper and state: "Paper marked ("A") was presented by (here name the 
party), and objected to by the opposite party for the following reasons viz.: '' 

9B5. New evidence may be introduced after the case has been closed on 
either side, if there be reasons for so doing. Such new evidence need not 
be confined to that which is merely rebuttal. The tribunal which decides 
the case finally must exercise its discretion as to the evidence thus presented. 

986. After taking all the testimony the parties may offer, the Commis- 
sioner shall report the same to the Lodge. And certify the same to the Lod^e 
as being the full and correct testimony taken by him. 

987. Should the aggrieved party appeal from the final action of the Lodge 
to the Grand Lodge, the original testimony taken by the Commissioner must 
be sent up to the Grand Lodge. 

COMMITTEE. 

988. The report of a committee shall be signed by a majority of its mem- 
bers; nevertheless a minority of a committee shall have power to make a 
minority report after a majority report has been presented. In case of a 
majority and minority report, the Lodge can only act on the majority report 
as that is the report of the committee; though the Lodge may on motion 
amend the majority report by substituting in lieu thereof the minority report, 
unless this is done no action is necessary on the minority report at all. 

989. Where the By-Laws provide that the Vice Grand appoint the mi- 
nority of all committees, and one of his appointees resigns or declines, the 
vacancy is filled by the Noble Grand, as the Vice Grand exercised his pre- 
rogative when the committee was originally appointed. 

990. Expenses properly incurred by a Committee in the discharge of the 
duties assigned to the committee by a Lodge, are chargeable to the Lodge. 

991. A committee was appointed from a Lodge to act with brothers from 
sister Lodges to make arrangements for a reunion and this committee levied 
a tax upon the membership of the several Lodges of 10 cents per member. 
This committee had no right to levy such tax, and it cannot be charged up 
against the brothers on the books of the Lodge. 

992. When a Lodge appointed a committee to make arrangements for 
an excursion of the members, the railroad required a certain guaranteed 
amount, and after the excursion it was found that there was not sufficient 
tickets sold to fulfil the guarantee. The committee cannot lawfully collect 
the deficiency from the Lodge. 

993. The chairman of all Grand Lodge committees shall make a brief 
report to the Grand Master once in three months, and if it shall appear that 
the operations of a committee have been retarded by the remissness of any 
member or members thereof, the Grand Master shall remove such member 
or members, and supply the vacancy by a new appointment. 

994. Although the By-Laws may be silent on the subject, yet when ap- 
pointed on a committee it is the duty of a member of a Lodge to serve unless 
excused by the N. G. of the Lodge. 

995. One of the first principles of parliamentary law is that a committee 
is the creature of the appointing body, and must report its acts to the body 
creating it, unless otherwise authorized by such body. 

996. The chairman of a committee shall call it together, and notify the 
other members of the time and place of meeting. 

997. Every committee shall make its final report in writing, if required 
so to do; but if unable to report finally at any time when a report be called 
for, a clear and explicit report of the proceedings shall be given. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 12: 



COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. 

998. A committee of the whole is a committee of a legislative body, con- 
sisting of all the members sitting in a deliberative rather than a legislative 
character for formal consultation and preliminary consideration of matters 
awaiting legislative action. By the general law of the Order the Grand 
Lodge or a Subordinate Lodge may constitute itself a committee of the whole 
upon any legislative matter. 

999. As a fact, most of the legislation in the Grand Lodge is transacted 
in this manner, as the records of every session show that after the Grand 
Lodge has passed upon a matter seriatim and expressed its clear legislative 
intention upon each separate division of the subject before it, without a 
formal vote having been had that the Grand Lodge would consider the matter 
in committee of the whole, and another resolution after such separate action 
that the committee of the whole will now arise and report to the Grand Lodge 
a motion is made and put by the chair, "That the subject matter be adopted 
as a whole as amended," or some motion equivalent thereto, tnus showing 
that each of the subdivisions was held in abeyance until all the subdivisions 
had been separately considered and acted upon, when final action was 
taken on the subject as one particular object of legislation, otherwise the 
last motion was futile and inaccurate according to parliamentary procedure. 

1000. When a motion for the adoption of the subject as a whole, is be- 
fore the Grand Lodge, the rule established by the rulings of the Grand Lodge 
is that this motion, like the motion to adopt the report of any other com- 
mittee, may be amended or changed in any parliamentary way. 

1001. But when the motion is for tne adoption of the Code of Laws as a 
whole, after having been considered separately, no amendment can be made 
to the motion. If any separate section that makes up the whole boay of laws 
is unsatisfactory, a motion to reconsider the same should have been made 
before the motion to adopt the Code of Laws as a whole was before the Grand 
Lodge, or the motion to adopt may be defeated, when the section may then 
on motion be reconsidered, and then the motion to adopt as a whole may be 
again made. In committee of the whole on the subject of adopting a Code of 
Laws, a majority passes each section or amendment thereto. While the 
motion to adopt as a whole must have the constitutional majority. 

1002. The Constitution of the Grand Lodge not specifying the number 
of members of the Grand Lodge to constitute a Committee on Charges, they 
may, if the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge so direct, be referred to the 
committee of the whole in the Grand Lodge. 



COMMITTEE Oil BY-LAWS. 

1003. The Committee on By-Laws have a right to withhold approval of 
all By-Laws that do not conform to law. 

1004. While the Grand Lodge has framed a model Code of By-Laws and 
recommended the same to the Subordinate Lodges in this jurisdiction, never- 
theless the Committee on By-Laws cannot say that it will approve only this 
code of laws. 

1005. The Committee on By-Laws has no right to make new laws for the 
Subordinate Lodges, or to disapprove by-laws which are not in conflict with 
law, and it can only amend a by-law in so far as may be necessary to make 
it conform to the general or local law. 

1006. The decision of the Grand Lodge of an appeal from the decision 
of the Committee on By-Laws, is such legislation as will affect a similar by- 
law of any other Subordinate Lodge until such decision is modified or re- 
versed. 



122 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



COMMITTEE OH HOMES AND KINDRED CHARITIES. 

1007. The Committee on Homes and Kindred Charities shall prepare 
and send up to the Grand Secretary their report in sufficient time to be 
printed with the printed reports for distribution at the Annual Sessions of 
the Grand Lodge. 

COMMITTEE ON PRINTING. 

1008. The Printing Committee in awarding the yearly contract for print- 
ing is given power to use its discretion in awarding the yearly contract, so 
that the time when the work shall be produced shall be an element of ad- 
visability in the award; the committee finding that sometimes the lowest 
price is synonymous with an unconscionable delay, and if the reports are 
so long delayed that interest therein is lost, the purpose for which they are 
issued is defeated. 

COMMUNICATIONS. 

1009. All communications from Subordinate Lodges or from members of 
the Order in this jurisdiction must be in the English language. When the 
communication is from a Lodge, it must be over the seal of the Lodge, at- 
tested by the Secretary. 

1010. A member entitled to address a communication to any body of the 
Order, if he be unable to write the language in which such body conducts its 
work, cannot be denied the right to make such address in English. 

1011. When the minutes of a Lodge are kept in other than the English 
language, whenever it may be necessary to forward to the Grand Lodge or 
Grand Lodge Officers, extracts therefrom, a copy of the minutes must be 
sent in the language in which they are recorded, accompanied with a trans- 
lation into English. 

1012. Any expense for postage for transmitting the benefits to the address 
of a member located at a distance from the Lodge, should be defrayed by the 
member. 

1013. A member violates no law or obligation in neglecting to answer 
letters written to him by his Lodge in reference to his claim for benefits, 
and such neglect is no cause for charges. 

1014. A Lodge is justified in refusing attention to any document of an- 
other Lodge not attested by its seal. 



CONDUCTOR. 

1015. It shall be the duty of the Conductor to introduce the applicants 
for the reception of the Degrees and to see that the members and visitors 
are properly clothed according to their rank and station. 

1016. At the direction of the Noble Grand, he may assist the Warden in 
taking up the Password. 



CONFINED TO THE HOUSE. 

1017. Whether or not a Lodge may provide by its By-Laws for the pay- 
ment of a larger weekly benefit to sick brothers who are confined to the house 
than it does to those not so confined is a matter for local legislation, pro- 
vided that under no circumstances it pays less than the minimum benefit 
required by general law. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 123 



CONFLICT OF LAWS. 

(a). The Ritual. (d). The Subordinate Constitution. 

(b). The General Law. (e). The Lodge By-Laws. 

(c). The Local Law. (f). Inconsistent Provisions. 

(a). The Ritual. 

1018. In matters purely ritualistic the ritual takes precedence. 

1019. The ritual takes precedence over a constitutional or statutory law 
in all matters purely ritualistic, such as opening and closing lodges, con- 
ferring degrees, etc. 

1020. In any conflict between the "floor work" and ritual or law, the 
ritual must govern. 

(b.) The General Law. 

1021. In all matters arising under the constitution, by-laws, legislation 
and decisions of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, or, as it is more usually styied, ''the 
general law." The constitution of the S. G L. is the supreme law, and where any 
other law conflicts with it, such law must give way to it. 

1022. A decision of the Grand Sire, although approved by the S. G. L., 
cannot alter in any respect either constitutional or ritualistic law. Such 
law can be modified, amended and repealed only through and by the process 
prescribed therefor by the S. G. L. An approved decision of the Grand 
Sire is immediately operative in all matters, except where a particular man- 
ner for making changes in the law is prescribed, and the constitution and 
rituals cannot be altered by resolution of the S. G. L. itself, unless it has 
taken the course prescribed by law. 

1023. A decision of the Grand Sire, made during recess and approved 
by the S. G. L. at the next session, is superseded by a law adopted at said 
session of the Grand Lodge although adopted before the said decision was 
approved. 

1024. A resolution in conflict with the constitution is out of order. For 
example, a resolution offered in the Sovereign Grand Lodge "that the several 
State, District and Territorial Grand Lodges have jurisdiction over all sus- 
pended members residing within their territorial limits, and may prescribe 
the terms upon which they may be admitted to membership," is not in order 
it being in conflict with the constitution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

1025. A By-Law of the S. G. L. cannot be superseded or set aside except 
in the way provided in the constitution. The by-laws of the S. G. L., made 
in pursuance of the constitution, are the supreme law of the Order, and 
such a law cannot be set aside by a decision of the Grand Sire, though 
approved by the S. G. L. 

1026. Since 1879 all general laws passed by the S. G. L., not otherwise 
specially provided for, shall go into effect on the first day of January aftej 
their passage. For example, a resolution declaring that "hereafter and 
until otherwise ordered the price of charge-books' shall be," etc., is a general 
law, and does not take effect until January 1st after its passage. 

1027. A law of the S. G. L. (except as above) takes effect in each juris- 
diction from the time of its enactment unless the law on its face provides 
otherwise; or unless from the nature of the law it necessarily requires legis- 
lation by the subordinate jurisdiction to carry it into effect. 

1028. When the Constitution and By-Laws of a Grand or Subordinate 
Lodge conflict with the constitution, laws and decisions of the S. G. L., the 
laws of the latter body must be conformed to. 



124 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CONFLICT OF LAWS. 

(c). The Local Law. 

1029. In all matters arising under the Constitution, By-Laws, legislation and 
decisions of the Grand Lodge which is denominated as " The local law." By the 
Constitution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge all Grand Bodies working under 
charters granted by the S. G. L. are supreme for all local legislation and appellate 
jurisdiction within their respective limits, except as therein provided. 

1030. Constitutions of Grand Bodies and all amendments thereto are 
not operative or of any binding force until approved by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, or by the Grand Sire during (recess. If approved, they at 
once become the organic law in full force and do not depend for validity 
upon any future action of the Subordinate Grand Body whatever. If error 
be found, the error must be corrected. 

1031. The S. G. L. has no power to alter the charter of a Grand Lodge 
without its consent, but it has abundant power to direct any Grand Lodge 
to remove any clause or article from its constitution or by-laws which may 
conflict with the fundamental laws of the Order, even although said consti- 
tution and by-laws have been approved by the S. G. L. 

1032. A Grand Lodge has jurisdiction to construe its own laws, and 
having done so its decision is and should be final. 

1033. If a Grand Lodge passes a law in direct conflict with its Consti- 
tution and without observing any of the forms required by it, the law is 
illegal and its subsequent unanimous approval can give it no legal binding 
force. It is an act outside the constitutional power of the Grand Lodge and 
is therefore "ultra vires" — null and void. 

1034. The S. G. L. has no power to direct Grand Bodies how to frame 
the constitution of their subordinates, except that such constitutions shall not 
be in conflict with the general law as established by the S. G. L. 

1035. The Grand Lodge is not bound because it has establisned a partic- 
ular rule of law in one case on appeal to adhere to that rule of law in subse- 
quent cases of the same character, but in such cases may review, affirm or 
reverse its former decision at pleasure. 

1036. A Grand Body, through inconsistent rules of parliamentary prac- 
tice, cannot deprive itself of its inherent power to consider any proposition 
submitted to it and take such action thereon as it may determine to be 
best. 

1037. A By-Law of a Grand Body cannot be repealed by a mere resolu- 
tion, when a different mode of amendment is prescribed. If a resolution be 
passed professedly in pursuance of a by-law, it must presume the by-law 
to be valid. Where the by-law of a Grand Lodge provided that a duplicate 
copy of the vote of a lodge for Grand Officers should be forwarded to the 
D. D. Grand Master of the District, who should keep the same sealed until 
the session of the Grand Lodge, and the Grand Lodge passed a resolution 
that the D. D. G. M. should forward the said duplicate returns to the Grand 
Master so as to be in his possession at or before the opening of each 
session of the Grand Lodge; Held, that the resolution conflicts with the by^ 
law, and it was the duty of the D. D. G. M. to disobey the order of a Grand 
Master to forward him such duplicate returns. 

(d). The Subordinate Constitution. 

1038. Grand Bodies, being expressly declared the legislative heads of 
the Order in the several jurisdictions, have unquestionably the power to 
adopt a uniform system of constitutions for their subordinates, and tne 
subordinates are bound to conform to such constitutions. 

1039. The provisions of the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges and the 
by-laws of a Lodge must be read together, so as not to conflict, and if there 
is any conflict the provisions of the Constitution govern. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 125 

CONFLICT OF LAWS. 

(e). The Lodge By-Laws. 

1040. As to the approved By-Laws of the respective Subordinate Lodges they 
should follow the Constitution provided for such subordinates in all matters. 

1041. When the Constitution and By-Laws of a subordinate conflict witn 
the laws and decisions of the Grand Lodge or of the S. G. L., the laws of 
the latter bodies must be conformed to. 

1042. Where the S. G. L. passes any law or makes any decision, pro- 
viding that a Subordinate Lodge shall have power to do certain things which 
are denied to the subordinate by a clause in its constitution framed years 
since, the Lodge may disregard such prohibitory clause and do those things 
expressly allowed by the S. G. L. without becoming amenable to the laws 
of its Grand Lodge. The constitution and laws of the S. G. L. are para- 
mount to all laws of a Grand Body, and the latter, so far as they conflict 
with the former, must yield to them. But this can only be construed to 
mean, that where a Subordinate Lodge disregards the law of its own Grand 
Lodge or a provision of its own constitution and yet acts in accordance 
with the laws of the S. G. L., it is not subject to punishment by its Grand 
Body. But such subordinate would violate a law of its Grand Body at its 
peril, and its Grand Lodge would be the proper tribunal to judge of such 
violation; but if such subordinate had acted in accordance with the laws 
of the S. G. L., the S. G. L. would, on appeal being properly taken, protect 
such subordinate. 

(f). Inconsistent Provisions. 

1043. The title or preamble of a resolution for proposed law. should always 
disclose the object thereof. All matters contained in the law not in harmony 
with the title or preamble are illegal. 

1044. Where two resolutions are passed by the same body at the same 
session they must receive such a construction as will allow them both to 
stand and give full force and effect to each, if possible. 

1045. The substance of a law is found in the body of the law; provisos 
contain exceptions to the law where the language of a law is free from am- 
biguity and is too plain for a doubt. 

1046. In the construction of statutes, the well-settled rule of law is, that 
if a statute be so worded that it is susceptible of two constructions, the legis- 
lative intent may be looked to in determining which construction should De 
given, but if the statute is unambiguous and susceptible of but one construc- 
tion, it would be judicial legislation to interpolate a word or words to either 
extend or restrict the meaning of the statute, and where for example a literal 
reading of the law would make every member beneficial from the time he 
was admitted, without qualification, no words can be interpolated to change 
the literal reading. 

1047. Where the provisions of a subsequent law are repugnant to the 
provisions of prior law it operates to repeal them in so far as it conflicts with 
the same. 

CONSOLIDATION OF LODGES. 

1048. The Grand Lodge is fully authorized and empowered to enact such 
legislation within this Grand jurisdiction as snail fully authorize the con- 
solidation of two or more subordinate lodges into one lodge. 

1049. The S. G. L. having authorized consolidations to be made under 
such rules and regulations as may be prescribed in the several Grand 
Bodies, it is their province to legislate on the subject and arrange details 
as to the disposition of records, property, etc., belonging to the subordinates 
that may be consolidated. 

1050. The S. G. L. legalized the consolidation of all Lodges made prior 
to the 22d day of September, 1883. 



126 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST, [1907. 

CONSOLIDATION OF LODGES. 

1051. The Grand Lodge is authorized to effect the consolidation of Sub- 
ordinate Lodges with such name and number and under such conditions as 
it may deem proper. For example, Royal City Lodge, No. 13, merged with 
New Westminster Lodge, No. 3, under the provisions of the laws of a 
Grand Lodge. It appears that at the time the financial position of Royai 
City Lodge was superior to that of New Westminster Lodge and that some 
of its members objected to the consolidation if its identity would be entirely 
destroyed by the transaction. In order to meet this objection, and accom- 
plish the object sought, it was mutually agreed that the consolidated Lodge 
should be called Royal City Lodge, No. 3, thus taKing the name of one and the 
number of the other Lodge. Prior to this consolidation the charters of 
both Lodges were destroyed by fire. A petition was presented to the last 
session of the Grand Lodge on behalf of the united Lodge asking that a 
charter be issued it under the proposed name. Under this statement of 
facts such a new charter with the new name and number can legally be 
issued. The power to authorize the consolidation of Subordinate Lodges, and 
to arrange the terms and conditions of such consolidation, is vested in the 
Grand Lodge, and it possesses the power to issue, under the circumstances 
named, a new charter to the consolidated Lodge, bearing such name and 
number as the Grand Lodge shall determine. 

1052. The Grand Master has no power to consolidate two subordinates in 
this jurisdiction, unless the Grand Lodge has legislated to that effect and 
has given him the necessary authority. 

1053. The law authorizing the consolidation of subordinates, by and 
through the legislation of Grand Lodges, is secondary to the minimum con- 
dition for granting charters for Lodges. In other words, so long as the 
number of members desiring to retain the charter of a Lodge and work 
thereunder, is equal to that prescribed by law as the minimum number of 
applicants or petitioners to whom a charter will be given, said charter 
cannot be taken from them by forcing consolidation with another Lodge. 
The law allowing Grand Bodies to legislate for consolidation is permissive 
and not compulsory on lawful minorities. 

1054. In no case can a Lodge be consolidated into another Lodge so 
long as there are five members of either Lodge willing to retain the charter 
and carry on its work. 

1055. Two or more Lodges shall have power when so inclined to enter 
into negotiations for consolidating into one Lodge. Each Lodge shall appoint 
a committee; the two committees shall meet together, and as a joint com- 
mittee agree upon all the details of consolidation. The resolutions of the 
joint committee shall be reported back to the two Lodges, and if adopted 
dV the Lodges, shall be forwarded to the Board of Grand Lodge Officers, 
and upon the approval of the act of consolidation by the Grand Lodge Offi- 
cers, notice shall be forwarded to the Lodges, and a time fixed when the 
members of the Lodge that surrenders its number shall meet with the other 
Lodge, and either sign or authorize their names to be signed to the consti- 
tution of the Lodge into which they consolidate. The Lodge that surrenders 
its number, surrenders with it also its charter, rituals and seal, and those 
members of the Lodge the charter of which was not retained that had been 
previously suspended for non-payment of dues may apply to and receive 
from the consolidated Lodge cards by which they can join a new Lodge 
in the same manner they could have received the same from their old 
Lodge. 

1056. Under the laws for the consolidation of Lodges, the merging or 
joining of two bodies cannot annihilate either. By the act of merging the 
rights, properties and franchises of each are united together^ forming 
in fact, but perhaps not in name, a new body or corporation possessing 
the rights, powers and franchises of both. The suspended members of 
both would sustain the same relation to the consolidated body that they 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 127 

CONSOLIDATION OF LODGES. 

did to their own body before consolidation. This being so, of course the 
new Lodge can reinstate or grant dismissal certificates to the suspended 
members of either, and can annul clearance cards granted within a year. 
The law of a Grand Jurisdiction in regard to consolidation is as follows: "All 
the members in good standing in each of said Lodges shall thereupon 
become members of such consolidated Lodge, which shall also have jurisdic- 
tion over all suspended members of each of such Lodges. All the funds, 
property and record-books belonging to each of said Lodges shall belong to 
and be turned over to such consolidated Lodge, and all the charge-books, 
except such as originally belonged to the Lodge whose name and number 
have been retained, shall be turned over to the Grand Lodge," is valid. 

1057. Upon the consolidation of two Lodges and the surrender of the 
charter of one of them, that Lodge became merged and its property became 
absolutely, without qualification or limitation, the property of the surviving 
Lodge, as consolidated, for all of the purposes, uses and trusts to which 
Lodge property can be devoted. Over, this property the Grand Lodge had 
no affirmative jurisdiction. It had no power to donate or appropriate it 
to any person, or to any Lodge. Jts only authority with respect to that 
property was to prevent the consolidated Lodge from devoting it to any 
improper use. A Grand Lodge has power to authorize the consolidation of 
Lodges, but it has no more power to divide or donate the property of a con- 
solidated Lodge than it has to divide the property of any other Subordinate 
Lodge within its jurisdiction. 

1058. Two Subordinate Lodges having voted and complied with the pro- 
visions of the local law, have nothing more to do than to turn over the books, 
effects, roll of members, etc., to the consolidated Lodge and organize under 
the new name and number. 

1059. Two Subordinate Lodges may consolidate under the charter, name 
and number of one of them, the other surrendering its charter to the Graad 
Secretary and its papers, books, etc., to the one retaining its charter, without 
applying for and procuring a new charter. 

1060. When Lodges merge during a term the officers of the merged 
Lodge lose their positions, but they do not lose the honors of their respec- 
tive offices, but shall be entitled to the same, provided they have served a 
majority of the meeting nights of the term prior to such consolidation. 

1061. The following Certificate is to be issued when the Charter of one of the 
consolidating Lodges is retained, and the Grand Secretary is authorized to have 
the same printed as a part of the supplies of the Grand Lodge. 

Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

To All whom it may Concern : 

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F., by authority of a Charter 
granted to it by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, I. O. 0. F., hereby certifies that, 

Whereas, Lodge, No. , was instituted a Lodge of the I. O* 

O. F., with a Warrant or Dispensation, dated at the day of 

1 , and 

Whereas, Lodge, No. , was instituted a Lodge of the I. O. 

O. F., with a Warrant or Dispensation, dated at the day of 

1 , and 

Whereas, both the said Lodges were and are in legal existence and law- 
ful affiliation with the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F., at a time 
when, in accordance with the laws of the Order for such cases, made and pro- 
vided, they entered into and mutually exchanged Articles of Agreement to 
consolidate and become one Lodge, whereby the Charter of the said 
Lodge, No , was retained as the Charter of the said consolidated Lodge 

and the said Lodge, No. , hath, in accordance with said Agree- 



128 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CONSOLIDATION OF LODGES. 

ment, delivered to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. 0. 0. F., its Charter 
or Warrant of Dispensation, so that the said Lodges became and are in law 
one Lodge, to be hailed and known under the name and title written in the 
Charter or Warrant of Dispensation of the said Lodge, No. , 

whereby the rights, properties and franchises of each are united together, 
forming, in fact, under the name of the Lodge whose Charter was retained, a 
new Body or Corporation, possessing the rights, powers and franchises of both. 

The suspended members of both Lodges will sustain the same relation to 
the consolidated Jjodge that they did to their own Lodge before consolidation. 
All members in good standing in each of the said Lodges thereby became 
members of such consolidated Lodge, and by good standing, as used in refer- 
ence to the consolidation of these Lodges, is meant all the members on the 
books of the respective Lodges who, at the time of consolidation, are not sus- 
pended, and all the funds, properties and record books belonging to each of 
said Lodges shall belong and be turned over to the consolidated Lodge, and 

Whereas, The said Articles of Agreement having been previously sub- 
mitted to the Board of Grand Officers and approved by them in accordance 
with law. t 

Now Therefore be it Knowjt, That this Certificate is issued for the 
purpose of evidencing that the said consolidation has been made on this 
day of 19 , and completed in accordance with the laws of this Juris- 

diction, and that the consolidated Lodge, acting under the Charter retained, is 
by said consolidation vested with the rights, privileges, properties and mem- 
bership of both of said Lodges above mentioned. 

Given under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania 
I. 0. O. F., this day of , one thousand nine hundred and 

, and of our Order, the 

, Grand Master. 
Attest : , Grand Secretary. 

1062. The following is the form of Articles of Agreement for Consolidation 
of Lodges : 

1062. This agreement, made the day of 19 between Brothers 

a Committee duly appointed and empowered by Lodge, No. , 

I. O. 0. F., of the first part, and Brothers a Committee duly appointed 

and empowered by Lodge, , I. 0. 0. F., of the second part, 

witnesseth : 

That the party of the first part hereby agrees to consolidate Lodge, 

No. , 1. O. O. F., of the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, with 

Lodge, No. , I. O. O. F., of the same Jurisdiction, and agrees that the 

details of the said consolidation shall be as follows : 

1st. The Charter of Lodge, No. , I. O. 0. F., shall be retained 

as the Charter of the consolidated Lodge, and the Charter, seal and rituals of 

Lodge, No. I. O. O. F., shall, upon the carrying into effect of 

this Agreement, be delivered to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. 0. F. 

2d. The night of , 19 , and the place of meeting of 

Lodge, No. I. O. O. F., situate is hereby agreed upon as the time 

when and the place where the two Lodges shall meet to consolidate into one 
Lodge. 

3d. The Noble Grand and Secretary of the Lodge whose Charter is not 
retained is hereby authorized to sign the Constitution of the other Lodge for 
all the members of the Lodge whose Uharter is not retained. 

4th. That all the members in good standing in each of said Lodges (and 
by good standing as used in reference to the consolidation of these two Lodges, 
is meant all members on the books of each of said Lodges who are not sus- 
pended), are, by this consolidation, to become members of such consolidated 
Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 129 

CONSOLIDATION OF LODGES. 

5th. The suspended members of both of said Lodges are to retain the 
same relation to the consolidated Lodge as they did to their own Lodge before 
the consolidation. 

6th. That all the funds, property and record books belonging to each 
of said Lodges shall belong to and be turned over to the consolidated Lodge. 

7th. The Noble Grand and Secretary of the Lodge whose Charter is not 
to be retained, shall immediately after the two Lodges meet together and con- 
solidate into one Lodge, deliver to the Grand Secretary, the Charter, Seal and 
Rituals of the said Lodge. 

8th. Members of either Lodge who desire to join other Lodges, after con- 
solidation, may obtain Withdrawal Cards or Dismissal Certificates or may 
resign their membership, as the case may be, from the consolidated Lodge in 
the same manner that they would have been entitled to sever their membership 
from their old Lodges respectively. 

9th. The By-Laws of the Lodge whose Charter is retained shall be the By- 
Laws of the consolidated Lodge, and in these By-Laws the weekly dues are 
stated as cents per week and the Funeral Assessments are 

10th. The consummation of this Agreement is predicated upon the approval 
of the same by the Board of Grand Officers, and the issuance by the Grand 
Master of a Certificate, certifying to the consolidation. 

It is further agreed between the parties hereto, that each shall submit to 
their respective Lodges the following resolution, and recommend its adoption, 
and when it is adopted by both Lodges they will jointly submit the same to 
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F., or the Board t of Grand Officers 
for approval, viz. : 

Resolved, That Lodge, No. I. O. 0. F., and Lodge' 

No. I. 0. O. F., consolidate under the name of Lodge, No. , 

I. O. O. F., in accordance with the Articles of Agreement entered into by the 
respective Committees of said Lodges on the day of 19 

Committee of Lodge, No. Committee of Lodge No. 

This is to Certify, That at a regular stated meeting of Lodge, No. 

, held on the day of 19 , the foregoing Articles of 

Agreement were duly adopted. 

, Noble Grand. 
Attest : , Secretary. 

(Seal.) 

This is to Certify, That at a regular stated meeting of Lodge, No. 

, held on the day of 19 , the foregoing Artie] es of 

Agreement were duly adopted. 

, Noble Grand. 
Attest : , Secretary. 

(Seal.) 

CONSTITUTIONS. 

(a). Grand Lodge. (b). Subordinate Lodge. 

(See Amendments). 

(a). Grand Lodge. 

1063. The Constitution of the Grand Lodge and all amendments thereto 
are not operative or of any binding force until approved by the S. G. L. 
or by the Grand Sire during recess. If approved they at once become the 
organic law in full force and do not depend for validity upon any future 
action of the Grand Lodge whatever. 



130 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CONSTITUTIGNS-Grand Lodge. 

1064. Disapproval by the S. G. L. of a law enacted by the Grand Lodge 
renders the same inoperative without further action of the Grand Lodge. 

1065. The Constitution of the Grand Lodge adopted at the May session 
1900, was submitted to the S. G. L. at its session the same year, and the 
following legislation was had thereon: 

The Revised Constitution adopted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania 
was referred to the Committee on Constitutions, which made the following 
report, which on motion was adopted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

'"Report 72. By Rep. Huskins, of Colorado, from the Committee on 
Constitutions: 

"To the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows: 

"Your Committee, on Constitutions, to whom was referred the con- 
stitution of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, have examined the same, 
and find it in accordance with the laws of the Order, except as follows: 
Section 2, Article III., reads as follows: 

" 'In case of the death, resignation or removal of the Grand Master, the 
Deputy Grand Master shall become the Grand Master for the unexpired 
term, and upon its expiration shall be entitled to the honors of a Past Grand 
Master; provided he has thereby served six months or more as Grand 
Master.' 

'Resolved, That the constitution of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 
adopted May 16th, 1900, and here submitted for approval, is approved, 
excepting the words 'and upon its expiration shall be entitled to the honors 
of a Past Grand Master; provided he has thereby served six montns or more 
as Grand Master,' which words (being the latter portion of Sec. 2 of Article 
ill.) are hereby disapproved. 

"Signed by the Committee." 

The Report was adopted. 

It will be noted that this approved the entire Constitution adopted by 
this Grand Lodge, except as found in the concluding resolution of the report 
of the Committee. 

1066. While the S. G. L. does not claim the power to dictate to a Grand 
Body the particular form in which it shall frame its organic lav/, it does 
appear to be eminently proper that whatever form may be adopted, its pro- 
visions should be" as simple, direct and comprehensive as possible, without 
unnecessary prolixity, and free from any clauses, sentences or paragraphs 
that are imperfect or incomplete in themselves and incapable of being under- 
stood without resorting to other and entirely distinct enactments of other 
and entirely distinct bodies or authorities. 

1067. A document submitted as a Constitution which appears not to be 
so much a constitution embracing only the necessary provisions incident to 
the fundamental law of such association as a re-enactment, digest, or embodi- 
ment of all the legislation and judicial decisions of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge up to the last session of that Grand Body, many of them stated only 
in digest form — imperfect, incomplete and not explained by the instrument 
itself, but requiring the production of an entirely different instrument, paper 
or book to complete many of the sentences and hence liable to uncertainty, 
confusion and conflicting constructions, is not such an instrument as will be 
approved as a Grand Lodge constitution. 

1068. "The Grand Lodge, whenever it desires to submit its Constitution 
or amendments thereto to the S. G. L. for approval, is required first to 
furnish the Grand Secretary with a complete copy of the Constitution, with ail 
amendments thereto, accompanied by a certificate from the Grand Lodge, 
attested by the Grand Secretary and the seal of the Grand Body attached," 
and to furnish the documents in such form as to distinguish by marginal 
memoranda or otherwise such parts of the revised instrument as have not 
already received the sanction of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 131 

CONSTITTJTIONS-Grand Lodge. 

1069. All laws sent to the S. G. L. for approval shall bear the seal of 
the body adopting them, and all documents without a seal (where the body 
has one) shall be returned without consideration. 

1070. The Constitution of a Grand Body can only be amended in the 
manner prescribed by its own constitution, although it be merely to amend 
a provision so as to make it conform to the law of the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
with which it conflicts. 

1071. It shall be the duty of the Grand Secretary, on or before the first day 
of March, of the year in which proposed amendments may be acted upon by the 
Grand Lodge, to forward to each Subordinate Lodge a certified copy of all Rich 
amendments as shall have been proposed, at the same time informing said Lodges 
that the said amendments will be considered and acted upon at the next Annual 
Session of the Grand Lodge. 

1072. There is no law or precedence that can compel a Grand Lodge to 
amend its Constitution except in the manner prescribed therein. 

1073. The question was asked, "Has the Sovereign Grand Lodge the 
power to alter the charter or Constitution of a Grand Lodge after it has 
been submitted to the Sovereign Grand liOdge and approved without first 
obtaining the consent of the Grand Lodge?" To which it was held as fol- 
lows: In answer to that part of the question which touches the alteration of 
the charter of a Grand Lodge the committee say that the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge has no power to make such alteration without the consent of the 
Grand Lodge. In answer to the remainder of the question, the Sover- 
eign Grand Lodge has abundant power to direct any Grand Lodge to remove 
any clause or article from its constitution or by-laws which may conflict with 
the fundamental laws of the Order, even though such constitution or by- 
laws may have been approved by this body. If it be necessary to explain 
this position it is only necessary to add that the examination of constitutions 
is entrusted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge entirely to one of its standing 
committees (now to the Grand Sire during the recess). In the press and hurry 
of business that committee might accidentally overlook erroneous provisions 
and report in favor of approving. It would be a monstrous supposition that 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge, by the adoption of the report of the committee, 
would sanction a violation of its own laws. 

1074. A proposed amendment to the Constitution of a Grand Body will 
not be approved by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. It must be first adopted by 
the State Grand Body. 

1075. A resolution passed with all the formalities to amend the consti- 
tution of a Grand Body does legally amend the constitution in the particulars 
specified therein, although it does not refer to the section which it amends, 
the intention of the mover and of the Lodge itself being too plain for caviL 
The lack of form does not affect the substance. 

1076. The law providing for tne amendment to the Constitution of a 
Grand Body does not properly apply to the work of framing a new Consti- 
tution for the Grand Body. A committee for such purpose should be ap- 
pointed with instructions to report at the next annual session. (See Amend- 
ments.) 

1077. When a Constitution of a Grand Body has been revised by a com- 
mittee appointed for that purpose and sundry amendments made thereto, tne 
revised instrument comes under the requirments of the old one in force, 
and is passed as an amendment. 

1078. A Grand Body may by resolution create an exception to a tormal 
law. For instance, it may provide a lower rate of admission fee for per- 
sons about to be made charter members, while the Constitution is not 
thereby altered or suspended as to all others. 



132 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

COKSTITUTIONS-Grand Lodge. 

1079. The Sovereign Grand Lodge and Grand Lodges have no other way 
than by resolution to enact laws for the government of Subordinate Lodges 
under their immediate jurisdiction, respectively. 

1080. A resolution construing a Constitutional provision introducing en- 
tirely new conditions which were omitted from the law itself must be 
passed by the same vote and with all the formalities required to amend the 
article it proposes to construe, as it is in fact an amendment to the con- 
stitution under the guise of construing an article thereof. This is not, how- 
ever, to be construed as interfering with the province of the Grand Lodge 
to interpret its own Constitution or the Constitution of its subordinates, if 
the meaning of any article is obscure and the interpretation does not change 
clearly and palpably the meaning thereof. 



(b). Subordinate Lodges. 

1081. The Grand Lodge, being expressly declared the legislative head of 
the Order in this jurisdiction, has unquestionably the power to adopt a uni- 
form system of Constitution for its Subordinate Lodges, and they are bound 
to conform to such Constitution. 

1082. This Constitution contains provisions which are fundamental in 
character and necessary to the existence of the Lodge. It is an uniform sys- 
tem, common alike to all the Lodges, and they are bound to conform thereto. 

1083. It can only be altered or amended by the Grand Lodge, and in the 
manner pointed out in the fundamental law of that body; therefore a resolu- 
tion by that body, which in effect is an amendment to or suspends, or nulli- 
fies the Subordinate Lodge Constitution, or any part thereof, not passed in ex- 
act accordance with the requirements of the Grand Lodge Constitution, Is 
absolutely void. 

1084. The Grand Master has no authority to suspend the Constitution 
for Subordinate Lodges, either as having reference to all the Lodges or to a 
particular Lodge, and any dispensation by him in conflict with the Con- 
stitution is void. 

1085. For example, a resolution granting a dispensation for one year to 
subordinates to receive members at a less sum than the Constitutional limit, 
is in effect an amendment to the Constitution, and where tne requirements of 
the law is that it requires a two-thirds vote to amend the Constitution, such 
resolution passed by a majority vote of the Grand Body, and without comply- 
ing with the requirements of the laws for its amendment, does not amend it. 

1086. When the Constitution of a Grand Lodge provided that amend- 
ments to the same, and to the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, should 
lie over one year; held that when a committee was appointed to revise the 
Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge and the Constitution for Subor- 
dinate Lodges, and made their report at the next annual communication, 
wherein only various changes were made in the Constitution, but the old 
code was not reported, only the changes, the adoption of such report at that 
session was illegal. 

1087. A proposed amendment cannot be amended when it comes up for 
action, where the Constitution provides that it shall be altered or amended 
only by a proposition in writing at a regular annual communication, which 
proposition shall be entered upon the journal, and shall not be acted upon 
until the next annual communication of the Grand Body, at which time such 
amendment may be considered, and if agreed to by a two-thirds vote of the 
representatives present shall be adopted. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 133 

CONTEMPT. 

See Trial for Charges. 

1088. If a member accused by charges after proper notice from the Trial 
Committee, shall refuse to appear before that committee, either personally 
or as represented by counsel, he is in contempt; and upon formal presenta- 
tion of a charge thereof by the Trial Committee to the Lodge, it may authorize 
that committee to try the brother for the contempt, whereupon, after legal 
notice thereof, should he again fail to appear he may be tried in his absence 
for the contempt and expelled. 

1089. No other offense against the Lodge carries the extreme penalty of 
a trial without the accused being present. 

1090. When a party is expelled for contempt in not appearing for trial, 
the record should by some positive evidence show that a copy of the charges 
was served on the accused, as well as sufficient notice of the time and place 
of trial and a summons to the accused to be present. 

1091. Notice to appear must be served according to the letter of the law 
prescribed as a general and local requirement for such service, and when such 
notice has not been properly served the accused shall have the benefit of the 
doubt. 

1092. Where charges are preferred against a brother who has absconded 
or who, from his permanent absence or concealment, cannot be found, the 
laws provide for constructive notice and service of the charges, but it is 
specially provided that if he return after the conclusion of his trial, and asks 
for a new trial, the same must be granted him. 

1093. In a trial for charges brought by the Lodge against a brother, he 
failing to appear would constitute concempt, for which the only penalty is ex- 
pulsion. Where the case, however, is a claim for benefits, which is a civil ac- 
tion brought by the brother against the Lodge, if he fails to appear, his case 
simply drops. 

1094. It appears that a brother appealed from a decision of his Lodge, 
refusing him benefits; that the matter was referred to a Commissioner, and 
that he failed to appear at one or more of the meetings appointed by said 
Commissioner. For this he was deemed guilty of contempt and suspended for 
three months. The brother's appeal was sustained and the action of the Lodge re- 
versed, for the reasons that a charge of contempt cannot lie in a case of 
failure to appear before a Commissioner in an appeal for benefits brought 
by the member himself, and that suspension for contempt is not a legal 
penalty for failure to appear under such circumstances. 

1095. A brother cannot be tried for contempt where his absence was 
eaused by sickness, particularly where he is on the sick list and notifies the 
Noble Grand that he cannot attend, and asks that a brother be appointed to 
represent him. 

1096. When a conviction for contempt during a trial on charges is re- 
versed by the Grand Lodge, the Lodge can then proceed with the trial on the 
original charges. 

1097* Charges have been preferred against a brother. He does not ap- 
pear for trial before the Trial Committee on the day set for the trial. The 
committee then set another day for the trial, and so notified the brother, but 
he again failed to appear or send an excuse. The Trial Committee made 
a report to the Lodge, charging the brother with contempt. The Lodge, by 
an error, took action on the report, and without preferring a charge for 
contempt, reprimanded the brother. Under the circumstances, the conviction is 
erroneous, but the charges originally preferred still remain against the brother. 



134 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CONTEMFT. 

1098. A Lodge can require a member to appear to receive a reprimand 
after it has been fixed as a penalty by the Lodge. If he refuses to appear 
after summons to do so, the Lodge may try him for contempt and punish 
him as the law provides. 

1099. It is a sufficient answer to a charge of contempt that a brother 
has received no notice of the charges or of the meeting for the reason that he 
had been absent from home on business, and that he was guiltless of any 
intention of contempt. 

1100. If a brother guilty of an offense which would subject him to trial 
and punishment by his Lodge should, before charges are preferred, wilfuily 
absent himself so that such notice cannot be served on him, he may be ex- 
pelled for contempt. Beyond this the Lodge cannot proceed in action based 
upon the filing of charges. 

1101. The refusal or wilful neglect of a member of a Subordinate Lodge 
to appear and answer to charges preferred against him constitutes "con- 
tempt," and will render the member liable to punishment therefor. 

1102. The provisions of a Subordinate By-Law that "if the accused 
neglects or refuses to remain- throughout the investigation or trial, the 
Lodge may proceed in his absence to expel him for contempt," does not ap- 
ply to a case where he appears by counsel. 

1103. A brother who appears before the committee of trial by counsel, 
ready to proceed with the case, is not guilty of contempt of the Lodge, and 
cannot be punished in such case for not appearing in person. 

1104. A Trial Committee, after having taken testimony at several meet- 
ings at which the accused and his counsel were present, adjourned to the 
Lodge room at the hour of the meeting of the Lodge. The counsel of the 
accused, an Odd Fellow in good standing, could not gain admittance, not hav- 
ing either the password or a card, and in consequence of this the accused, 
after objecting to proceeding with the trial in the absence of his counsel, left 
the Lodge-room. After this the committee reported charges against him ol 
contempt, and he was expelled. Held that this not only denied the brother 
the privilege and forbid the performance of the duty of attending his regular 
Lodge meetings, but denied him the well established right of representation 
by counsel. Therefore, the brother's expulsion for contempt, under these cir- 
cumstances, was an arbitrary exercise of unlawful power. The brother was 
reinstated. 

CONTINGENT FUND. 

(See Special Five Per Cent. Fund.) 

1105. A member of a Lodge having died and bequeathed a piece of prop- 
erty to the Lodge, the Lodge may, if it so resolves, set aside the money re- 
ceived from the sale of the property as a contingent fund. 

CONTINUANCES. 

(See Trial for Charges, sub-division Counsel and Continuances). 

CONVENTIONS. 

1106. The Grand Lodge is directed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge to 
prohibit Subordinate Lodges in this jurisdiction from assembling -in con- 
vention for the purpose of legislating upon any subject without having first 
obtained the consent of the Grand Lodge. 

1107. A Subordinate Lodge holding fellowship in any convention con- 
vened under the name of the I. O. O. F., without the approval of the Grand 
Lodge, shall forfeit its warrant and all other privileges in the Order. As far 
back as 1847 the Sovereign Grand Lodge declared that subordinates 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 135 

CONVENTIONS. 

have no right to assemble in conventions, and in 1851 it was made the duty 
of Grand Lodges to prohibit subordinates from meeting in conventions. It 
therefore becomes the bounden duty of the Grand Master to prohibit the 
Subordinate Lodges from sending representatives to or from meeting in any 
convention held during the recess of the Grand Lodge. 

1108. Such a convention would be a "gross departure from the spirit and 
intentions of the Order," calculated to direct the attention of the uninitiated 
to the Order, and to bring it into discredit and disrepute among all law- 
loving and law-abiding citizens — a generator of discord — "uncongenial to that 
Friendship, Love and Truth which is the brightest gem in the diadem of an 
Odd Fellow." The holding of such a convention is not only illegal and in- 
subordinate, but totally unnecessary. 

1109. The holding of conventions for political purposes is a gross de- 
parture from the spirit and intentions of the Order. Such conventions are 
calculated to direct the attention of the uninitiated to the Order, and excite 
remarks calculated to bring the Order into disrepute and discredit among 
all law-loving and law-abiding citizens. 

1110. Odd Fellowship is better promoted by attending its Lodge meetings 
than by commingling in the strifes and contests for office, which are, too 
often, the generators of heart-burnings, bickering and discord among men, 
uncongenial to that Friendship, Love and Truth which, like humility in the 
Christian's crown, is the brightest gem in the diadem of an Odd Fellow. 

COSTS. 

(See Charges, Trial). 

1111. The law of the Order makes no provision for the recovery of costs of 
an appeal by one litigant from another ; therefore costs made by one party cannot 
be recovered from the other, no matter what may be the result of the litigation 

1112. When a brother loses a suit brought against the Lodge in the Civil 
Courts, the Lodge has the right to retain accrued benefits as a set off against the 
brother for cost of the suit. 

COSTUMES. 

1113. The costumes used in conferring Lodge and Encampment degrees 
form part of the paraphernalia belonging to the secret work, and it is im- 
proper to make a public display of them. 

1114. It is not lawful for Odd Fellows to enact a drama on the stage in 
public in uniform and- the regalia of the Order, although the drama be 
founded upon the principles of Odd Fellowship and designed to illustrate 
"Charity." 

1115. The prohibition against a public display of the costumes is equally 
strong where the costumes are worn out and no longer serviceable. 

1116. The paraphernalia used in the secret work cannot be worn by the 
officers on the occasion of a public entertainment or anniversary of a Lodge. 

1117. It is a violation of law to have photographs ta^en of a degree staff 
in its paraphernalia, even if such pictures are to be hung in the Lodge-room 
and none are sold or offered for sale. Neither is it admissible to photograph groups 
of ritualistic characters, and thereby represent pictures of any portion of the ritu- 
alistic floor work of the various branches of the Order, without special permission 
of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, nor is a subordinate Lodge, or a member thereof, 
allowed to manufacture or sell photographs of scenes in the dramatic work. 

COUNSEL. 

(See Trial for Charges, Subdivision Counsel and Continuances). 



136 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



CREDENTIALS. 

1118. By universal usage and the common law of all legislative bodies, 
no newly-elected member has any rights as such until his credentials have 
been properly passed upon by the body to which he has been elected. It fol- 
lows, that until he is so admitted to membership in the Grand Lodge, he has 
no right in any manner or for any purpose to claim the title or exercise 
any of the functions of a representative. 

1119. Where a brother elected to the office of Representative presents 
his certificate of election to the Noble Grand for signature, the Noble 
Grand cannot refuse to sign the same nor declare the office vacant on the 
ground that the brother when elected was not qualified by the laws of the 
Order. The Grand Lodge has reserved unto itself the right to determine who 
is and who is not entitled to a seat in that body. 

1120. This must not be confounded with the right of a Past Grand to ad- 
mission to membership in the Grand Lodge, and to receive the Grand Lodge 
Degree, as there he obtains the right by service in office in the Subordinate 
Lodge, and if he comes with a proper certificate, he must be admitted. 

1121. It is improper for a committee on credentials to accept the resigna- 
tion of a duly elected and accredited representative and substitute therefor 
another Past Grand of the same Lodge, even at the request and with the 
consent of such representative. Only those who have been regularly elected 
by their Lodges and hold the proper credentials can be legally admitted as 
representatives. 

1122. The Committee on Credentials reported that some papers had 
been presented to them that were irregular and of no effect, among them 
one in which a representative had deputed a Past Grand to appear for, and 
represent him, although it is printed in every copy of the Journal that goes 
out, "Substitutes or proxies are not allowed." The committee desired it tc 
be noted that they could not present illegal papers, although it might involve 
a loss of mileage to the holder. 

1123. "Good standing" is required as qualification for representative. 
Under a Constitutional requirement of "good standing" as a requisite quali- 
fication for the office of representative, the election of a brother not in good 
standing at the time to such office is void. Under such Constitutional pro- 
vision a representative elect cannot pay up after election and thereby qualify 
himself. 

1124. The Committee on Credentials may hear testimony concerning an 
Illegal or improper election for representative, which it will report to the 
Grand Lodge, together with its recommendations thereon, and the Grand 
Lodge may determine the contest. 

1125. In the case where two credentials were received, signed with the 
names of the same officers, and under the seal of the Lodge, the one creden- 
tial bearing date of the 5th day of October, contained the name of M. as the 
representative, and the other, bearing date the 26th day of October, the name 
of Me. as the representative. The committee examined the matter care- 
fully, and found the following to be the facts in the case: At the regular 
election for officers held on the evening of September 28, two Past Grands 
were candidates for representative who were nominated at the previous meet- 
ing, Mc. and M. A ballot was had, and Mc. having received a majority of 
four votes, was declared elected by the Noble Grand. At the next meeting 
of the Lodge, October 5, when the D. D. G. M. came to install the officers 
of the Lodge, he was informed by the Secretary that two brothers had voted 
at the election who were in arrears, whereupon the D. D. G. M. declared the 
election illegal, and ordered another election, when Bro. M. having received 
a majority of the votes cast, the Noble Grand declared him elected. The 
D. D. G. M. erred in setting aside the election of representative, and declar- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 137 

CREDENTIALS. 

ing it illegal, as that is a matter over which the Grand Lodge has exclusive 
control. And even if the Secretary could have known upon which side the 
two brothers who were in arrears had voted, it would not have changed the 
result. 

1126. In a case where two credentials were presented, each bearing 
date the 9th day of April, signed with the names of the same officers and 
under the seal iof the Lodge, the one credential contained the name of O. 
as representative, and the other that of F. as the representative (Brother 
F. was in attendance at the session), and by examining the Semi- Annual 
Report of the Lodge in possession of the Grand Secretary, the Committee 
on Credentials found that Brother F. is there returned as the representative; 
it was held that the weight of the evidence is in favor of Brother F., and 
he was therefore recognized as the representative of the Lodge. 

1127. Where a credential was presented by the representative in at- 
tendance, properly signed by the officers of the Lodge, and under its seal, 
but there was no name of a representative inserted in the credential, the 
committee called the brother claiming to be the reprsentative of the Lodge 
before them and examined him. They also examined the Semi-Annual Re- 
port of the Lodge, in possession of the Grand Secretary, to ascertain the 
name of the representative of the Lodge. The committee was satisfied that 
W., who was present representing the Lodge, was the regularly elected rep- 
resentative thereof, and he was recognized as such. 

1128. Where a brother was present claiming to be the representative 
of his Lodge, and did not have any credential as. representative, neither did 
his name appear upon the Semi-Annual Journal, the CreJential Committee called 
upon the Grand Secretary for the Semi-Annual Report of the Lodge, 
when it was found that no report from that Lodge was in his possession. 
The Committee, while anxious to do justice to the Brother, found there was 
not a particle of legal evidence to show that he is the representative, they did 
not recommend that he be recognized; but in view of the fact that he has 
been present during the entire session acting as the representative of the 
Lodge, if he furnish his credential as representative to the chairman of 
the Committee on Credentials within ten days, that his name be then placed 
upon the list of representatives, and he be entitled to mileage the same as 
though he had presented his credential at the regular time, which was adopted by 
the Grand Lodge. 

1129. A certificate of election as a representative is only prima facie 
evidence of qualification. If the Grand Lodge ascertains that the facts as- 
serted in the certificate are incorrectly stated, the certificate may be set aside 
and the seat founded thereon may be vacated. 

CRIME. 

1130. When a member of the Order is convicted of a crime and is sen- 
tenced and is serving a term in a State Prison, charges shall be preferred 
against him in the Lodge of which he is a member, and upon the facts being 
established and the member fully identified, he must be expelled. 

1131. A mere misdemeanor, under the criminal code of the community, 
need not necessarily invoke so severe a punishment as expulsion. In such 
case the Lodge determines the degree of punishment. 

1132. In a case where the charge upon which the accused was con- 
ricted was by the law of the land a misdemeanor, the punishment Imposed 
by the Lodge was ten years' suspension. By local law, a judgment of sus- 
pension could be imposed by a mere majority, while a judgment of expul- 
sion required a two-thirds vote. Held that ten years' suspension was prac- 
tically an expulsion, and that the Lodge, under the name of suspension, 
could not, by a mere majority vote, practically expel a member for an al- 
leged offense. 

9 



138 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CRIME. 

1133. Where a member of a Lodge has Deen charged In the criminal 
court with the commission of a crime, and subsequently charges are pre- 
ferred against him in the Lodge for the same offense, the better plan of 
procedure would be that no trial take place in the Lodge in advance of a 
trial in the regular courts, as the matter having been brought within Its 
jurisdiction, no prejudice should be cast upon the work of the regular tri- 
bunal. When, however, he has been convicted, the record of conviction may 
be used in the trial before the Lodge. 

1134. A record of a trial in the courts upon a charge of the violation 
of the laws of the land is prima facie proof of the facts appearing therein, 
and where charges are preferred against a brother for a violation of the 
laws of the Order, being the same upon which he has been tried in the 
courts, the record in the courts is competent proof in the trial in the Lodge 
and is conclusive, unless other evidence be introduced besides that in the 
record, and on such trial either party may Introduce such evidence as Is 
not embraced in the record. 

1135. The acquittal of a brother in the civil courts of a charge of murder 
18 not of itself a sufficient defense in a trial by the Lodge. 

1136. A Lodge is not liable for benefits claimed on account of an injury re- 
ceived or sickness contracted whilst the brother is engaged in acts of treason or 
rebellion, or is acting in violation of the laws of the land. If the brother is com- 
pelled to act by force, that should be received in extenuation of the offence, but 
would not entitle him to benefits. For»example: Where a claim was made for 
eleven weeks' benefits, which the Lodge declined to pay for the reason that the 
accident to the brother was caused by his arm being broken in a fight, it was held 
that the brother was not entitled. 

1137. It is conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow for one to be a chronic 
wife beater. 

1138. A Lodge cannot lawfully suspend a member without preferring 
charges against him, he having pleaded guilty to the charge of forgery In 
court and been sentenced to serve time in prison. The Lodge will have to 
prefer charges in the regular way, and upon conviction, expel him. 

1139. A member is indicted under the penal law of a State or country 
and pleads "guilty" before trial in his Lodge. Held that such plea in the 
courts is equivalent to a conviction. 

DEBATE. 

1140. It is inexpedient and improper for a Lodge to confer upon the 
members of another Lodge the freedom of debate upon all questions that 
may come before the Lodge. 

DECISIONS. 

(See Appeals, Questions, Mandate). 

1141. The interpretation of the laws of the Grand Lodge during its re- 
cess is vested in its principal officer, subject to appeal and review by the 
Grand Lodge at its session following. The Grand Lodge, however, cannot 
reverse a decision of the Grand Master upon facts which were not before 
him, but is confined to the record as reviewed by hurt. Nor can the de- 
cision of the Grand Master be amended by the Grand Lodge by adding 
thereto something that is legislation. 

1142. Questions of law must go from Subordinate Lodges to the Grand 
Master. After the Grand Master has decided a question for a Subordinate 
Lodge, said Lodge, if not satisfied, can only seek redress by an appeal, prop- 
erly presented, to the Grand Lodge, and said Lodge must abide the decision 
of the Grand Master until said decision is reversed by the Grand Lodge o£ 
the jurisdiction. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 139 

DECISIONS. 

1143. The Grand Master in any given case in the recess of the Grand 
Lodge has the authority, where there are no provisions in the Constitution 
or By-Laws of the jurisdiction affecting the question of law to be decided, 
to determine and decide upon general legal principles what the law govern- 
ing the particular case is, and his decision, when so made, is binding until 
reversed. 

1144. The Grand Lodge is the law-making power. The Grfjnd Master 
has no authority to ordain or enact laws in the intervals between the communica- 
tions of the Grand Lodge, but may, in doubtful cases, declare the laws and usages 
of the Order. 

1145. A decision of the Grand Master is binding until reversed by the 
Grand Lodge, unless his decision is in direct conflict with the Constitution 
and laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, or the Constitution and By-Laws 
of the Grand Lodge. 

1146. He may seek the Grand Sire's opinion thereon and such opinion 
is mandatory, even as to the local law. The responsibility of interpreting 
and executing the local law, however, rests on the Grand Master. 

1147. The Grand Master has no power to interpret the Constitution of 
his Grand Lodge as it applies to an act already committed by the Grand 
Lodge. 

1148. The Grand Master is not the law-making power; he cannot ordain 
enact or make laws or rules of procedure. His functions are ministerial and 
judicial, not legislative. 

1149. The Grand Master has no right to refuse to answer the questions 
propounded by one of his Subordinate Lodges, or that may come to him on 
an appeal from the action of a Subordinate Lodge. 

1150. The decisions of the Grand Master are reported by him to the 
Annual Session of the Grand Lodge and are in full force until reversed by the 
Grand Lodge. The plain intendment of this provision, as shown by the re- 
ports of the several Grand Masters and the action thereon by the Grand 
Lodge, is that the Grand Master shall report all decisions which are con- 
tested by the Lodges for which they were severally made. That he should 
not report decisions which are reaffirmances of other decisions or of laws 
that already appear upon the records of the Grand Lodge, and that he should 
report only such other of his uncontested decisions as in his judgment 
should be submitted to the Grand Lodge in order that upon approval thereof, 
these may supplement, explain or elucidate the laws already in force and be- 
come binding upim all the Lodges and members in this jurisdiction. 

1151. The decisions of the Grand Master, approved by the Grand Lodge, 
stand as law upon a point not covered by the Constitution. 

1152. A Grand Master, as the executive officer of a Grand Lodge, must 
see that the law and practice of the Order is observed throughout his juris- 
diction, and in correcting errors and irregularities, or giving instructions he 
is responsible for his acts, and therefore should employ such means to ac- 
complish his purpose as in his judgment may seem to be necessary and safe 
and for which he is willing to be held responsible. 

1153. Irregularities arising out of the violation of law can only be healed 
by the authority competent to pass the law; if the law violated was "one of 
general application," the Sovereign Grand Lodge alone is such competent 
authority. 

1154. It is therefore provided that the Grand Sire may hear and decide 
such questions, including questions arising out of the Constitutions of the 
several State, District or Territorial Grand Lodges, as may be submitted to 
him by the several Grand Lodges or by the Grand Masters thereof, or by 
the Grand Representatives; and his decisions upon all appeals and ques- 



140 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DECISIONS. 

tions so submitted to him shall be binding upon the bodies or persons sub- 
mitting the same until reversed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

1155. But no Lodge, subordinate to any State, District or Territorial 
Grand Lodge, has a right to present questions of law directly to the Grand 
Sire for his decision. All such questions must go through the channel pro- 
vided by the local law. 

1156. When a construction or interpretation of local law is required by 
any individual member or subordinate in this jurisdiction, the Grand Lodge 
is the proper tribunal to pronounce on the question, subject to appeal to the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

1157. The duty of the Grand Master would seem to be plain, namely to 
seek advice, where advice is needed, from the Grand Sire on questions of 
general law, and to report to the Grand Lodge such of his decisions on 
local law as require its legislation or approval, because of their being ap- 
pealed from, or being of general interest; but in every case, whether the 
decision be based on general or local law, the remedy for the party aggrieved 
is by appeal to the Grand Lodge from the decision of the Grand Master, and 
then to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, whether the wrong complained of be 
to a Lodge or to an individual member. 

DECLINING BENEFITS. 

1158. A member of a Subordinate Lodge can decline to receive sick 
benefits which are due him, said act being in fact a donation by him to the 
Lodge. After the reception of such declination by his Lodge, in the absence 
of local legislation, he is forever barred from further right to demand said 

benefits. 

1159. A brother becomes insane, and the court appoints a Trust Com- 
pany as his guardian; he has no dependent relatives. The Lodge offers to 
pay the weekly benefits to the Trust Company; the president declines to 
accept them, saying, "We will not trouble the Lodge for benefits." As the 
Trust Company acts as the les;al guardian for the insane brother, they ex- 
ercise all the rights and privileges that he could exercise if clothed in his 
right mind, and the declination by the guardian of the sick benefits is a dona- 
tion to the Lodge. 

1160. Where a brother claims a certain number of weeks' benefits and 
the Lodge sends him an order for less than the full amount, with a receipt 
to be signed in full for all demands, and he declines the payment and in- 
sists upon the full amount due him, he does not thereby lose his right to 
the tendered amount, even if his claim (for a greater amount) should, on ap- 
peal, be adjudged against him. 

DEDICATION. 

1161. A dedication in Odd Fellowship is the act of consecrating or setting 
apart to a fraternal use, with appropriate solemnities, a building or other structure 
or estate, erected or acquired for some particular purpose. It is a very old custom 
and is a duty that has always been confided to the rulers or chief magistrates, 
hence, in the authorized dedication ceremonies issued by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, the officers are titled the same as the officers of the Grand Lodge. It is a 
public manifestation that thereby the object dedicated has been devoted to the 
uses and purpose? for which the same is intended, and is as well a formal recogni- 
tion that the purpose to be attained through the use of the building, structure, or 
estate, has the approval of the Order in this jurisdiction. For example, in the 
matter of a certain Home of the Order in Pennsylvania, the Grand Lodge enacted 
that upon said Home being organized according to the conditions made by the 
Grand Lodge, the Grand Master was instructed to dedicate the same in the name 
of the Order to the uses and purposes for which the same was intended, and that 
he formally recognize the same as one of the charities of the Order. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 141 



DEFUNCT CERTIFICATE. 

[For the general provisions concerning the issuance of Cards and Certificates to 
members of Defcmct Lodges, See Defunct Lodges.] 

1162. Defunct Certificates may be issued by tbe Grand Lodge to those 
members who were in good standing when their Subordinate Lodge became de- 
funct, and who apply for the same after one year from the date of surrender. The 
general regulations concerning the issuance are the same as for Withdrawal Cards 
issued to members of defunct Lodges. 

1163. Defunct Certificates have the same privileges, and are to be recog- 
nized by every subordinate to which they may be presented, whether in or 
out of the jurisdiction issuing them, as having the same force and effect as 
an expired Withdrawal Card that had been issued by an existing subordinate 
in good standing. 

1164. A Defunct Certificate will enable the holder to join another Subor- 
dinate Lodge as an "Ancient Odd Fellow." A certificate issued to a member 
of a defunct Lodge does not have the effect of a Withdrawal Card in date 
from a Subordinate Lodge. It has only the effect of a Withdrawal Card over 
a year old. The Grand Lodge card obtained by a member of a defunct sub- 
ordinate from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of his jurisdiction 
gives him only the rights of an Ancient Odd Fellow. 

1165. A Defunct Certificate is distinctly different from a Dismissal Cer- 
tificate, and applies to a different class of brothers. 

1166. It is competent for a Grand Body to grant a card to enable a mem- 
ber of a defunct Subordinate Lodge to join another subordinate, although the 
brother is at tbe time largely in arrears to such defunct subordinate. This dis- 
cretionary power implies, of course, a wise and judicious investigation of the cir- 
cumstances of every case presented. 

1167. Members of a defunct subordinate will be chargeable with dues up 
to the date when such subordinate shall legally vote to surrender its charter, 
or, in the event of no such action by the subordinate, then to the date 
when the charter shall be sent by its last officers to the Grand Lodge or its 
executive; and if no action is taken by the subordinate or its officers, then 
to the date when, by local or general authority, the charter is forfeited; pro- 
vided, that in no case shall the amount charged exceed one year's dues. 

1168. When the books of a defunct Lodge are in the possession of the Grand 
Secretary, he may issue cards to former members of the defunct subordinate, and 
he may also issue them, on being satisfied of the good standing of any such mem- 
her, in case the books are lost or destroyed ; provided, that he shall require satis- 
factory evidence that the applicant is at the time worthy of recommendation to the 
friendship and protection of the brotherhood. 

DEFUNCT LODGES. 

(a). By Forfeiture. (b) By Surrender. (c). Property of. 

See Charter. See Reinstatement. 

Resuscitation. Board of Grand Officers. 

Consolidation of Lodges. Appendix. 

(a). By Forfeiture. 

1169. The suspension of a Lodge takes effect from the time such sus- 
pension is published or proclaimed, and as soon as practicable it is the duty 
of the Grand Officers to make such proclamation. 

1170. If a Lodge is expelled its functions cease altogether. 

1171. When a Lodge is suspended or expelled its functions cease; not 
merely as to certain purposes, but all purposes. 



142 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DEFUNCT LODGES— By Forfeiture- 

1172. The individual members are suspended from their privileges in 
the Order. 

1173. A member of a suspended or expelled Lodge has not the right to 
visit on an unexpired Visiting Card granted prior to such suspension or 
expulsion; but it is competent for a Subordinate Lodge to receive on de- 
posit a Withdrawal Card from such suspended or expelled Lodge, if, at the 
time it was granted, the Lodge labored under no disability, a card of clear- 
ance, relating alone to the past. The reason the rule is otherwise as to 
Visiting Cards or Official Certificates is that they speak in the present of the 
connection of the bearer, whose right undoubtedly expires with his Lodge. 

(b). By Surrender. 

1174. When a charter has ceased through surrender the Lodge ceases 
to be a working Lodge, but individual rights of the members, as members 
of the Order, are not thereby affected, except that they are in abeyance, and 
therefore a member may visit on a card granted by the Lodge prior to the 
surrender of its charter, or on a Withdrawal Card issued within one year 
from that date. 

1175. By the surrender the Grand Lodge has, among other things, be- 
come vested with the rights of the Lodge, or rather in the exercise of its 
functions, in so far as they may be necessary to enable the members of the 
defunct lodge to transfer and thus renew their active membership in the 
Order, or to personally withdraw therefrom. 

1176. Within one year from the date of surrender a member who was 
at that time in good standing, by paying his dues up to the date of surren- 
der and the price for the card, can obtain from the Grand Secretary a 
Withdrawal Card, which card shall be good for one year from the date the 
Lodge surrendered, and no longer, which card shall have the same priv- 
ileges and is to be recognized by every Lodge to which it is presented, 
whether in or out of his jurisdiction, as having the same force and effect 
as a Withdrawal Card that has been issued by an existing Lodge in good 
standing, and will enable the holder to visit other Lodges and to join another 
Lodge. 

1177. If a brother in good standing at the time the Lodge surrendered 
permits a year or more to elapse since the date of surrender, he cannot re- 
ceive a Withdrawal Card, but will be entitled to a Defunct Certificate, 
w'hich is issued to members of defunct Lodges in good standing ai the time 
of surrender. He must pay his dues to the time of surrender. This cer- 
tificate, when issued, will have the same force and effect as an expired With- 
drawal Card that has been issued by an existing subordinate in good stand- 
ing, and likewise makes him an Ancient Odd Fellow. 

1178. If the brother, at the time the Lodge became defunct, was in ar- 
rears for more than one year's dues, or was suspended for non-payment of 
dues, then, on the payment of the price of the certificate and his arrears 
for dues, which in no case shall be computed to be more than the total 
charges for one year's dues, he may receive from the Grand Secretary a 
Dismissal Certificate, which shall have the same privileges, and is to be 
recognized by every Lodge to which it may be presented as having the 
same force and effect as a Dismissal Certificate that has been issued by an 
existing Lodge. 

1179. It is competent for the Grand Lodge to grant a card to enable a 
member of a defunct Subordinate Lodge to join another Subordinate Lodge, 
although the brother is, at the time, largely in arrears to such defunct 
subordinate. This discretionary power implies, of course, a wise and ju- 
dicious investigation of the circumstances of every case presented. 

1180. A brother who has been expelled from a Lodge which subse- 
quently becomes extinct, can only regain membership in the Order through 
the Grand Lodge to which the Lodge he belonged was subordinate. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 143 

DEFUNCT LODGES-By Surrender. 

1181. An expelled member of a defunct Lodge can only regain member- 
chip through the action of the Board of Grand Lodge Officers. 

1182. A member of a defunct Lodge, when applying for a card or cer- 
tificate, must furnish the Grand Secretary with satisfactory evidence that 
the applicant is, at this time, worthy of recommendation to the friendship and 
protection of the brotherhood. 

1183. Grand Lodge Certificates issued to members of an extinct subor- 
dinate by the Grand Secretary, in conformity with the existing laws of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, do not require the counter-signature of the Grand 
Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge to make them available. 

1184. The Grand Lodge may grant a duplicate Dismissal Certificate or 
Withdrawal Card to a member of a defunct Lodge of this jurisdiction who 
has lost or mislaid the original. For example, a brother received from his 
Lodge a Dismissal Certificate; the Lodge became defunct, and, having never 
disposed of his Dismissal Certificate, lost or mislaid it, under these circum- 
stances the Grand Lodge may grant him a duplicate Dismissal Certificate, 
although he was not a member of the Lodge at the time it surrendered Its 
charter. There is no other source for the brother to receive a Dismissal 
Certificate except from the Grand Master and Grand Secretary during the 
Interim, or from the Grand Lodge itself at the session. 

(c.) Property of. 

1185. On the dissolution of a Lodge all its assets become the property of 
the Grand Lodge. 

1186. Everything, no matter how trifling, must be delivered up to the 
Grand Secretary, emblems, regalia, working effects, books, rituals, account 
books, moneys, membership records, ledger, cash book, minute book, seal and the 
like. 

1187. The available and unavailable funds must be delivered or assigned 
to the Board of Grand Officers, or to the Trustee selected by them. 

1188. The real estate of a defunct Lodge vests in the Grand Lodge, and 
the Grand Lodge can invoke legal remedies to enforce its right in any or 
all of the property of the defunct Lodge. 

1189. Whenever the property of a defunct Lodge shall not be called for 
within one year, the same shall be sold and a special entry of the amount re- 
ceived therefor be made by the Grand Treasurer to the credit of said Lodge. 

1190. All the moneys and property coming to the hands of the Grand 
Lodge is treated as a trust fund, of which the Board of Grand Lodge Officers 
are the trustees. 

1191. Regalia of Lodges which have surrendered their charters can 
be sold. The proceeds of sale should be placed to the credit of such sur- 
rendered Lodge. 



144 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



DEGREES. 

(a). General Principles. (d). Past Official Degree. 

(b). On Those Initiated Prior to July (e). Grand Lodge Degree. 

1, 1882 (f ). Pseudo Degrees. 
(c). On New Members. 

See Ballot. See Degree Staff. 

Initiation. Institution of New Lodges. 

Degree Lodge. Special Sessions of Grand Lodge. 

(a). General Principles. 

1192. The right to confer the subordinate degrees upon their own mem- 
bers is guaranteed to Subordinate Lodges by their charters. It is an in- 
herent right, and no State authority is competent to contravene it. The 
authority thus given to the Subordinate Lodge is consequently made the 
duty of the Noble Grand, as its presiding officer. 

1193. This right is not lost by the formation of a Degree Lodge in the 
territorial jurisdiction of a Subordinate Lodge. 

1194. A Lodge is prohibited from conferring the degrees upon a mem- 
ber of another Lodge, without the consent of his Lodge, given under its 
seal. The penalty for which is that if the degrees be so conferred without 
the consent of the Lodge to which the member belongs, the fees received 
therefor must be paid over to the Lodge of which the recipient of the de- 
gree is a member. In this jurisdiction the initiation fee includes the fees for all 
the degrees and the election to membership includes the right to all four degrees 
in their proper sequence ; provided, that it is not discovered that the initiate is au 
improper person for membership, when his further progress may be halted, charges 
preferred, and, if found guilty, the member expelled. The true reason for the 
law is therefore not the loss of the fees, which is impossible under our law, but 
that by so acting a Lodge may unwarrantably confer full membership in another 
Lodge upon an unworthy or disqualified person. 

1195. It is the duty of any Lodge, upon the presentation of a duly au- 
thenticated degree certificate, if the holder is in good standing (which will 
be evidenced by his having the Semi-Annual Pass Word, or an Official Cer- 
ticate sho-ving dues paid in advance of the date of presentation, or a Visiting Card 
in date), to confer the degrees upon the candidate holding and presenting 
such certificate. 

1196. A certificate to authorize a brother to receive his degrees away 
from the location of his Lodge can only be granted by application in writing 
to his Lodge at a regular session, and when open in the Third Degree. When 
the Lodge is open as a degree Lodge, that is, in any of the lower degrees, 
the application cannot be made or granted. 

1197. When a member desiring to receive the higher degrees Is located 
in a distant place, so as not to be able to attend his Lodge, upon his mak- 
ing application in proper form, his Lodge may grant him a certificate, di- 
rected to the Lodge nearest his location. A certificate to authorize a 
brother to receive his degrees away from the location of his Lodge, can 
only be granted by application to his Lodge at a regular session. The cer- 
tificate entitling a brother to receive the degrees must be signed by the 
Noble Grand and Secretary, under the seal of the Lodge. 

1198. The following form of certificate may be used: 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. F. 



19... 



To the Officers and Members of any Lodge, I. O. O. F. 

Greeting. — You are hereby requested to confer the degree upon 

Brother , a member of this Lodge in good standing, who has 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 145 

DEGREES— General Principles. 

been elected to receive said degree and paid his full initiation* fee, which 
by the laws of this jurisdiction, entitles him to receive all the other degrees 
without further charge therefor. Please advise us of the compliance wltn 
this request, and the date of conferring the degree. 

, Noble Grand. 

., .Recording Secretary. 

(L. S.) 

1199. The initiatory is a degree in Odd Fellowship, but is not numbered 
as such. The four degrees in Odd Fellowship are denominated, Initiatory, 
First, Second and Third Degrees. 

1200. The initiation of a member into a Subordinate Lodge must take 
place in the Lodge to which the applicant is elected. This is the general law 
without exception. 

1201. Initiation of members in Subordinate Lodges must take place In 
the Subordinate Lodge to which the applicant is elected. By "the Lodge" 
to which he is elected is meant not merely the members composing that 
Lodge, wherever they may be assembled, but those members, or a quorum 
of them, regularly assembled at a legally authorized time and place. Mem- 
bers of the Lodge to which the candidate is elected cannot take the appli- 
cant into the hall of a neighboring Lodge and have the initiation take place 
there by a staff of that Lodge. 

1202. An applicant for membership in the Order who has been elected 
in a Lodge where he resides cannot be initiated in a Lodge located where 
he may have a temporary residence upon the request of the Lodge electing 
him. 

1203. Statement — Mr. A. files an application for membership by Initia- 
tion in Lodge No. 1. By that Lodge he is elected to membership. Lodge 
No. 1 issues order requesting Lodge No. 2 to confer the Initiatory Degree. 
The brother signs the Constitution of Lodge No. 2. Question — Where is the 
brother's membership, in the Lodge that elected him, or in the Lodge that in- 
itiated him? Answer — The brother's membership is in the Lodge that 
elected him, although his initiation was illegal. 

1204. All the business of the Subordinate Lodge shall be transacted In 
the Third Degree, or the Degree of Truth. The Lodge shall open in each 
degree, for the purpose of conferring the degrees, and ea.ch degree shall be 
conferred when it is opened in that degree. 

1205. Every Subordinate Lodge must open in the Third Degree, and no 
other form of opening is recognized by our laws. When reduced, for the 
purpose of conferring the degrees, to the Initiatory, the First or Second 
Degree, it is the same Lodge, but open for specific purposes only, In a lower 
degree. The Subordinate Lodge opened at the beginning is not closed, in 
any sense, except to confer degrees, until formally closed at the end of the 
session; but when open to confer any lower degree, any member who has 
received such degree, is entitled to be admitted, and to remain while such 
degree is being conferred. 

1206. In conferring the degrees, Lodges must open in the degree to be 
conferred, when all the brothers who have taken the degree can be present. 

1207. When a Lodge is open in the First Degree and has concluded the 
business to be transacted in such degree, and desires to open in the Second 
Degree, the Lodge must close in the First Degree before opening in the 
Second Degree, in the manner and form prescribed by the Ritual, and the 
same rule applies to all degrees. 

1208. It is not necessary for the officers to enter from or retire to the 
ante-room through the door in charge of the Inside Guardian, nor need they 
address the chair, as directed by the Ritual. 



14| 6 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DEGKEES— General Principles. 

1209. In conferring degrees a member cannot occupy any position or 

deliver any charge that he is not qualified to fill or deliver by virtue of the rank he 
has attained as a member of the Order. 

1210. The degrees must be conferred in their numerical order. 

1211. In all cases when a candidate enters the hall to receive a degree, 
he shall appear without regalia. 

1212. It is improper to make a public display of the costumes used In 
conferring the Lodge degrees. 

1213. The time for conferring the degrees should be left to the control 
of subordinates, subject to such rules as may be prescribed by local legis- 
lation. They may be conferred at other than regular meetings. 

1214. A Lodge has the right to set apart a particular stated meeting in 
each month for the purpose of conferring each degree, and cannot be re- 
quired to confer the degrees on nights other than those set apart. 

1215. When it is desired to confer more than two degrees upon the 
same evening upon a brother, a dispensation must be applied for before the 
Degrees are conferred. It is a compliance with this law if the dispensation 
be granted and the fee therefor paid prior to the formal application to the 
Lodge for the degrees. Where a Lodge has a stated meeting night set apart each 
month for the conferring of a degree, and for any reason — such as there being a 
public holiday or by lack of a quorum — no meeting is held, so that a brother 
would not get his degree on the particular night when he should have received the 
some, the Lodge may hold a special session before the next meeting for the pur- 
pose of conferring upon the brother this degree, so that he may receive his remain- 
ing degrees in proper course. 

1216. A Lodge has no power to authorize the conferring of degrees upon 
a sick brother at his residence. 

1217. 'A Lodge may confer the Initiatory Degree on the same night that 
they ballot for a candidate, provided they have a dispensation for that 
purpose. 

1218. No Lodge room shall be used for the conferring of any degrees 
or secret work not provided for by the existing laws of the Order; any of- 
ficer of a Subordinate or other Lodge, who may aid or permit such degrees 
to be conferred in such Lodge-rooms, shall be guilty of a violation of the 
laws of the Order. Provided, that this shall not be interpreted so as to af- 
fect any such proceedings as may be had in such Lodge-rooms by other 
secret associations not under the color of Odd Fellowship. 

1219. A Lodge has the legal right to require proficiency in the Unwritten 
Work of the last Degree taken as a condition precedent to a candidate ad- 
vancing to the next higher degree. 

1220. Where the By-Laws of a Lodge require that a brother, before he 
can be advanced from one degree to another, shall pass a satisfactory ex- 
amination in open Lodge in regard to his proficiency in the preceding de- 
grees, in order to ask the question whether the members are satisfied wltn 
the examination, it is necessary to close in the degree in which the examina- 
tion was had, and re-open in the Third Degree for said purpose. 

1221. No matter what may be. the rule in the Lodge, a Noble G-rand, or 
his Lodge, cannot refuse to confer a degree upon a brother of another Lodge 
who is unable to prove himself in the degree or degrees which he claims to 
have previously obtained, if the brother holds a certificate from his Lodge 
of his eligibility to the degree which he desires to have conferred upon 
him. It is the duty of any Lodge, upon the presentation of a duly authen- 
ticated Degree Certificate and proper identification, if the holder is in good stand- 
ing, to confer the degrees upon the candidate holding and presenting such certi- 
ficate. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 147 

DEGREES— General Principles. 

1222. It is not lawful for a Lodge to initiate one candidate and permit 
others to sit and witness such initiation. Ail must pass through the cere- 
mony. 

1223. It is within the discretion of a Lodge to permit the candidate to 
stand or be seated during the delivery of the Past Grand's charge. 

1224. Appropriate music is allowable while conferring the degrees, as 
the Lodge or degree staff may deem advisable. 

1225. Where a Lodge of another jurisdiction initiated a brother, and 
said brother leaves the jurisdiction and comes to Pennsylvania, and requests 
a Lodge nearest his residence in this State to confer the First, Second and 
Third Degrees upon him. He presents proper papers from his own Lodge, 
with their request that the degrees be conferred upon him. The Lodge con- 
fers the degrees without further permission. It does not get any fees for the 
three degrees, and it should report to the brother's Lodge that they have conferred 
the degrees on him. 

1226. The requirement that the degrees shall be conferred in their 
numerical order does not entitle any brother to receive more than one de- 
gree the same day, except by dispensation. The price of the dispensation 
shall be fifty cents for each degree. 

1227. A brother may apply for a degree or degrees on the evening of his 
initiation, or at any other meeting, under dispensation which can be granted 
by the D. D. G. M., or Grand Master for reasons satisfactory to himself. In 
granting such dispensations the Grand Secretary acts as the special deputy 
for the Grand Master. 

1228. An initiate who is found not to have been eligible to membership 
is not qualified for the degrees, and the Lodge should not advance him. 

1229. A Lodge has the authority to confer the degrees upon other nights 
than that of its regular meeting. 

1230. The Sovereign Grand Lodge was asked to confer authority upon 
Subordinate Lodges to set apart a stated evening in each month, other than 
the regular stated meeting night of the Lodge, for the purpose of conferring 
the degrees of the Order upon duly qualified brothers, provided, that this 
shall not authorize the conferring of the degrees on Sunday; to which it was 
answered that the Sovereign Grand Lodge knows of no law which requires 
that the degrees shall be conferred at a regular session of the Lodge, and 
it seems eminently proper that the time of conferring degrees should be 
left to the control of subordinates, subject to such rules as may be prescribed 
by local legislation. 

1231. There is no law compelling a Lodge to give a brother a degree, 
no matter how good he may stand on the books of the Lodge, if it appear 
that he is ineligible to membership, and that his election was improperly ob- 
tained, in that he has not the necessary qualifications for memoership, and 
It is for the voters to decide whether he shall advance or not; no one, un- 
der our present system, can question their right to reject or refuse to confer 
the degree on any brother. 

1232. A brother who was thoroughly sound when he received the First 
Degree, but who afterwards becomes afflicted through natural or accidental 
cause, is not entitled, as a matter of law, to receive the remaining degrees. 

1233. The question of the advancement of a brother to a higher degree 
is discretionary with the Lodge. It is clearly understood to be the law of 
the Order that in the matter of conferring degrees the authority to 
do so rests with the Subordinate Lodges, and these bodies have the right to 
confer or refuse to confer, as may seem best to them. The Subordinate 
Lodge is the foundation of the Order, and it is a wise and proper regula- 
tion which leaves the question of the advancement of a brother to higher 
degrees discretionary with the Lodge. 



148 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DEGREES. 

(b). As to those Initiated Prior to July 1, 1882. 

See Initiate.! 

1234. All ballots upon applications for degrees must be had when the Lodge 
is opened in the Third Degree. 

1235. Balloting for all the degrees must take place in the Third Degree, 
and in the absence of local legislation a separate ballot for each degree must 
be had. 

1236. All ballots upon applications to receive degrees should be spread on 
the minuteb separately. 

1237. The time for balloting for degrees is a subject for local legisla- 
tion, and a Grand Lodge may by general law provide that one or more weeks 
shall elapse from the date of the application before balloting thereon, but 
in the absence of local legislation, the balloting for degrees must be upon 
the same evening on which the application is made therefor. 

1238. Upon the application of those who received the Initiatory Degree 
prior to July 1, 1882, for any of the higher degrees, a ballot must be had 
upon granting the degree for which the application is made, whilst the 
Lodge is working in the Third Degree. No ballot can be had, or vote taken, 
except in the Third Degree. All applications for degrees and the balloting 
thereon must be had at the regular stated meeting nights of the Lodge, and 
at no other time. 

1239. The fees to be paid for the degrees by those initiated prior to 
July 1, 1882, shall be regulated by the By-Laws, but in no case shall it be 
less than fifty cents for each degree. 

1240. Three black balls reject an application for degrees of a member 
initiated prior to July 1, 1882, and the same cannot be renewed within six 
months. In no case can the ballot upon a rejected application be recon- 
sidered, unless all the parties who may have cast black balls shall volun- 
tarily ask for such reconsideration. » 

1241. All members of the Order who have heretofore received the First 
and Second Degrees under the old work, shall be entitled to rank as mem- 
bers of the First Degree of the Revised Work. All members who have re- 
ceived the Third and Fourth Degrees of the old work, shall be entitled to 
rank as members of the Second Degree of the Revised Work; and all mem- 
bers who have received the Fifth Degree of the old work, shall be entitled 
to rank as members of the Third Degree of the Revised Work, without 
charge. 

(c). New Members. 

1242. The fees to be paid for the degrees by those elected since July 1, 
1882, and for conferring them, are included in the fee for initiation fixed by 
the By-Laws. The ballot by which the candidate was elected to membership 
elects" to the Initiatory and First, Second and Third Degrees without further 
action. 

1243. A provision of law made by a Grand Lodge that all degrees shall 
be conferred without other balloting than for the Initiatory Degree, is legal. 

(d). Past Official Degree. 

1244. The Past Official Degree is a reward for actual service in office in 
a Subordinate Lodge, and may be conferred at any proper time and place 
on those who have earned it and produce proper certificates from Lodges in 
which it has been earned. The Past Official Degree can only be obtained as the 
direct result of service rendered in office, and cannot be conferred by resolution, 
either of the Grand Lodge or a Subordinate Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 149 

DEGREES— Past Official Degree- 

1245. Upon an application made personally, or otherwise, by a past of- 
ficer who has served as Noble Grand a majority of the nights of a term 
(provided he has served to the end of the term), or by one who has been 
elected to office and served the balance of an unexpired term, a certificate 
to receive the Past Official Degree must be given without a vote of the Lodge, by 
direction of the Noble Grand. 

1246. The Grand Lodge is authorized to confer the Grand Lodge and 
Past Official Degrees upon Past Grands of another State jurisdiction, upon 
the presentation of a Visiting Card from their own Lodge, and also a cer- 
tificate executed by the Grand Master and Grand Secretary, under the seal 
of the Grand Lodge to whose jurisdiction such Past Grands belong, that 
they are eligible and entitled to the same. 

1247. The Past Official Degree cannot be granted by dispensation, nor 
conferred by resolution. 

1248. The Past Official Degree may be conferred outside of the Grand 
Lodge, if such body has authorized it to be so conferred; but it can only 
be conferred in the presence of those who are Past Grands, and who are 
in possession of the Past Official Degree. There does not appear to have ever 
been any legislation by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania authorizing the con- 
ferring of the Past Official Degree, except at the special or stated sessions of the 
Grand Lodge, held for the purpose of conferring the Grand Lodge Degree, and 
for the admission of Past Grands. 

1249. In no case shall a certificate be granted to, nor shall a Past Of- 
ficial Degree be conferred upon a brother who has not served a majority 
of nights of a term in that office (except to one who has been prevented by 
sickness, or who has been elected to serve the balance of a term), nor to 
one who has resigned the office or vacated the chairs before the expiration 
of the term for which he was elected. 

1250. A brother is entitled to the Past Official Degree upon the expiration 
of his term in the office of Noble Grand, although he may have been re- 
elected Noble Grand. 

j.251. A Past Grand who joins a Lodge in this jurisdiction on a card 
from another, must also present a certificate to the Lodge that he is a Past 
Grand. He may be subsequently elected Representative to the Grand 
Lodge; but in addition to the Representative's Certificate, he must present 
a Transfer Certificate from the Lodge that he represents, certifying that he is 
a Past Grand, and is entitled to the Past Official and the Grand Lodge De- 
grees. He can then be admitted to membership and to a seat in the Grand 
Lodge. 

1252. A Vice Grand who, by reason of some event fills the chair of the 
Noble Grand to the end of a term, is not entitled to the honors of the sta- 
tion, without a previous election to and installation into that office. 



(e). Grand Lodge Degree. 

See Special Sessions. 

1253. The Grand Lodge is prohibited from conferring the Grand Lodge 
Degree for a pecuniary consideration, and with a view of increasing its 
revenue, or for any other consideration except the regular performance of 
the duty of the Noble Grand's chair, the said degree having been designed 
as a reward for faithful service in the Subordinate Lodge, and it can only be 
given when a Past Grand becomes a member of the Grand Lodge. 

1254. The Grand Lodge Degree can only be conferred by the Grand 
Lodge, in the room or in some contiguous room where the Grand Lodge 
is assembled.. It cannot be conferred by a District Deputy Grand Master. 



!50 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DEGREES— Grand Lodge Degree. 

1255. The Grand Lodge Degree can only be conferred at a regular ses- 
sion of the Grand Lodge, or at a special session called for that purpose, and 
when a quorum, under the law, is present and it can only be conferred by the 
officer legally authorized, who is either the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand 
Master or the Grand Warden. But the Grand Secretary must be present. 

1256. The Grand Lodge many hold special sessions as often as may be 
deemed necessary, to give instructions in the Unwritten Work of the Order, 
and to confer the Past Official or Grand Lodge Degrees, respectively, at such 
places within this jurisdiction as may be determined by the Grand Master. 

1257. The Grand Lodge may confer the degree upon its own members 
upon admission, and upon a Past Grand of another jurisdiction upon the 
presentation of a Visiting Card from his own Lodge, and also a certificate 
executed by the Grand Master and Grand Secretary under the seal of the 
Grand Lodge to whose jurisdiction the Past Grand belongs, that he is 
eligible and entitled to the same. Neither a Grand Master nor the Grand 
Lodge has the right to confer Past Official Degrees on a brother from an- 
other jurisdiction at the request of the Lodge of which said brother is a 
member; It can properly only be done at the request of the ,Grand Lodge 
having jurisdiction over the subordinate in which the brother has earned 
the degrees. 

1258. The Grand Lodge Degree may be conferred upon Past Grands be- 
longing to Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge on the presentation of a proper certificate signed by 
the Grand Sire and Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and atr 
tested by the seal of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

1259. The amount and character of evidence which may be required by 
the Grand Lodge Officers before conferring the Grand Lodge Degree is a 
matter to be determined by the legislation of the Grand Lodge. 

1260. A Past Grand who has received his certificate from his Lodge and 
desires to have the Grand Lodge Degree conferred upon him, must have the 
Password of the Third Degree and the Password of the Current Term, before 
he can be admitted. 

1261. When a Past Grand presents a proper certificate of qualification, 
the Grand Lodge has no authority to reject him upon alleged improprieties 
of conduct. If he come properly accredited he should be received. 

1262. To entitle a Past Grand to the Grand Lodge Degree he must pro- 
duce a certificate from the Subordinate Lodge of which he is a member, cer- 
tifying that he is a member in good standing, that he has been duly elected 
to and has served in the office of Noble Grand a majority of the nights of 
a term (provided he has served to the end of the term), or by one who has 
been elected to office and served the balance of an unexpired term, that he 
has filled the office in a satisfactory manner, and has received the First, 
Second and Third Degrees, and that he is entitled to membership in the 
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, with a request that he be received and ac- 
knowledged as such, which certificate shall be signed by the Noble Grand 
and Secretary, and be attested by the seal of the Lodge. This certificate, 
after being examined by the Deputy Grand Master or Grand Warden, and 
found correct, shall be delivered to the Grand Conductor, who shall prove 
the candidate in the degrees, and if found correct he shall be introduced to 
the Grand Lodge and admitted to membership in the usual form and with 
the usual ceremony. 

1263. A Past Grand cannot under any circumstances, receive the Grand 
Lodge Degree and be admitted to membership in the Grand Lodge without 
presenting a regular Past Grand's Certificate. A Past Grand cannot be ad- 
mitted upon a Representative's Certificate or Credential, nor upon the semi- 
annual report of his Lodge, nor upon any voucher except the certificate pre- 
scribed in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge. Neither the Grand Lodge 
Officers or the Grand Lodge can override the Constitution. • 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 151 

DEGREES— Grand Lodge Degree. 

1264. A Past Grand who is a member of a subordinate Lodge in this jurisdic- 
tion and received his degrees and served in the office of Noble Grand in a regu- 
larly chartered Lodge of the I. O. 0. F. under the jurisdiction of this Grand 
Lodge may receive the Grand Lodge Degree and be admitted to membership in 
the Grand Lodge upon producing a certificate from the Lodge of which he is a 
member in the following form : 

Form of Past Grand's Certificate. 

To be filled up in duplicate, properly attested, and one copy handed 
to the brother, the other to be mailed by the Secretary of the Lodge to the 
Grand Secretary. 

N. B. — This Certificate will entitle a Past Grand to be admitted to 
membership in the Grand Lodge, but will not entitle him to a seat as Rep- 
resentative. 
To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F. : 

Lodge, No , 

This is to certifiy that Past Grand (write first name in full) 

is a member, in good standing, in this Lodge; that he has been duly elected 
to, and has served in the office of Noble Grand for one elective term next 
ensuing his election, discharging the duties of the office in a satisfactory 
manner; that he has received the First, Second and Third Degrees, and that 
he is entitled to membership in the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. We, 
therefore, respectfully request that he may be acknowledged accordingly. 
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, and affixed the seal 

of the Lodge, this day of 190 . . . 

Noble Grand. 

(Term Commencing.) 

, Secretary. 

(Seal.) 

1265. A Noble Grand is entitled to the honor and rank of Past Grand if the 
nights he actually served added to the nights he was excused for sickness would 
make a majority of the meeting nights of the term. If the nights he actually 
served as Noble Grand would not make a majority of the nights, and it should be 
necessary to include some of the nights when he was absent under excuse, if the 
minutes do not show that he was excused under leave of absence, then the Lodge 
should by some action taken, show he was excused or under leave, if such was the 
case, as the certificate of the Secretary under seal would not be sufficient, if the 
minutes did not show the granting of such excuse or leave. The Certificate of the 
Secretary to be in force in this state of the record should be executed by au- 
thority of the Lodge. If the facts are as stated it is proper for the Lodge to take 
some action showing it and authorizing the Certificate of the Secretary. 

Under the conditions mentioned in this paragraph, the following form will 
be used : 

Form of Past Grand's Certificate. 

To be filled up in duplicate properly attested, and one copy handed to the brother 
the other to be mailed by the Secretary of the Lodge to the Grand Secretary. 

N. B. — This Certificate will entitle a Past Grand to be admitted to Membership in 
the Grand Lodge, but will not entitle him to a seat at Representative. 

To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. 0. O. F. : 

, Lodge, No , 

Thit is to Certify, That Past Grand 

is a member, in good standing, in this Lodge ; that he has been duly elected to, 
was regularly installed into and has served in the office of Noble Grand, l 

iThls blank to be filled In with a statement of the actual service of the Brother as 
Noble Grand. 

; during the elective term next ensuing his elec- 



152 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907, 

DEGREES— Grand Lodge Degree. 

tion, discharging the duties of the office in a satisfactory manner; that he has 
received the First, Second, and Third Degrees, and that he is entitled to member- 
ship in the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. 

This Lodge excused the absences of the Noble Grand which were occasioned 
by his sickness, so that counting the nights of his actual service as Noble Grand 
with those nights the Lodge legally excused him, makes a majority of the meeting 
nights of the term. We, therefore, respectfully request that he may be acknowl- 
edged accordingly. 

In Witness Whereof, at the direction of this Lodge, we have hereunto set our 

hands, and affixed the seal of the Lodge, this ...day of. 19 

Noble Grand. 

Secretary. 

[Seal.] 

1206. When Lodges consolidate during a term and thereby the officers of the 
Lodge lose their position, the Noble Grand shall not lose the honors of the office, 
but shall be entitled to the same provided he has served a majority of the meet- 
ings, prior to such consolidation. 

1267. A Noble Grand who shall have served a majority of the meeting nights 
of a regular term and shall have continued in office until the end thereof, shall be 
deemed to have served a full term. A majority of the meetings of a six months 
term of a subordinate Lodge is fourteen. 

1268. A Noble Grand elected to fill a vacancy who shall serve therein until 
the end of the term, whether the service be for one meeting or longer, occupies 
the status of having served a full term in such office, and is entitled to receive the 
honors of the office. A Noble Grand who has been elected to fill a vacancy who 
shall have served a majority of the meeting nights remaining in such unexpired 
term and to the end thereof, shall be deemed to have served a full term in such 
office. 

1269. In case the Noble Grand has served only a majority of the meeting 
nights of the term or is filling an unexpired term, or has served a majority of the 
meeting nights of a term prior to the consolidation of his Lodge, the following 
form will be used: 

Form or Past Grand's Certificate. 

To be filled up in duplicate properly attested, and one copy handed to the brother 
the other mailed by the Secretary of the Lodge to the Grand Secretary. 

jq\ B — This Certificate will entitle a Past Grand to be admitted to Membership in 
the Grand Lodge, but will not entitle him to a seat as Representative 

To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F. : 

Lodge, No 

This is to Certify, That Past Grand 

is a member, in good standing, in this Lodge ; that he has been duly elected to, 
was regularly installed into and has served in the office of Noble Grand, 1 

1 This blank to be filled In with a statement of the actual; service of the Brother as 
Noble Grand. 

during the elective term next ensuing his election, discharging the duties of the 
office in a satisfactory manner ; that he has received the First, Second, and Third 
Degrees, and that he is entitled to membership in the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- 
vania. We, therefore, respectfully request that he may be acknowledged accord- 
ingly. 

In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, and affixed the seal o 

the Lodge, this day of. 19 

Noble Grand. 

S cretary. 

Seal.] 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 153 

DEGKEES— Grand Lodge Degree. 

1270. A Past Grand having served in another jurisdiction may be admitted to 
membership herein by producing a certificate from the Lodge in this jurisdiction 
to which he is attached, certifying that he is a member in good standing therein, 
and chat at his admission to membership satisfactory evidence was received that 
he had duly served one elective term as Noble Grand, and requesting that he may 
be acknowledged as such. 

[See Transfer of Membership for form of Transfer Certificate to be used for a 
Past Grand who passed the chairs in another Jurisdiction, who has been admitted 
to membership herein.] 

1271. A Past Grand who has passed the chairs in a Lodge in this jurisdiction, 
and who deposits his card in another Lodge, shall be acknowledged upon present- 
ing to the Grand Lodge a proper certificate from ihe Lodge in which the card is 
deposited. 

The following form will be used : 

Transfer Certificate. 

Lodge, No 

To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. 0. F. : 

This is to certify, That Past Grand 

formerly of Lodge, No , deposited Card in 

Lodge, No. and we request that may be 

acknowledged accordingly. 

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the seal of the 

Lodge, this .day of 19. .. 

Noble Grand. 

Attest: , Secretary. 

Seal. 

(f ). Pseudo Degrees. 

1272. No Lodge room within the jurisdiction of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge shall be used for the conferring of any degrees or secret work not 
provided for by the existing laws of the Order. 

1273. Any officer of Subordinate or other Lodge, or Lodges, who may 
aid or permit such degrees to be conferred in such Lodge-rooms shall b« 
guilty of a violation of the laws of the Order; provided, that this resolution 
shall not be interpreted so as to affect any such proceedings as may be had 
In such Lodge-rooms by other secret associations not under the color of 
Odd Fellowship. , 

1274. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has directed that the Grand Sire 
enforce the law of the Order prohibiting the creation of any degree or organiza- 
tion based on membership or affiliation with this Order, or using any name con- 
nected with this Order, or affiliation with any division of this Order, unless 
the same shall have been lawfully authorized by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and 
to cause charges to be preferred against any officer or member of this Order 
encouraging or ordering such proceedings. 

1275. The So-called "Oriental Degree" is no part of Odd Fellowship. No 
such proceedings as the conferring of this degree can be tolerated in or by 
a Lodge of Odd Fellows. If members of the Order wish to indulge in such 
vulgar and indecent proceedings, it must be done upon their individual re- 
sponsibility and outside of our organization. It is a slander upon the Order 
to assert that the conferring of said degree is "appropriate exercises" at the 
celebration of the Anniversary of a Lodge. 

1276. As regards the "Oriental Degree," the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- 
vania most decidedly approves the statement above made. While Odd Fel- 
lowship does not claim to restrain any of its members from innocent amuse- 
ment, or the enjoyment of anything not forbidden by our laws, there is 
within this latitude much that it would not only be improper but wrong to 
mix up with Odd Fellowship; and there is nothing that has ever been en- 
grafted on, or attempted to be connected with our beloved institution, so in- 
consistent with all its teachings as this degree, and we deem it no apology 

11 



154 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DEGREES— Pseudo Degrees. 

to say that it is not done in the Lodge, but we consider it a great discredit 
to know that Odd Fellows have been encouraged in it. 

1277. Information having reached the Grand Master that a degree was 
being conferred in some Lodge-rooms, after the Lodge had closed, called 
the "Parallel Degree," leading the unwary to suppose that the degree had 
some connection with Odd Fellowship, he issued his mandate prohibiting it, 
saying, inter alia: "This Pseudo Degree, being not only inappropriate, on 
account of its having no connection with the Order, but being, as I am well 
advised, entirely unsuited to representation within the sacred walls of a 
Lodge-room, I deem it to be my duty, in the performance of the high trust 
with which I have been charged, to interdict the conferring of the so-called 
'degree' in the rooms over which the Lodges have control. Should mem- 
bers of the Order persist in attempting to lower its character by introducing 
unseemly and vulgar performances within its Lodge-rooms, their conduct 
will merit and receive the severest reprobation." 

DEGREE LODGES. 

1278. There is no distinct law for instituting Degree Lodges, and their 
legality has been acquiesced in by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and the 
charge books of the Order, by implication, recognize their legal existence. 

1279. In 1829, Degree Lodges were instituted by the Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania. Prior to this, degrees were conferred (as in Great Britain) 
on Sundays, in the Lodge rooms, and the act was called "delivering lecture.'' 
The plan was followed by several of the State Grand Lodges — not without 
resistance, however, in some of them, by the Subordinate Lodges, whose 
charters authorized them to perform this work. Other State Grand Lodges 
modified the plan by the organization of a Degree Committee in each Subor- 
dinate Lodge, composed of its most experienced and best qualified Past 
Grands and officers. In others still, the duty of conferring degrees was 
vested in the D. D. G. Masters and Lecture Masters, selected and authorized 
by them, in conjunction with such members of the Lodge as these latter 
might select as assistants. This is especially the case, even where Degree 
Lodges are recognized, in districts where there is but one Lodge, or where 
it would be inconvenient to establish a Degree Lodge." 

1280. Degree Lodges receive their charters from the Grand Lodge upon 
application of thirty Scarlet or Third Degree members, members of Subor- 
dinate Lodges, and are liable to the same rules of suspension or forfeiture 
as those of Subordinate Lodges. 

1281. The qualifications for office in a Degree Dodge is a subject for local 
legislation. 

1282. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has said that it is not expedient to 
confer any title or honorary distinction upon Past Degree Masters. 

1283. Membership in good standing in a Subordinate Lodge is requisite 
for membership in a Degree Lodge. It is therefore illegal to provide by law 
that members of a Degree Lodge who take Withdrawal Cards from their 
Subordinate Lodge may retain membership in a Degree Lodge for the space 
of three months. 

1284. A Subordinate Lodge, when open for the purpose of conferring 
•degrees upon its own members, does not thereby become a Degree Lodge, 
tout it is merely performing a duty and exercising a privilege which apper- 
tains to it under its charter as a Subordinate Lodge. It is the same Third 
Degree Lodge in which it opened its session. 

DEGREE STAFF. 

1285. No power resides in a Lodge to deprive the Noble Grand of his 
Constitutional authority, or to prevent him from exercising his lawful pre- 
rogative to give instructions to a Degree Staff; or to give a Captain of a De- 
gree Staff any authority which will deprive the Noble Grand of his obligated 
duties and rights to oversee and control initiatory and degree work wheu 
the Lodge is in session, or when the Degree Staff is drilling. 



1907.] - THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 155 

DEGKEE STAFF. 

1286. A By-Law which provided that "The Junior Past Grand, Noble 
Orand, Vice Grand and Secretary of the Lodge shall compose the Degree 
Committee to confer the degrees of the Order upon any member of this 
Lodge who has been balloted for and elected to receive the same, according 
to the provisions of this Article," is void, as it is in conflict with the laws of 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge, which make it the prerogative of the Noble 
Grand of the Lodge to perform this duty. 

1287. A By-Law which reads: "A Degree Committee shall be chosen by 
ballot at the first regular meeting in January, to serve one year, whose duty 
it shall be to confer all degrees given by the Lodge and to transact such 
other business in the degrees as may properly come before them," is also 
illegal, and therefore void. 

1288. A member cannot occupy any position, deliver any charge, or con- 
duct any work in a Degree Staff that he is not qualified to fill, deliver or 
conduct by the rank he has attained as a member of the Order. 

1289. It is not proper, in a Degree Staff, for any other member of the 
Order than the Noble Grand or a Past Grand to occupy the chair of the 
Noble Grand, except that, in the absence of the Noble Grand, the Vice Grand 
may occupy the chair. 

1290. In a Degree Staff, it is not proper for any other member to occupy 
the chair of a Vice Grand other than the Vice Grand, a Past Vice Grand or a 
Past Grand. 

1291. It is not necessary for the Degree Staff to enter from or retire to 
the ante-room through the doorway in charge of the Inside Guardian, nor 
need they address the chairs, as directed in the Eitual. 

1292. The obligation to a candidate must be administered by a Vice 
Grand or a Past Vice Grand. Where the instructions in "floor work" say 
that "positions on a staff are to be governed by the question of fitness," it 
means fitness within the limitations of law. 

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. 

See Grand Master. 

1293. The duties of the Deputy Grand Master are fully set forth In the 
obligation and charge of office at his installation, and in the Constitution and 
By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. 

1294. He, or the Grand Warden, shall examine all certificates recom- 
mending Past Grands to membership in the Grand Lodge. 

1295. The removal of a Deputy Grand Master from the jurisdiction va- 
cates his office, and he is not eligible to the office of Grand Master in this 
jurisdiction by reason of any right arising out of his election as Deputy 
Grand Master. 

1296. The Deputy Grand Master acting as Grand Master, without election or in- 
stallation in case of a vacancy in that office, cannot rank at the end of the 
term as Past Grand Master. 

1297. This principle was first enunciated by the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
in 1885, and reaffirmed in 1900, when the Constitution of the Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania was before it for- approval. The section of our Grand Lodge 
Constitution which read as adopted by this Grand Lodge as follows: "In 
case of the death, resignation or removal of the Grand Master, the Deputy 
Grand Master shall become the Grand Master for the unexpired term, and 
upon its expiration shall become entitled to the honors of a Past Grand Master 
provided he has thereby served six months or more as Grand Master," was 
changed by striking out all the words above italicized, principally, from 
what appears in the report of the Committee on Constitutions, because 
the Deputy Grand Master would not have thereby been elected to the offi*y«* 



156 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DEPUTY GRAND MASTEE. 

of Grand Master. The question, however, is not capable of exact interpretation 
in the present state of the general law on the subject although it involves the 
highest honor to be conferred in this jurisdiction namely— that of Past Grand 
Master and life membership in the Grand Lodge,' and while it is evident that the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge has apparently changed its previous rulings on the subject. 
in a later case, nevertheless, until it has spoken more authoritatively and made 
general law on the subject the special ruling made in reference to the Constitution 
of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, must stand as stated in the preceding section. 

DEVISE. 

See Bequest. 

DIPLOMAS. 

1298. All diplomas not issued or sanctioned by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge of the I. O. O. F. are illegal, and it is improper and illegal for the of- 
ficers of Subordinate Lodges to sign such diplomas, and they are null and 
void. 

1299. Diplomas shall be delivered to Grand Lodges, signed by the Grand 
Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and when said Diplomas are de- 
livered to members of the Order they shall receive the signature of tile 
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge to which the recipient belongs. 

1300. No Diploma shall be granted except by a vote of the Grand Lodge 
or of the Subordinate Lodge \o w T hich the member belongs, in this jurisdic- 
tion. 

1301. A Past Grand is entitled to have his rank shown in a Diploma 
Issued to him by his Lodge, whether or not he has been admitted to the 
Grand Lodge. 

DISMISSAL CERTIFICATES. 

See Suspension for Non-payment of Dues. See Defunct Lodges- 

1302. Dismissal Certificates can only be issued to members who have 
been dropped or suspended for non-payment of dues, or who, being members 
of a Defunct Lodge, owed at the time the Lodge became defunct, more than 
one year's dues. 

1303. It is a settled rule of the Order, fixed by general law, that a brother 
suspended by his Lodge for non-payment of dues is still a member of his 
Lodge, and subject to its rules and discipline. He is thereby deprived of 
certain rights, but his membership still exists. For example, he may be 
tried and punished by the Lodge from which he is suspended; therefore it 
is not only legal for a Subordinate Lodge to entertain, permit or allow 
charges to be brought against a member who has an application for a 
Dismissal Certificate before it, whether before or after five years from date 
of suspension, but it is the duty of the Lodge to allow and try such charges. 
But a Dismissal Certificate once granted, it cannot be annulled, like an un- 
expired Withdrawal Card, as the holder has ceased to be a member of the 
Order, and is not a brother Odd Fellow, subject to the discipline of the 
Order. He is not even an "Ancient Odd Fellow." 

1304. Where a brother, suspended for non-payment of dues in 1880, asks 
for a Dismissal Card, the Lodge must grant the same. Within five years 
after the date of suspension for non-payment of dues, the granting of a dis- 
missal certificate is discretionary w T ith the Lodge; after five years it becomes 
mandatory. 

1305. Where a member was suspended for non-payment of dues, and he 
makes application for reinstatement, but the Lodge, by vote, refuses to re- 
instate him, the Lodge must grant him a Dismissal Certificate, as he is en- 
titled thereto. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 157 

DISMISSAL CERTIFICATES. 

1306. A suspended brother cannot compel his former Lodge to grant him 
a Dismissal Certificate, before he has been suspended five years, although 
the suspending Lodge has not refused to reinstate him, and there are no 
charges preferred, the intention being to deposit the Dismissal Certificate 
in his former Lodge or another Lodge in the same city, thereby escaping 
the payment of the usual charges for reinstatement, which, in this jurisdic- 
tion, is not less than one year's dues. 

1307. In cases where the law makes it obligatory upon Lodges to grant a 
Dismissal Certicate to a brother suspended or dropped for non-payment of 
dues, it shall be the duty of the Noble Grand and Recording Secretary to 
issue such certificate upon proper application in open Lodge, and payment 
of the fee without a vote of the Lodge. 

1308. The Grand Lodge, through the Grand Lodge Officers, upon proper 
Application being made, will issue to the members of defunct Lodges en- 
titled thereto, Dismissal Certificates according to the standing of the 
brothers when the Lodge surrendered its charter, and such Dismissal Cer- 
tificates shall have the same force and effect as though they had been Is- 
sued by a Lodge in good standing, and will enable the holder to join another 
Lodge. 

1309. The Grand Lodge may grant a duplicate Dismissal Certificate to a 
member of a defunct Lodge of this jurisdiction who has lost or mislaid the 
original, even though the Dismissal Certificate was issued by the Lodge to 
the member before it became defunct. There is no other source for the 
brother to receive a Dismissal Certificate, under these circumstances, except 
from the Grand Master and Grand Secretary, during the recess, or from the 
Grand Lodge itself at the session. 

1310. Dismissal Certificates merely recite the fact of former member- 
ship and dismissal therefrom, without endorsing the character of the holder 
thereof, and contain no recommendations to the care of the brotherhood. 

1311. A Dismissal Certificate, when issued, shall show upon its face the 
nighest degree and rank obtained by the brother to whom the same Is issued. 

1312. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has prescribed the form of Dismissal 
Certificate to be exclusively used throughout its jurisdiction. All Dismissal 
Certificates must be in the prescribed form, and bear the counter signature 
of the Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F., or a 
fac simile thereof. They must be signed by the Noble Grand and attested by 
the Secretary of the Lodge issuing the same, and be under the seal. They 
must be signed by the holder thereof on the margin, in his own handwriting. 
None others are legal. 

1313. One dollar is the fee for, or cost of a Dismissal Certificate, and no 
Lodge is authorized to charge any greater amount for the same. 

1314. If an unworthy brother applies for a Dismissal Certificate, to which 
he is entitled, the Lodge must grant it ; or, in the event of its refusal 
must bring charges and expel him from the Order; these are the only al- 
ternatives. 

1315. Holders of Dismissal Certificates offering the same for deposit In 
*ny Lodge in this jurisdiction, shall be required to pay the same fee upon 
being admitted to membership that is required to be paid by a candidate for 
initiation of the same age, unless the Lodge shall fix a lesser sum by its By- 
Laws, which shall not be less than $3.00. 

1316. Holders of Dismissal Certificates may become petitioners for the 
granting of a charter for a new Lodge, provided, of course, that they are 
oined with at least ten Third Degree members in good standing. 

1317. No officer of the Order is authorized to give the secret work to a 
person holding a Dismissal Certificate. 



158 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



DISPENSATION. 

See Grand Master. See Grand Lodge. 

District Deputy Grand Master. 

1318. A dispensation in Odd Fellowship may be denned as a license 
granted by the Grand Master, or the Grand Lodge, relieving or exempting a 
person or Lodge, under certain circumstances, from the requirements, obliga- 
tions or penalties of some mere regulation, but never from the requirements, 
obligations or penalties of the law as contained in the ritual or in the other 
positive enactments of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, or in the Constitution 
and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, or in the Constitution and By-Laws ot 
Subordinate Lodges, for the reason that neither the Grand Master nor his 
District Deputy Grand Master, nor the Grand Lodge, has the authority to make, 
alter, amend, change or suspend these laws, either in whole or in part; nor 
can these, as a fact, either in whole or in part be altered, amended, changed 
©r suspended, except in the manner pointed out in the laws of the Order. 

1319. The Committee on Judiciary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge re- 
ported to that body that they could find no general legislation on the subject 
of dispensations, and that as the question presented to the attention of the 
Judiciary Committee sets out that in the particular jurisdiction there is no 
local law on the subject, under these circumstances, usage and custom would 
control. This Sovereign Body recognizes this principle, for the inherent 
right of a Past Grand to vote for Grand Officers is founded alone on the fact 
that the right has been recognized from the origin of the Order. There is 
a general custom and usage that dispensations have, during the whole life 
of the Order, been granted by Grand Masters and Grand Patriarchs to per- 
mit subordinates to elect, initiate and advance speedily an applicant. 

1320. If there is no specific law or general custom and usage during the 
whole life of the Order, conferring on the Grand Master the privilege of granting 
a certain dispensation which he may be requested to issue, the dispensation is 
illegal, improper, and cannot be exercised. 

1321. The Grand Master has no authority to suspend the Constitution for 
Subordinate Lodges, and any dispensation by the Grand Master in conflict 
with such Constitution is void. 

1322. Dispensations concerning a mere regulation, such as wearing re- 
galia in public and the like, may be granted by the Grand Master when he 
may deem it for the interest of the Order, and not in violation of any funda- 
mental law, nor inconsistent with the usages of the Order. 

1323. The Grand Master is not the law-making power. He cannot or- 
dain, enact or make laws or rules of procedure, or suspend those already 
made. His functions are ministerial and judicial, not legislative. He is a 
ereature of the law, and not a creator of it, and possesses only the power 
conferred upon him by law. 

1324. The Grand Master has not power, by virtue of his office, to grant dis- 
pensations for opening Lodges, but it is competent for his Grand Lodge to confer 
such power upon him. 

1325. A dispensation can be obtained to confer the three (3) degrees on 
a candidate on the night that he receives the Initiatory Degree. 

1326. A dispensation may be granted to confer the Initiatory Degree 
upon a candidate upon the night of his election, for which the charge will be 
$2.00. 

1327. A dispensation may be granted to confer degrees upon a brother 
before one week has expired after receiving the Initiatory Degree, or to per- 
mit more than one degree to be conferred during the same evening, the 
price of which will be for each degree for which the dispensation is granted, 
SO cents. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 159 

DISPENSATION. 

1328. It is necessary to have a dispensation to install the Noble Grand 
and Vice Grand to fill vacancies, the Noble Grand having resigned on ac- 
count of ill-health, and the Vice Grand having been elected to the Noble 
Grand's office. If there is no Past Grand present who will accept of the position 
of Noble Grand for the unexpired term, the Vice Grand may be elected to the 
office of Noble Grand, and installed therein upon procuring a dispensation, 
which dispensation must be granted before the election is held. 

1329. A dispensation may be granted for a term of service, in order to 
qualify a brother to fill an elective office when all qualified brothers de- 
cline. The charge for dispensation for a term of service is ?3.00. Neither 
the Grand Master nor the Grand Lodge can remit the fee for dispensations. 

1330. A brother not having served a term in a subordinate office must 
procure a dispensation for "a term of service" to become eligible to an 
elective office that requires previous service. 

1331. No dispensation can be granted to initiate a person into the Order 
who is under twenty-one years of age. The Sovereign Grand Lodge having 
decided by its Constitution the necessary qualifications for membership, the 
Grand Master has no right to change the same by dispensation, nor has the 
Grand Lodge any such right. 

1332. A dispensation cannot be issued for one fee to confer the degrees 
at one time upon a number of members. The dispensation is personal, and 
must be paid for each candidate for the degrees. 

1333. A Past Official Degree cannot be conferred by dispensation. It can 
be acquired only by actual service, therefore a brother cannot be made a 
Past Grand by dispensation. \ 

1334. At the institution of new Lodges, dispensations to confer de- 
grees on the petitioners upon the day of the institution may be granted free 
of charge. At no other time can the fee be remitted. 

1335. A Subordinate Lodge, on the night of its institution, by general 
law, if no local law forbids, has the authority to receive applications for 
membership, refer, ballot, elect, initiate and confer the three degrees the 
lame night, for the purpose of qualifying them to form a Lodge. The Grand 
Officers, as such, cannot after institution initiate candidates nor confer the 
degrees. No dispensation is necessary. 

1336. A dispensation cannot be granted to a Lodge to suspend its regu- 
lar meetings, except in cases of absolute necessity arising from want of a 
place to meet in. 

1337. A dispensation cannot be granted to a Lodge to suspend the pay- 
ment of weekly benefits. 

1338. A Grand Master cannot grant a dispensation to reballot for appli- 
cants who have been rejected. 

1339. The object of a dispensation to confer more than one degree of an 
evening is simply to dispense, or do away with the regulations that a certain 
period of time must elapse before the degrees can be conferred, or that not 
more than one degree can be conferred upon the same evening; it is proper 
that an application for a dispensation to confer them, without regard to the 
restrictions as to time, should be made. 

1340. Grand Masters cannot grant dispensations to Subordinate Lodges 
allowing them to admit applicants for a less fee than called for in their 
By-Laws. Lodges must change their By-Laws and have them properly 
approved if they wish to change the initiation fee. 

1341. When a dispensation paper comprises a number of names of per- 
Bons to whom the same privilege is asked to be granted, or different priv- 
ileges separately expressed, and consequently contains within itself requests 
for a number of dispensations, and where the Constitution of the Grand 



160 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DISPENSATION. 

Body authorizes a fee for dispensations granted by the Executive Grand Of- 
ficer thereof, each dispensation granted should be counted without regard to 
the combination of names and purposes on the dispensation paper. 

DISTRICTS. 

See Board of Grand Officers. See Appeals. 

Homes- 

1342. In changing the lines of the Districts into which the State is 
divided for the purpose of fixing the jurisdictions of District Deputy Grand 
Masters, the matter comes before the Grand Lodge by petition from one or 
more of the Lodges interested. 

1343. The Grand Lodge in each case determines its course of procedure, 
irrespective of any previous course of action it may have pursued. 

1344. The general rule seems to be that the Grand Lodge refers the mat- 
ter to the Board of Grand Officers to investigate and report at the next ses- 
sion of the Grand Lodge. 

1345. The usual practice of the Board of Grand Officers is to have a poll 
of the Lodge interested, and if desired by the Lodges, to permit the subject 
to be presented to their attention by the Representatives of the interested { 
Lodges, or by holding a special meeting of the Board of Grand Officers. For 
the purpose of obtaining the views of the Lodges, the following form is used: 

Philadelphia, i 

To the Officers and Members of Lodge, No 

Sirs and Brothers: — At the last session of the Grand Lodge, 

application was made for a division of .County, and the mat- 
ter was referred to the Board of Grand Lodge Officers, in order that the 
usual rule of submitting the question to every Lodge in the District should 
be followed; therefore, after laying the matter over for consideration for 
one week, having notified your members, proceed to vote upon the following 
question : 

"Is it for the good of the Order that County should be 

divided, and if answered in the affirmative, how shall the division be made?" 

Please send the result of the action of the Lodge to this office immedi- 
ately afterwards upon the attached form of report. 

Fraternally yours, 

, Grand Secretary. 

This is to certify that at a stated meeting of Lodge, 

No , held this ,. .day of , 19.., the following preamble 

and resolution was adopted: 

Whereas, There are Lodges in County, and the 

District has become too large to be properly taken care of by one 

District Deputy Grand Master, therefore be it 

Resolved, That it is the sense of this Lodge that County t>« 

divided into Districts, to be known respectively as : 

District No. 1, to contain Lodges Nos 

District No. 2, to contain Lodges Nos 

District No. 3, to contain Lodges Nos 

No. of members voting for 

No. of members voting against 

Noble Grand. 

Attest: 

Secretary. 

(Seal.) 

1346. Having investigated the matter thoroughly, the Board of Grand 
Officers reports to the Grand Lodge its recommendations, accompanying the 
report with all the original papers. Whereupon the action in the Grand Lodge 
is on the adoption or rejection of the recommendations of the Board of 



1907.] THB PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 161 

DISTEICTS. 

Grand Officers, the same as on the report and resolutions offered by any 
other committee of the Grand Lodge. 

1347. In the matter of the districts for the Orphans' Homes, so as to 
avoid all of the Homes making appeals to the different Lodges in the State, 
and so that each Home shall only appeal to the Lodges in the counties as- 
signed to each Home, the subject was referred to the Grand Master who, 
after consultation with the representatives of the several Homes, arranged 
the same, which arrangement he reported to the Grand Lodge, which adopted 
the same. 

1348. The matter of determining the territorial jurisdiction of each of 
the District Appeal Committees was referred to a special committee, who ar- 
ranged the same, which arrangement was adopted by the Grand Lodge. 

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS. 

1349. District Deputy Grand Masters are only the executive agents of the 
Grand Officers they represent, with' a general supervisory power in the 
absence of their principals. 

1350. They have no separate or independent existence; they are elected 
to office annually by their several Districts, and are not recognized as 
officers of the Grand Lodge. 

1351. The Grand Lodge has, therefore, no authority to provide that Dis- 
trict Deputy Grand Masters shall not be eligible to an elective office in a 
Subordinate Lodge. 

1352. A District Deputy Grand Master has not the power to introduce 
visitors whose cards are out of date, that power being restricted by law to 
elective Grand Lodge Officers. 

1353. A District Deputy Grand Master may act as Recording Secretary 
or Treasurer of his Lodge, but he cannot act as Noble Grand or Vice Grand 
of his Lodge, except pro tern during the absence of either of those officers. 

1354. Their authority depends for the most part on the local law. The 
general laws of the Order do not seem to define their duties and powers. 

1355. It is unlawful to furnish Rituals to a District Deputy Grand Master. 
These officers have no use for the Rituals, as all the forms used by them are 
printed in the institution and installation books and the Book of Forms pub- 
lished by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

1356. When performing the functions of the office they have the right to wear 
the regalia of the officer whom they represent. 

1357. A District Deputy Grand Master cannot wear the jewel of his of- 
fice as a substitute for his regalia. 

1358. A District Deputy Grand Master is not required by the general law 
of the order to have the Grand Lodge Degree, but he must have the Past 
Official Degree to be eligible to office. 

1359. He need, however, not have the Past Official Degree to be eligible to the 
office of District Deputy Grand Master in those jurisdictions which confer 
that degree only at the sessions of the Grand Lodge. 

1360. To entitle a brother to the office of District Deputy Grand Master 
he must be a Past Grand in good standing in a Subordinate Lodge in this 
jurisdiction. A Past Grand of another jurisdiction is ineligible, even to the 
position of a special deputy. 

1361. The District Deputy Grand Master is the representative of the 
Grand Master in the District placed under his jurisdiction, and shall exercise 
therein power and authority as such. At an installation ceremony, any elect- 
ive Grand Officers takes precedence of a District Deputy Grand Master. 



162 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS. 

1362. He is to act for the Grand Master, and by his direction to do and 
perform whatever may have been ordered to be done and performed by the 
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in his District. 

1363. A District Deputy Grand Master is the representative of the 
Grand Master, and if so authorized by the latter, by commission or special 
authority, may deputize some one to install for him, provided that the Grand 
Master is empowered so to do by local law. 

1364. He acts as the Representative of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania 
and does and performs all such matters relating to the Order in his District 
as the Grand Lodge shall direct. 

1365. He obeys all special instructions of the Grand Master in relation 
to anything that that officer is required to do for the "Good of the Order." 

1366. The Grand Secretary is required to report to this Grand Lodge, 
annually, the name, location and district of every District Deputy Grand Master 
from whom proper reports and remittances of full amounts collected have not 
been received by him within one month from the proper time of installing 
the officers of the last Lodge in said District. The Grand Master is required 
to withhold his commission from any District Deputy Grand Master elect 
whose delinquencies have been reported to this Grand Lodge under the pre- 
ceding resolution. 

1367. He acts as the agent of the Grand Secretary, and obeys the special 
instructions of that officer. 

1368. He has a general supervision over all Lodges in his District, and 
it is his duty to see that the "Work of the Order" is performed uniformly by 
such Lodges. 

1369. A District Deputy Grand Master cannot legally take any action upon 
an act of a Lodge which is in violation of the law, when his knowledge of such 
act is obtained by reason of his presence in the Lodge as a member thereof. 

1370. He may point out errors and call attention to violation of law, but 
that is all. It is his duty to report persistent violations to tne Grand Master. 
A District Deputy Grand Master has no power, under any circumstances, to 
declare null and void the acts of a Subordinate Lodge. 

1371. He installs or causes to be installed by a Past Grand, in regular 
form, at the periods designated by the regulations of the Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania, the officers duly elected and appointed in the several Lodges 
in his District. 

1372. When a District Deputy Grand Master visits a Subordinate Lodge 
for the purpose of installing the officers-elect, or upon other official duty, he, 
as the representative of the Grand Master, shall be accorded the same honors 
that are given to that officer. 

1373. In this jurisdiction there has been no legislation conferring upon 
the District Deputy Grand Master authority to grant dispensations within the 
territorial limitation of their several Districts as fixed by the Grand Lodge; 
the authority of the District Deputy Grand Master to grant a dispensation is 
therefore regulated entirely by custom and usage. 

1374. He may grant a dispensation to confer the Initiatory Degree upon & 
candidate upon the night of his election, for which the charge will be $2.00. 

1375. He may grant a dispensation to confer degrees upon a brother before 
one week has expired after receiving the Initiatory Degree, or to permit more 
than one degree to be conferred during the same evening, the price of which 
will be for each degree for which the dispensation is granted, 50 cents. 

1376. He may grant a dispensation for a term of service, in order to 
qualify a brother 'to fill an elective office when all qualified brothers decline. 
The charge for a dispensation for a term of service is $3.00. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 163 

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS- 

1377. A District Deputy Grand Master cannot grant dispensations for any 
other than the above-mentioned purposes. 

1378. A District Deputy Grand Master will forward to the Grand Secre- 
tary the amount received for dispensations, together with any discrepancy 
in the per capita tax and Orphan's Home Dues he may have collected or received, 
within one month from the proper time of installing the Officers of the last Lodge 
in his District, and when the dispensations in the Book of Dispensations are ex- 
hausted, he will send the stubs to the Grand Secretary and settle for the full 
amount of the balance found to be due for the dispensations granted, before a 
new book will be furnished. District Deputy Grand Masters will hand the Dis- 
pensation Books to their successors. 

1379. He may be one of the committee to whom an application for a char- 
ter for a new Lodge in his District shall be referred. 

1380. A District Deputy Grand Master may be removed by the Grand 
Master for neglect or refusal to perform duties enjoined upon him by law. 

1381. A District Deputy Grand Master shall not be engaged, directly or 
indirectly, in the purchase or sale of regalia, jewels, or other Lodge para- 
phernalia during his term of office, except as a manufacturer or wholesale 
dealer. 

1382. In case any District Deputy Grand Master shall exact or demand of 
any Lodge any sum of money in excess of his expenses actually and neces- 
sarily incurred when installing the officers of such a Lodge, it shall be the duty 
of the Grand Master, upon due proof being made of the offence, to revoke the 
commission of such officer and to appoint another qualified brother to fill the va- 
cancy, subject to the approval of the Grand Lodge ; and in the case of such ap- 
proval, the brother removed shall thereafter be ineligible to hold said office, 
unless his competency shall be restored by a vote of the Grand Lodge at an An- 
nual Session. 

1383. It is legal for the District Deputy Grand Master to send through the 
mail to the Lodges the Traveling Pass Word in cipher. 

1384. There is no law stating the number of official visits a District 
Deputy Grand Master must make during the year. 

1385. A District Deputy Grand Master is the only person who can law- 
fully wear the jewel of that office. 

1386. Purchasers of the jewel for District Deputy Grand Masters are 
permitted *to keep the same as mementoes of official service. 

1387. Past District Deputy Grand Masters may wear the said jewel after 
their term or terms of said office have expired; provided, that they shall 
first have an initial letter "P" placed in the center at the top of the shield 
in blue enamel of same size and style as the letters D. D. G. M. thereon, so 
that the designation of the jewel will read P. D. D. G. M. 

1388. A Past Grand who is also District Deputy Grand Master for hit 
Lodge, is not thereby disqualified to serve pro tern as Noble Grand in the 
absence of both that officer and the Vice Grand. 

DONATIONS. 

See Appropriations and Fnnds, Special Five Per Cent. Fund. 

1389. A donation is a gratuitous gift of money, property or valuables. 

1390. It is lawful for a Subordinate Lodge to donate its funds for any pur- 
pose within the object and scope of the Order. 

1391. Donations may be made by Lodges to members in ill-health, though 
not entitled to benefits by law. A wise and prudent dispensation of donations 
is an integral portion of the objects of the Order. The reversionary interest 



164 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DONATIONS. 

a Grand bodge holds in the funds of its subordinates gives it an undoubted 
right to limit their expenses and donations to purposes within the Order, 
and it may, with propriety, inhibit a division of funds or other property 
among the members of a Lodge, either under the guise of donations or other- 
wise; but it would be inconsistent with the recognized rights of Lodges to 
subject their acts of charity in the Order to the ordeal of approval by the 
Grand Lodge in session, or the Grand Master during vacation. 

1392. A Lodge must be just before it can be generous, and therefore it 
must not, by liberal donations, dissipate the funds contributed by and to be 
husbanded for the members of the Lodge; consequently, a donation of $2,000 
to the widow of a deceased brother is a violation of the law in regard to 
"trust funds." 

1393. In cases where the Constitution declares that members shall not 
be entitled to weekly benefits, a Lodge cannot evade the spirit of the law by 
the enactment of a By-Law rendering such disqualified members entitled to a 
weekly donation, as it would then, under another name, give them a weekly 
claim upon the funds of the Lodge, which claim is denied by the Constitu- 
tion. 

1394. But a Lodge may, out of its funds, donate to a brother in ill-health, 
as a charity, though he may not be entitled thereto by the By-Laws as a matter 
of right. 

1395. It is illegal to directly or indirectly donate to a brother part of 
his initiation fee, although in accordance with an agreement between the 
candidate and certain members prior to the initiation. 

1396. A donation to a brother from the general fund to be placed to nil 
credit on account of dues is illegal. 

1397. It is not legal for a Lodge to pay the dues of a member while en- 
listed in the army or navy in time of war, out of the general fund. By proper 
provision therefor in the By-Laws of a Lodge it may set apart the special Five 
per cent Fund for this purpose within legal limitations. 

1398. A donation to a brother for 'faithful service" is illegal, unless he 
is sick or distressed from such disabilities as it is the purpose of the Order 
to relieve. 

1399. When an unsuspended member dies who was disqualified under 
the local laws from receiving benefits, the Lodge can donate money to bury 
him, and may even donate a larger sum than the By-Laws allow for a funeral 
benefit. 

1400. Donations made to assist petitioning brothers by the parent or 
other Lodges for the purpose of instituting new Lodges are allowable and 
are in no sense to be regarded as a diversion of the funds of the Lodge. In 
the consideration of such action by the parent Lodge, it is recommended that 
the Grand Lodge or Grand Master be consulted as to its propriety. 

1401. A Lodge has the right to donate money from its general funds for 
the benefit of an Odd Fellows' Home, or Orphans' Home, established under 
the laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge and the authority of a resolution of 
the Grand Lodge. 

1402. The funds of a Lodge may be used to purchase Veteran and Honor- 
able Veteran Jewels for members entitled to wear them. Prior to the session 
of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of 1900 it was unlawful for Lodges to appro- 
priate any portion of the Lodge funds to purchase jewels for its members. 

1403. A public monument is not such an object or purpose as is contemplated 
by our laws to which funds of a Subordinate Lodge can or should be appropriated. 

1404. A Lodge has no right to appropriate its funds for charitable pur- 
poses in no way connected with the I. O. O. F. The moneys of the Order 
should be husbanded for the needs of the Order, and not squandered in mis- 
cellaneous charities. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 1*5 

DONATIONS. 

1405. A Lodge cannot donate funds to a religious association or society. 

1406. Under the clause "legitimate expenses of the Order," a Lodge 
cannot vote money to the widow of one who was never a member of the 
Order. 

1407. A Lodge cannot legally grant relief out of its general funds to per- 
sons outside of the Order, even though they may be in distress. 

1408. A Lodge cannot lawfully, under the guise of donations, distribute 
or divide its funds among its members. 

DORMANT LODGES. 

1409. Whether a Subordinate Lodge can retain its charter and continue 
working after it has failed from an exhausted treasury, to pay weekly bene- 
fits to members entitled thereto, is a subject for local legislation. 

1410. Although a Subordinate Lodge may cease to act as such, it is still 
legally in existence until its charter is surrendered and annulled. Dues con- 
tinue to accumulate during such period, and the obligations of the Lodge to 
pay benefits exist up to the time of surrender of the charter. 

1411. The Grand Lodge cannot legally grant a card to a member of a. 
subordinate to enable him to join another Lodge, although the subordinate 
has not held a meeting for two terms or more, the charter of such Lodge not 
having been reclaimed or declared forfeited. 

DRAMATIC REPRESENTATION. 

1412. It is not permissible for a Lodge to present in public or in private 
a burlesque of any of the ceremonies of the Order, or to give in public any 
dramatic representation claiming to be in any way connected with our 
Ritual. 

1413. The paraphernalia cannot lawfully be used in a burlesque. It can 
only be used in conferring the degrees of the Lodge, even though it is old and 
discarded. 

DRUNKENNESS. 

1414. Drunkenness is an offense against the Order at all times and in all 
places. 

1415. A brother was charged with being found on the floor of the Lodge 
room intoxicated, at a time when the Lodge was not in session. At the trial 
he demanded that the charges be dismissed, on the ground "that the alleged 
offense was not committed during Lodge hours, and in consequence was not 
within the jurisdiction of the Lodge, and on the further ground that there 
is no law or precedent forbidding the alleged offense." These objections 
were again urged in the appeal to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. Held that 
the appellant should disabuse his mind of this serious misapprehension of 
the laws of the Order, and of the duties and obligations resting upon an Odd 
Fellow. Drunkenness is an offense against the Order and its laws, at all 
times and in all places, and the laws forbidding the offense of drunkenness 
are plainly written both in our Rituals and our Statutes, rules and regula- 
tions. 

DUAL OFFICE HOLDING. 

See Trustees, Secretary, Junior Past Grand. 

1416. A brother cannot be installed into and hold, at the same time, mors 
than one of the offices in a Subordinate Lodge provided for in the Ritual and 
general law. However, in jurisdictions where the local law does not inhibit, 
Lodges may provide by By-Law that the duties of the offices of Recording 
and Financial Secretary shall be combined in the one office of secretary. 



166 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DUAL OFFICE HOLDING. 

1417. Unless prohibited by resolution of the Grand Lodge, one may law- 
fully be a trustee of a Lodge and hold any office therein at the same time. 

1418. It is legal for a Lodge to elect the Junior Past Grand to the office of 
Recording Secretary, but the installation into such office does not vacate 
his chair of Sitting Past Grand. The Junior Past Grand is not an officer of 
the Lodge, nor is there any conflict between the duties of the two offices. 

1419. On principle, a brother cannot hold the two offices of Recording 
Secretary and Treasurer at one and the same time, in any Lodge in the 
Order, Grand or Subordinate, as the case may be. 

1420. A brother cannot be installed into and hold at the same time more 
than one of the offices in a Subordinate Lodge provided for in the Ritual and 
general law, but a member who holds one of such offices may serve his 
Lodge in some other capacity, such as Representative to the Grand Lodge, 
Solicitor, Janitor, etc.; provided, the duties of the several positions to which 
he may be appointed do not conflict, and provided, also, that the local law 
does not prohibit. 

1421. While the law is that no brother can hold two -elective offices in a 
Subordinate Lodge at the same time, nevertheless, an elective officer, if duly 
qualified, being a Past Grand, may be elected Representative. 

1422. A Past Grand, otherwise qualified, can be nominated for and elected 
to the office of Grand Secretary and Grand Representative at the same time, 
and any Constitutional provision in a Subordinate Jurisdiction to the con- 
trary is invalid. 

1423. A District Deputy Grand Master may at the same time be Secretary 
or Treasurer of his Lodge, but he cannot legally be elected and installed as 
Noble Grand or Vice Grand, while holding his commission as District Deputy 
Grand Master. 

DUES. 



(a), 
(b). 
(c). 
(d). 
(•). 


General Principles. (h). 
Who must Pay Dues. (i). 
To whom must they be Paid. (j). 
How and when must they be Paid, (k) . 
Funeral Dues. (1). 


Payment out o f Benefits. 
Seceipt for Dues. 
Quarterly Notice. 
When do the Dues commence 
Dues Refunded. 


(f). 


Nurse Fund Dues. (m). 


Graded Dues. 


(g). 


Orphan's Home Dues. (n). 


The Dues Ledger. 


See Arrears. 


See Fines. 




Suspension for Non-payment of Dues. 
Assessments. 


Good Standing. 



(a). General Principles. 

1424. The payment of dues is a fundamental principle of the Order, which 
no Lodge, Grand or Subordinate, can dispense with or evade. 

1425. The dues, primarily, is the weekly sum fixed by the By-Laws in ac- 
cordance with the requirements of the Constitution, to be paid into the Lodge 
treasury by the members of the Lodge. 

1426. It is a fundamental principle of the Order that dues accrue from 
week to week, and benefits are payable weekly; fractions of a week are not 
considered in either case. And that dues if paid to a Secretary between Lodge 
meetings, are credited to the Brother, as of the meeting night subsequent to 
the day they are paid. 

1427. The fiscal week by which dues must be calculated commences at 
the closing of the stated meeting of the Lodge. A week has ended, and an- 
other begins, when the Noble Grand declares the Lodge to be closed. 

1428. Assessments levied for funeral benefits, nurse hire or any other 
lawful purposes, after being charged as such and unpaid over thirteen weeks, 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 167 

DUES— General Principles. 

are to be added to the weekly dues and to be charged as dues as of the date 
of the original levy. 

1429. The question whether fines are to be considered as dues, and un- 
der what regulations the same may be charged as such, is a matter that 
can be determined only by the Grand Lodge, but upon which it has legislated 
by repealing the provision that formerly was incorporated in the Subordinate 
Constitution, that fines are to be deducted from the first money paid into the 
Lodge, and by providing in said Constitution that in determining the bene- 
ficial standing of a member the time and not the amount shall be considered. 
If all the dues, assessments and charges that have been charged in the pre- 
ceding thirteen weeks ending with the last meeting, but not including the 
present meeting, are unpaid, he is non-beneficial at the close of tne present 
meeting. At the same time, it has been the law, as it was before the legisla- 
tion of the Grand Lodge in 1872, that if a member or an officer is fined by the Noble 
Grand, or by a resolution of the Lodge, for neglect of duty or a breach of 
decorum, he is not suspended, if he neglects to pay his fine, but is debarred 
from being installed into an office, taking a card or performing any act that 
requires him to be clear of the books of the Lodge, and if he is taken sick 
the fine may be deducted from his benefits. And this is further shown by 
the Subordinate Constitution, when it provides that a member "who neglects 
or refuses to pay the dues and assessments fixed by the By-Laws for the 
space of twelve months," may be suspended. 

1430. A By-Law requiring quarterly payments is void and of no effect. 
The dues of a Lodge accrue weekly, and it is the right of a member, other- 
wise in good standing, to pay them at any time the Lodge may be in session. 

1431. The dues for the support of the Orphans' Homes are chargeable the 
last meeting night in March, and become weekly dues the last meeting night in 
June following, but are in arrears as of the date of the last meeting night in 
March. 

1432. The dues to a Lodge accrue weekly, and only for the convenience 
of the Lodge are paid at stated periods; it is, therefore, at any time the right 
of a brother to pay his dues. The words "at any time" are construed to 
mean at any Lodge meeting. 

1433. Dues and benefits accrue weekly, and fractions of a week cannot 
be charged for the one, or allowed for the other. 

1434. Dues accrue from week to week, and not by the term. Sometimes 
there will be more than twenty-six meetings in a term. 

1435. It is not lawful to pass a By-Law whereby a Subordinate Lodge 
may receive a fixed sum as dues, and, as a consideration therefor, relieve 
the member so paying from further obligation to be charged with dues dur- 
ing his membership. 

1436. Neither the Grand Lodge nor a Subordinate Lodge may legally pro- 
vide for the payment by the member to his Lodge of a fixed round sum in full 
of all dues during life instead of periodical dues. A member cannot be en- 
titled to benefits for life, and relieved from all future payment of dues. 

1437. A Lodge cannot legally provide in its By-Laws for a quarterly rate 
of dues instead of weekly. 

1438. When an incorrect printed statement as to the rate of dues, after 
the same had been increased, may have misled the deceased brotner or his 
family, and occasioned his being in arrears, as and at the time stated, this 
being the fault or mistake of the Lodge, through its Secretary, it will not 
operate to debar the family of the funeral benefit. If in sending to a mem- 
ber a statement of his account of dues, a printed statement of rate of dues 
per week is attached thereto, it should be the correct rate in existence, and 
not an obsolete or superseded rate. 

1439. A Lodge cannot legally appoint a member to collect dues from 
members who are in arrears, and pay him a commission on the same. 



168 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DUES— General Principles. 

1440. While the Lodge has the right in its By-Laws to fix the exact 

weekly sum which shah be payable into the Lodge treasury by each member 
thereof for dues, provided, that this sum agrees with or is in excess of the 
minimum amount required by the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, ac- 
cording to the benefits paid, nevertheless where the minimum dues ' are 
specified in the Lodge's By-Laws, according to the benefits paid, an assess- 
ment must be provided for, to pay funeral benefits, or in default thereof an 
additional sum must be added to the weekly dues as funeral dues. 

(b). Who must Pay Dues. 

1441. All contributing members must pay dues, and the dues must be 
chargeable weekly. 

1442. The general law does not permit a Lodge to remit dues. They 
must be paid. Their payment is a condition precedent to good standing and 
benefits. 

1443. Dues accrue during the suspension of a member for cause the 
same as though he were otherwise in full membership, and they have accrued 
the same way against an expelled member who is restored on appeal where 
he claims benefits during the time of his expulsion, and therefore the dues 
are to be deducted from the benefits when paid. 

_ 1444. An initiatory member being suspended one year for cause, is legally 
subject to dues while under suspension. 

1445. Where a brother transfers his membership from one Lodge to 
another, whether by deposit of card or Official Certificate, or by application, 
stating that he is entitled to a Withdrawal Card, he should pay bis dues to 
his former Lodge until he shall have procured a Withdrawal Card, and under 
the law of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of 1906 relating to transfer of mem- 
bership, he may pay his dues for four weeks or one month in advance of th« 
date of his card. 

1446. A brother desirous of availing himself of the provisions of the law 
of 1906, will send with his application for a Withdrawal Card the sum of 25 cents 
(cost price of such card), and an additional amount equal to four weeks', or one 
month's dues, which shall entitle the brother to the protection of the Lodge from 
which he proposes to withdraw, as far as benefits are concerned, tor the 
period of four weeks, or one month, or such less time as may be necessary to 
complete the transfer of his membership. 

1447. A member who is sick and receiving benefits pays dues by having 
the amount thereof deducted from his benefits by the Lodge, in default 
whereof he would, nevertheless, not be in arrears, but advance aues cannot be 
paid this way without an order from the sick brother. 

1448. Whether or not the brother was in good standing at the time fie 
was taken sick, it is competent for him, if he desires to do so, to pay dues 
and for the proper officer of the Lodge to receipt him therefor, but such pay- 
ments, if made, would not place him in beneficial standing for the sickness, 
if he was in arrears as stated when he was taken sick. 

1449. The dues of a member suspended for non-payment of dues continue 
to run during such suspension, but the general law, as well as a provision of 
the Subordinate Constitution, fixes a fee to be paid in lieu of his entire ar- 
rearages upon reinstatement. 

1450. When a Lodge is suspended for cause by the Grand Master or the 
Grand Lodge, the dues of the members cease to accrue during this period of 
suspension. 

1451. A Lodge has authority to remit such portions of a brother's dues 
who has been suspended for cause, as it may determine upon the reinstate- 
ment of such brother. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 169 

DUES— "Who Must Pay Dues. 

1452. A Lodge, by proceeding according to the Constitutional require- 
ments of the law for reinstatement, may remit all of a member's dues in 
excess of one year's charges. 

1453. Other than for suspended members, the Lodge has no rigtht to re- 
mit the dues of members, even though they may be engaged in war against 
the enemies of the country. 

1454. A resolution to appropriate the funds of the Lodge to pay dues 
for members who have enlisted in the United States Army is illegal. The 
Lodge having adopted such resolutions, and brothers having enlisted and 
gone from home upon the good faith of such action, the illegality of such 
resolutions cannot be made to act as a bar against a member who may be 
otherwise entitled to benefits, unless he has been notified of the illegality ot 
such resolutions. Such a decision may seem unpatriotic, but while the 
spirit of patriotism that prompted the adoption of such resolutions fully 
accords with the teachings of our Order, yet we must be alert to any danger 
that may be hidden in the enthusiasm of the hour. Justice to the brethren 
who remain at home, and a due regard for the permanency of the Lodge will 
not permit us to run upon rocks that may destroy the Lodge and the inter- 
est of every member of it. It cannot be determined at the time the number 
of brethren that will come under the provisions of this act, or the time to 
be covered, and there may be such a loss in revenue as to make the Lodge 
insolvent, or compel it to surrender its charter. It seems that if there 
is an honest desire on the part of the members to show their loyalty, a 
voluntary subscription of a very small sum would accomplish the object 
without endangering any Lodge interest. 

1455. The five per cent. Contingent Fund may be used to pay the dues of 
those who enlist in the army or navy of the United States in time of war, if 
the Lodge have such a fund and vote to appropriate it in whole or part to this 
purpose. 

1456. A Lodge can provide a different scale of dues, for those whO' were 
admitted as non-affiliated Odd Fellows, but the dues of all other contributing 
members must be uniform. This is not, however, to be construed to mean that 
a Lodge cannot grade its dues provided that all the members of each class pay 
uniform dues. 

1457. Brothers over sixty years of age who have been contributing mem- 
bers for twenty-five consecutive years, cannot be required to pay dues, if 
they have retired as non-contributing members. 

(c). To whom must they be Paid. 

1458. Dues are payable only to the Subordinate Lodge to which a 
brother belongs. The Grand Lodge has no power to receive or collect dues 
from the individual members of the Order, for any purpose, except in the 
case of members of defunct Lodges, who pay their arrearages in order to 
get a proper Withdrawal Card or Defunct Certificate, and members of the 
Aged Odd Fellows' Fund, who pay their dues to the Grand Secretary through 
their several Subordinate Lodges to which they have been admitted. 

1459. The only legal channel by which the funds of a Lodge can reach 
the Treasurer is through the hands of the Secretary; and the latter cannot 
be compelled to receive the dues of members during the interval between 
the stated meetings of the Lodge; should the Secretary receive dues during 
that interval, the credit to the brother must bear the date of the next stated 
meeting. 

1460. When the laws of a Lodge require the payment of dues to a par- 
ticular officer, it is optional with the Lodge whether they accept payment 
made through any other person as their official agent. A payment to the 
Treasurer is not a payment to the Lodge when the By-Laws require payment 
to the Secretary. 

12 



170 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DUES-To Whom Must They be Paid 1 

1461. The mailing of a registered letter containing a member's dues does not 
constitute a payment to the Lodge unless it is received by the Lodge, as the post- 
master is not the agent of the Lodge, but only of the brother. 

1462. A Lodge is responsible for money received by its Secretary at Ms 
desk on a meeting night, although the Lodge may not have been formally 
opened or a meeting held; and the receipt, admitted to be genuine, is suf- 
£cient proof that the money was paid. 

1463. If the Secretary receives money from a member between the ses- 
sions, and neglects to credit the brother on the books of the Lodge, the 
Lodge is not responsible for the act of the Secretary during its recess. All 
dues should be paid when the Lodge is in session. The Secretary is not re- 
sponsible for the sum claimed to have been paid, unless the payment has 
been proved by being entered by the Secretary on the cash book of the Lodge 
as of the date of a meeting subsequent to the date of payment, or an official 
receipt was given for the same. 

1464. A brother was in arrears for dues, and he paid the Secretary ?2.00 
on the street on December 2; said amount would put him in good standing. 
The Secretary dated the brother's receipt December 4, which was the next 
regular meeting night. The Secretary did not attend the Lodge on that 
meeting night, and put the credit for the money paid him on the books of 
the Lodge under date of December 11. The brother was taken sick on De- 
cember 8. Held that the Secretary is the proper officer to receive dues 
from the members, and when he chose to receive the money from the brother 
on the street, it was his duty to report the receipt of the money at the next 
regular meeting of the Lodge. It was no fault of the brother that he did 
not attend the meeting of the 4th of December, the Lodge having subse- 
quently accepted the money. The Brother is therefore entitled to benefits. 

1465. The entrusting of money by one member to another to pay his 
dues cannot affect his credit until the money is. received by the Lodge, and 
said credit must bear the date of the reception of the money by the Lodge. 

1466. Dues are payable to the Secretary in the Lodge room, but it is 
optional with the Lodge whether they accept payment through any other per- 
son or in any other way. A payment to the Treasurer is not payment to 
the Lodge, unless the Lodge chose to accept it. 

(d). How must they be Paid. 

1467 A member is not required to pay his dues to the Lodge in person; 
but if he entrusts them to another to pay for him, he does it at his own per- 
sonal risk. 

1468. The dues must be paid in cash or bankable funds. 

1469. An order of the Lodge upon its Treasurer for the payment of 
money, can be handed to the Secretary in place of the actual money it rep- 
resents. 

1470. Where a brother comes to the Lodge and goes to the Secretary's 
desk to pay dues. He hands the Secretary a bill to take a small amount 
from. The Secretary cannot make the change, consequently the brother goes 
away without paying his debt to the Lodge. In about two months after the trans- 
action the brother gets hurt, and upon examining the books it is found that he is 
in arrears. Held that it is the brother's business to pay his dues, and the Secre- 
tary is not obliged to keep funds on hand to make change for notes the members 
in ay offer, and therefore the Lodge is not obliged, under the circumstances, to pay 
the brother benefits. 

1471. A note or due bill held against a member for dues does not place 
him in good standing, as it only puts the indebtedness in a new form, but does 
not discharge the debt. * 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 171 

DUES— How Must They be Paid? 

1472. Where a claim has been ordered to be paid by the Lodge, and for 
any reason payment is delayed, it is the duty of the Secretary to deduct there- 
from the amount due the Lodge, and pay the brother the balance. 

1473. Until ordered by the Lodge to be paid, a claim for salary cannot 
be made an offset for dues. Dues should be paid by the salaried officer the 
same as by other members, and non-payment subjects him to the same 
penalty. 

1474. A member cannot be deprived of sick benefits on the ground that 
he is in arrears if the Lodge is indebted to him on account of a prior sick- 
ness sufficient to place him in good standing. 

1475. A member of a Lodge who owes for weekly and funeral dues pays 
money to the Lodge and directs that it be applied to his account for weekly 
dues. The Lodge is not compelled to apply the money as the brother di- 
rected; it must credit the same as directed by the Constitution. 

1476. Whilst a Lodge is actually indebted to a member he cannot be 
suspended for non-payment of dues. It is the duty of the Secretary to carry 
the indebtedness as on offset to the dues, by crediting him with the amount. 
Provided, that in all cases the bill shall have been presented to the Lodge, 
passed upon, and an order for the amount directed to be drawn on the Treas- 
urer, before credit can be given. A debt, whether for work done, or for 
salary, cannot be recognized as an offset for dues, except as above recited in appli- 
cation for funeral benefits. 

1477. A Lodge cannot refuse to receive, in full or in part, the dues of a 
member prior to his suspension. 

(e). Funeral Dues. 

1478. When a Lodge adds a sum to its weekly dues to cover the payment 
of funeral benefits this additional sum is merged into its weekly charges for 
dues, and is, of course, governed by the same rules that govern the regular 
weekly payments; but when the Lodge provides an assessment to pay funeral 
benefits, these assessments become funeral dues in arrears after the lapse of the time 
prescribed by the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges. 

1479. Where a Lodge provided in its By-Laws for the payment of funeral 
benefits in excess of the minimum required by law, without making any pro- 
visions for funeral dues, it was decided that it is obligatory on the Lodge to 
provide in its By-Laws for funeral dues, and that By-Laws without such pro- 
vision are illegal, unless the Lodge levies a funeral assessment, when it shall 
not be required to make any addition to its weekly dues. 

1480. In the absence of any fixed amount of funeral dues in the Consti- 
tution of Subordinate Lodges to meet funeral benefits, the Grand Lodge rec- 
ommends to Subordinate Lodges desiring to add to the weekly dues sufficient 
for funeral benefits, as a basis for the same, two cents additional weekly dues 
for every hundred dollars paid as funeral benefits. 

1481. A Lodge adopted the following By-Law: "When, on the decease of 
a member, or a member's wife, a funeral benefit is paid, the Secretary shall 
immediately divide the amount of the benefit by the number of members, 
and charge the amount of the quotient to each member in his account as a 
funeral dues. Provided, that whenever the Lodge has a productive invested 
fund of over one thousand dollars, no funeral dues shall be charged or col- 
lected." This proviso the Committee on Laws decided to be contrary to the 
laws of this Grand Lodge, and refused to approve the section with the pro- 
viso attached. From this action the Lodge appealed to the Grand Master, 
who affirmed the decision of the committee, which decision was confirmed 
by the Grand Lodge. 

1482. It is legal for a Lodge on the death of a member to assess the mem- 
bership a stipulated amount (say 50 cents per member), for the purpose of 



172 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907, 

DUES— Funeral Dues. 

paying the widow and children of the deceased member a certain amount, 
say 50 cents for each remaining member. 

1483. It is legal to levy an assessment of $1.00 per member to pay a 
funeral benefit, "to an amount equal to $1.00 for each member who is not 
more than $3.00 in arrears." 

1484. It is not legal for a Lodge to make an assessment "pro rata" for the 
purpose of paying funeral benefits. The assessment must be a stipulated 
amount. 

1485. Funeral assessments are chargeable to an initiatory member from 
the time he signs the Constitution. 

1486. Five candidates were initiated into a Lodge on March 3. A member 
of the Lodge died on March 6th. The By-Laws of the Lodge provided for an 
assessment of $1.00 on each member as a funeral benefit on the death of a 
member. The assessment will be levied against the brothers who have only 
received the Initiatory Degree. The dues and assessments commence as soon 
as the candidate signs the Constitution. 

1487. A non-beneficial member is not liable for a funeral assessment, 
unless the By-Laws specially provide for the payment of funeral benefits on 
the death of non-beneficial members. 

1488. A Lodge By-Laws read as follows: "On the death of a member 
entitled to benefits, each member shall pay $1.00, and on the death of the 
wife of such a member, every member shall pay 50 cents as funeral dues." 
The By-Law means that each member who has not been suspended shall be 
charged the assessment, and does not mean only those in good standing 
shall be charged. 

1489. A brother had no knowledge of the two funeral assessments 
charged to him, and there was no By-Law of his Lodge requiring notice to 
be given him, but there was a By-Law requiring such assessments to be 
taken out of the first moneys paid in, after they were made. Had the Secre- 
tary discharged his duty 'in this, he would not have notified the brother 
on the receipt of his two dollars, that his dues were paid to September 8th. 
Having done so, the brother had a right to infer that no funeral assessments 
had been made against him. While no By-Law required it, the proper course 
for the Secretary to have pursued would have been, with his receipt to 
have sent the brother a statement of his account and showing the assess- 
ments. 

1490. A By-Law of a Lodge providing for levying an assessment upon 
the members to pay a stated sum as funeral benefits is enforceable. 

1491. An assessment to pay funeral benefits on account of the death of 
a member of a Lodge, which provides by By-Law for the payment of funeral 
benefits by assessments, can be charged as dues, so as to place the brother 
in bad standing at the end of the quarter. 

1492. By the general law funeral assessments can be charged as dues. 

1493. A brother went to his Lodge room on its regular meeting night 
and paid $5.00 to the Secretary, to be applied on his dues. The next day he 
was taken ill, and so reported to the Lodge. The Lodge declined to pay him 
benefits, because it claimed that the brother was in arrears at the time he 
was taken sick, this depending upon the fact that certain funeral assess- 
ments had been called. The Secretary failed to notify the brother of these 
assessments when he paid his dues, and therefore none of these funeral 
assessments could be charged against his account to make him non-bene- 
ficial, unless they had been charged a sufficient length of time to become 
weekly dues. 

1494. While a Lodge is not bound, unless its By-Laws so require, to 
notify its members of funeral assessments levied, nevertheless, if when a 
brother pays his dues the Secretary does not then and there notify him of 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 173 

DUES— Funeral Dues. 

the assessments charged against his account, they cannot subsequently be 
counted so as to make him in arrears and therefore non- beneficial. 

1495. If a non-beneficial member is entitled to funeral benefits under the 
By-Laws of a Lodge, then he should be assessed for the funeral benefits of 
others, otherwise he pays nothing except his weekly dues. If the By-Laws pro- 
vide that he is entitled to funeral benefits, then he must pay his assessment 
upon the death of a brother the same as other members. 

(f ). Nurse Fund Dnes. 

See Funeral Dues. See Attentive Benefits. 

Assessments. 
The provisions and requirements of the law concerning nurse Fund Dues or Assess- 
ments are the same as for Funeral Dues and Assessments. 

1496. Under the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, which reads as 
follows: "Section 1. Each member of the Lodge shall pay into the funds 
thereof for the weekly benefits and working expenses such sum as weekly 
dues as is required by the By-laws, which sum shall be not less than ten 
cents per week, or be less than the minimum dues required for the benefits 
paid, and he shall pay such further weekly sum to be added thereto as may 
be required by the By-Laws for funeral benefits or other legitimate purposes 
(provided, that in lieu thereof Lodges may levy assessments for these pur- 
poses)." The following By-Law of a Lodge: "Whenever it shall become 
necessary for any sick brother of this Lodge to have sitters-up, it shall be 
the duty of the Noble Grand and Vice Grand to procure a nurse, whose pay 
shall not exceed the sum of ten dollars ($10.00) per week, and the expense 
of same shall be assessed pro rata upon the members of the Lodge," is legal 
as the assessments mentioned are made as occasion arises for same, and 
does not conflict with the provision of the Constitution which refers to regu- 
lar contributions to the Lodge funds. 

(g). Orphans' Homes Dues. 

1497. A non-beneficial member is liable for the Orphans' Homes dues. 

1498. The twenty-five cents for dues for the Orphans' Homes, which is 
directed to be charged at the last meeting night in March of each year, 
operates to make a brother non-beneficial after" they have been charged over 
thirteen weeks. The time when the Lodge shall pay these dues to the Grand 
Lodge has no relation to the time when the brother shall pay the same to 
the Lodge so as to affect his standing. Under our Constitution and laws, 
all dues, assessments or charges, after being charged over thirteen weeks 
and remaining unpaid, are to be calculated in determining whether or not a 
member is in good standing. 

1499. The Secretary of the Lodge shall charge the twenty-five cents for the 
Orphans' Homes against each and every member on the roll of the Lodge for the 
last meeting in March of each year. 

1500. The Odd Fellows' Orphanage assessment is not chargeable 
against the members' account until the last meeting night in March, and does not 
become dues under any condition until after the last meeting night in June 
following. 

1501. The members of a Subordinate Lodge, which was instituted say 
on March 9, pay the Orphans' Home dues that are chargeable against the Lodge 
on the last meeting night in March following. 

(h). Payment from Benefits. 

1502. It is the duty of the Lodge to keep a brother's dues paid up while 
he is under their charge and drawing benefits, up to the time that he is dis- 
charged from the care of the committee. 



174 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DUES— Payment from Benefits. 

1503. Where a brother on the day when his dues should have been paid 
to prevent him becoming non-beneficial became sick to such an extent 
that he was unable to attend the Lodge meeting on that night. According 
to the records of the Lodge, it appears that he was beneficial to the time he 
was taken sick, and having been beneficial when so taken sick, he could not 
become non-beneficial during that illness. The Lodge should have retained 
so much of the brother's benefits as would have accrued to keep him in good 
standing during his sickness. 

1504. When benefits are withheld from a member under an erroneous 
impression of the condition of his health, his benefits remain still due him, 
so that upon his death from that sickness the Lodge cannot deprive his 
widow of her claim on the ground that he was in arrears at the time of his 
death, the benefits due him being more than sufficient to pay his dues. It 
is the duty of the Lodge not to permit a member, who is in receipt of bene- 
fits, to become in arrears, even in ordinary cases, but when the member is in 
extremis it becomes more especially its duty. 

1505. The Grand Lodge has determined that a proper interpretation of 
the duty of the Lodge is that the Relief Committee must see that the sick 
brother's dues are paid up in full to the time of his discharge; "in full'" 
meaning all dues that had accrued before he became sick, as well as those 
accruing during such sickness, and referring, of course, to "weekly" dues. 

1506. A brother was declared off at his own request, and while the Re- 
lief Committee should have seen that he was in good standing at that date, 
they were certainly not then required to see to the payment of a funeral 
assessment which could not for several weeks become weekly dues and af- 
fect his good standing in the Lodge. 

1507. A brother who was the Treasurer of his Lodge, was sick and en- 
titled to benefits to July 7, when an order was drawn for his full week's 
benefits, and no deduction was made for his weekly dues. The Lodge 
claims that as he was Treasurer it was his duty to pay his dues from the 
amount of the order, which, on that night, was fifty cents in arrears. When 
the brother was again reported sick from September 19, his standing on the 
books was such as would make him non-beneficial. • The law of the Order is 
very plain on this subject — viz.: That it is the duty of the Lodge, and not 
of the sick brother, to deduct the weekly dues from the weekly benefits, and 
that being the case, the brother could not become in arrears while sick; 
therefore, on July 7 he was in good standing under the law, so that he could 
not become non-beneficial for thirteen weeks thereafter, which time would 
extend beyond September 19. 

1508. A By-Law of a Lodge which reads as follows: "Whenever any 
benefit shall accrue to the account of a brother, payment shall be required 
therefrom of such quarterly dues as may be chargeable to the close of the 
then current quarter," is not legal, unless the laws of the jurisdiction permit 
the payment of weekly dues in advance. 

1509. If the By-Laws of a Lodge provide that a sum beyond thirty dol- 
lars shall be paid for funeral benefits and the brother, at the time of his 
death, was indebted to the Lodge for dues, the arrearages may be lawfully- 
deducted from the funeral benefits. 

(i). Receipts for Dues. 

1510. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has declared the official receipt to be 
the only legal receipt for dues, assessments, fees, etc., paid to Lodges. 

1511. A Lodge that does not compel a receipt to be issued for every 
cent of money it receives is pretty sure to get into trouble, as is the brother 
who pays money to a Lodge without receiving a receipt, and sound business 
methods demand that a receipt should both be demanded and offered, thus 
securing the brother for the money paid, and assuring the Lodge that a cor- 
rect account is kept between it and its members. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 175 

DUES— Receipts for Dues. 

1512. Lodges are required to use the official form of receipt or certifi- 
cate for dues to the entire exclusion of all other forms of receipts for dues. 

1513. It is unlawful to issue any receipt for dues or assessments in lieu 
of the official Certificate, except Visiting or Withdrawal Cards, regularly- 
applied for and granted. 

1514. A brother has a right to demand an official receipt for dues each 
time he pays dues, even though it be each meeting night in the year. 

1515. A member cannot accept any other than the official receipt or 
certificate for dues, even though he does not desire to visit another juris- 
diction. 

151ft. A Subordinate Lodge has no right to issue to a brother in return 
for the payment of his dues an order for a receipt or a paper to be exchanged 
for a receipt when the brother shall so desire. The issuance of such a 
paper is a palpable evasion of the law requiring the use of the official cer- 
tificate. It is in effect a receipt, although not so termed. 

1517. It is illegal to use any receipt for dues except the official form of 
certificate, printed exclusively by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, although it is 
intended simply as a receipt for dues and not to be used in visiting. t 

1518. When a brother pays his dues the Secretary is not allowed to give 
him a receipt for same except on the form issued and sold by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, notwithstanding the brother does not desire the Annual 
Traveling Pass Word. 

1519. When a member pays any money to his Lodge for dues or assess- 
ments and does not desire any acknowledgment for such payment, he need 
not be given such acknowledgment, but if he does ask for such an acknowl- 
edgment the Secretary must issue to him an official certificate showing the 
amount he has paid. Where such evidence is requested, no other form can 
be used than what is known as the official certificate. 

1520. When a member pays his dues and demands an Official Certificate 
as a receipt for the payment, the Noble Grand has no legal right to refuse to 
sign the Official Certificate until the brother first signs the same on the mar- 
gin. The Noble Grand not only cannot refuse to sign, but must complete the 
card. The receipt is not official until signed by the Noble Grand. If the 
laws required that the brother must sign before the Noble Grand signs, then 
the brothers at a distance would be, seemingly, inconvenienced in obtaining 
their receipts for dues by mail. The same rule applying to the Visiting Card 
applies to the Official Certificate. 

1521. If a member is in arrears for dues and pays part or all of such 
arrearages and nothing in advance, he can demand as a receipt the Official 
Certificate, but cannot demand the Annual Traveling Pass Word. 

1522. The color of the printing on the back of the Official Certificate is 
varied so as to show at a glance the branch of the Order for which the Cer- 
tificate is adapted. The Secretary will, therefore, be certain that the Official 
Certificate he issues as a receipt for dues is printed on the back in red, as 
that is the color for the Subordinate Lodge. 

1523. The Financial Secretary is the proper officer to sign the Official 
Certificate for dues. 

1524. Neither Grand Lodges nor Subordinate Lodges can print the .Of- 
ficial Certificate for dues. They are printed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
exclusively. 

1525. A Lodge cannot prescribe by By-Law that a small fee shall be paid 
by the brother on the issuance of an official form of receipt for dues. 

1526. A Lodge has no right to charge any price for issuing the official 
receipts for dues, but must furnish same free of charge. 



176 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DUES— Eeceipts for Dues. 

1527. An official receipt for dues should not be given to any other person 
other than a member of the Lodge when dues are paid. If he has sent the 
money by mail or by the hands of another person, the Secretary shall mail 
at once to the brother's address the official receipt, if he has requested a 
receipt 

1528. A brother asks for and receives an Official Certificate covering 
the space of fifteen months. During the time the certificate was in force, 
funeral assessments amounting to three dollars were assessed against him. 
After the expiration of the time for which the certificate was granted, but in- 
side of thirteen weeks, the brother was taken sick. The funeral assessments 
against the brother were not paid at the time he was reported on the sick 
list. Under the above circumstances, is the brother entitled to weekly bene- 
fits? Yes. A member absent from the jurisdiction of his Lodge holding an 
Official Certificate, is chargeable with all funeral and other legal assessments 
which may fall due during the time for which the certificate was granted, 
but he cannot be suspended from benefits until three months after the ex- 
piration of the Official certificate by accumulation of funeral dues accruing 
while the certificate is running. 

1529. It is unlawful for any Subordinate Lodge to permit its officers to 
issue, and it shall be unlawful for any officer of any such subordinate body to 
issue, any receipt, statement, or other paper evidencing the payment of 
money on account of dues or assessments, except by Official Certificate. 

1530. It is unlawful for any Subordinate Lodge to permit its officers to 
issue any receipt for the payment of dues, except the Official Certificate. 

1531. The Lodge is required to give a brother an official receipt for 
money paid in as dues, if the brother demands it, even if the amount paid 
does not put him in good standing. 

1532. Where a member suspended for cause pays his dues, in order 
that he may not thereby gain any rights of visitation, the Secretary of the 
Lodge shall write across the face of the Official Certificate issued to such 
member the following endorsement: "The holder of this certificate is under 
suspension for cause until the day of , 19. .. 

(j). Quarterly Uotices. 

1533. The legislation concerning the Official Certificate which is the 
only legal receipt for dues, does not deprive a Lodge of the right to send a 
quarterly notice, a statement, or bill for dues, but it does prevent the Secre- 
tary or any other officer marking on this quarterly notice, statement, or 
bill in any manner to show that the dues or any part thereof have been 
paid. 

1534. If in sending to a member a statement of his account for dues a 
printed statement of the rate of dues per week is attached, it must be the 
correct rate in existence and not an obsolete or superseded rate. 

1535. The Secretary cannot legally receipt the Notice Card for dues. The 
only receipt to be given is the Official Certificate issuea by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge. 

1536. In sending a quarterly notice of a member's account for dues 
neither the Lodge nor the Secretary assume to guarantee that these notices 
will be delivered. It is the member's duty to know his financial standing in 
the Lodge, and the Secretary has done all that is required of him, if he can 
say that he mailed the brother's notice along with all the others, in a return 
envelope, and that the brother's notice was not returned to him by the postal 
authorities. 

1537. Previous to August the weekly dues of a Lodge were fifteen cents 
per week. In that month the Lodge amended its By-Laws, changing the 
weekly dues to sixteen cents, to take effect from and after September 28, 
the close of the current quarter. This amendment to the By-Laws was ap- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 177 

DUES— Quarterly Notices. 

proved September 2. On the 28th day of September a brother owed the 
Dodge $3.90. On the 26th of October there was paid in to his credit the sum 
of $5.00, and a receipt, in the nature of a bill given, showing the indebtedness 
September 28 to be $3.90, adding four weeks' dues at 16 cents, 64 cents; to- 
tal charges, $4.54. Credit by cash, $5.00; balance overpaid, 46 cents. If there 
had been nothing more than this upon the paper this controversy probably 
would not have arisen. There was printed near the foot of the paper the 
words, "Dues 15 cents per week." It so happened that on the evening of 
February 15 following, by charging the brother's account at the rate of 16 
cents per week, after allowing the credit on October 26, he was indebted the 
sum of $2.10; thirteen weeks' dues are but $2.08. On the 22d day of Feb- 
ruary, the day preceding the time of the meeting of the Lodge, the brother 
died. From the evidence it appears that the appellant always paid the 
brother's dues, and she was always under the impression that the dues were 
15 cents per week. It was held that there being no doubt that the blank form 
of bill was one that had been in use in the Lodge for some time, and that it 
misled the brother when the words, "Dues 15 cents per week" were not 
erased by the Secretary. The widow was held to be entitled to the funeral 
benefits. 

(k). When the Dues Commence. 

1538. The dues of one joining a Lodge commence at the time of initi- 
ation. 

1539. The dues of one admitted to membership by card or certificate 
commence at the time of signing the Constitution. 

1540. The dues of a member reinstated commence at the date of rein- 
statement or the payment of the reinstatement fee, which ever may be the 
last step in the procedure of reinstatement. 

1541. As a general rule it may be stated that dues begin the moment 
membership in a Lodge is complete, or is renewed, no matter how the ad- 
mission or reinstatement is obtained. 

(1). Dues Kefunded. 

1542. A Lodge is in duty bound to refund the dues overpaid by a brother 
at the time of his decease or when he withdraws from the Lodge by card or 
otherwise. , 

1543. A brother paying up arrears of dues while ill, and dying before he 
becomes beneficial, the Lodge is not required to refund the arrears so paid. 

(m). Graded Dues. 

1544. The subject of dues is one peculiarly for the legislation of State 
Grand Bodies, and any interference therewith on the part of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge is objectionable. In many jurisdictions a sliding rate of in- 
itiation fees has been adopted. Should a similar scale of dues meet the ap- 
proval of a State Grand Lodge, such approval would be final. 

1545. The following By-Law of a subordinate under the immediate juris- 
diction of the Sovereign Grand Lodge was approved: "All members admitted 
by initiation or by card, after the approval of these By-Laws, shall pay dues 
as follows: From 21 to 35 years old, $6; from 35 to $40, $8; from 40 to 45, 
$9; from 45 to 50, $10; from 50 to 60, $12.50; this rate of dues to continue 
during the membership. Those who are or become members before such ap- 
proval to pay $6." 

1546. It is within the jurisdiction of a Grand Body to approve of the 
By-Laws of a Subordinate which provide for the payment of a higher rate of 
dues by those whose occupations are of such a hazardous nature as to make 
them more liable to accident, or by reason of their residing in a locality 



178 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DUES— Graded Dues- 

where the climatic conditions increase the liability to disease than is re- 
quired of the members living under the ordinary conditions. 

1547. Under the general law the following By-Law is legal: "Dues — All 
present members shall continue to pay the amount of annual dues, as they have 
heretofore paid, as shown upon their respective ledger accounts. All members here- 
after admitted into this Dodge, under 40 years of age, shall pay $4.00 per 
year. Those over 40 and under 45, $5.00. Those over 45 and under 50, $6,00. 
Those over 50, $8.00. 

Note.— The legal effect of the above citations is to evidence that under the general 
law, graded dues are permissible, but a Lodge, adopting such a system would necessarily 
be required to predicate its grading upon weekly payments of dues in conformity with 
the laws of this jurisdiction. 

(n). The Dues Ledger. 

1548. It is the duty of the Secretary to keep correctly the accounts be- 
tween his Lodge and its members. 

1549. It is his duty to keep his accounts regularly posted, so that no dis- 
pute arise, and be ready at all times to render to the Noble Grand state- 
ments of arrears of the brethren, so that their rights be not abused. 

1550. Under the Subordinate Constitution, as it existed prior to 1900, 
fines, funeral dues or assessments were deducted from the first money paid 
into the Lodge by the member after the same were charged, which provision 
was omitted from the Subordinate Constitution now in force, so that the 
duty of the Lodge in this particular has reverted to the practice as it ex- 
isted prior to the adoption of the above special direction, namely, that 
moneys paid by a brother into the Lodge shall be applied to the liquidation 
of the unpaid items of his account, whether dues, assessments or charges, 
which go to determine his beneficial standing, in the order of their arrearage, the 
oldest item being first cancelled. 

1551. The Subordinate Constitution provides that "Funeral dues or as- 
sessments, after being charged as such and unpaid over thirteen weeks, are 
to be added to the weekly dues, and to be charged as of the date of the orig- 
inal levy." The practical effect of this, so far as the bookkeeping of the 
Lodge is concerned, is that funeral dues or assessments of any kind become 
dues immediately upon their being levied. 

1552. Fines are not dues, but are charges which are to be counted in de- 
termining a brother's beneficial standing. 

1553. A member who is over thirteen weeks in arrears for dues is not en- 
titled to benefits, and he cannot become entitled to benefits until he shall 
have paid up in full all dues and assessments and fines that have accrued 
up to the date of payment, if the By-Laws so provide, nor then until the ex- 
piration of such time thereafter as may be provided in the By-Laws as a 
penalty. 

1554. In determining the beneficial standing of a member, the time and 
not the amount shall be considered. If all the dues, assessments and charges 
that have been charged in the preceding thirteen weeks ending with the last 
meeting, but not including the present meeting, are unpaid he is non-bene- 
ficial at the close of the present meeting. 

1555. A member of a Subordinate Lodge who is in arrears for weekly 
OR funeral dues more than thirteen weeks is not entitled to the term pass 
word, or to vote in the Lodge, but is entitled to visit his own Lodge until dropped, 
suspended or expelled. The above phrase, " who is in arrears for weekly or fun- 
eral dues for more than thirteen weeks," means " who owes more than thirteen 
weeks' weekly OR funeral dues OR assessments." 

1556. A member of a Lodge in this jurisdiction, having a Visiting Card, 
or having an official receipt paid in advance, shall be beneficial, if other- 
wise entitled, for thirteen weeks after the card or certificate has expired; 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 179 

DUES— The Dues Ledger. 

he shall be liable to pay all funeral assessments legally levied, and to pay 
any increase in dues or assessments made by virtue of a change in the By- 
Laws of his Lodge after the issuing of the card, and shall be subject to all 
changes in the By-Laws fixing the amount of, and regulating the time for 
paying benefits. Notice of these changes shall be given to the brother that 
he may comply with the revised law. In case of decease within said period, 
funeral benefits shall be paid. 

1557. A brother of the Lodge who has been sick and receiving benefits 
is in good standing for every purpose until the close of the fourteenth meet- 
ing night after he has been discharged by the Lodge, without regard to 
the actual state of his account, as it was the duty of the Lodge to retain so 
much of his benefits as would keep bim free of every charge of weekly dues 
against him on the books of the Lodge during such sickness. 

1558. A member suspended for cause, at the end of the period of suspen- 
sion is reinstated into his membership upon the payment of all arrears of 
dues, and during his suspension his dues accrue the same as though he was 
under no disability, and he may pay his dues from time to time during the 
period of his suspension. 

1559. In nearly every Lodge in this jurisdiction the Secretary is directed 
by the By-Laws to send a quarterly notice to each member, showing the 
state of his respective account with the Lodge. 

1560. And at the end of each term the Secretary will render a faithful 
report of the work of the Lodge for the Grand Lodge, and render every as- 
sistance to the committee to examine the books, etc., that they may re- 
quire. 

Note.— The preceding paragraphs indicate quite clearly the duty required of the Dues 
Ledger. Also the questions which maybe asked from the Secretary at any Lodge meet" 
lng and to which the Lodge will expect a prompt and accurate reply. 

ELECTION FOR OFFICERS. 

(a). For Grand Lodge Officers. (d). At Installation. 

(b). For Subordinate Lodge Officers. (e). Contested Eleotion. 
(o). At Institution of a new Lodge. 

See Arrears See Contested Eleotions. 

Canvassing. Eligibility to Office. 

Circulars. Nominations for Office. 

(a). Election for Grand Lodge Officers. 

1561. The manner in which Past Grands may vote for Grand Officers Is 
a subject for local legislation. 

1562. The Grand Secretary is required to forward to the several Lodges, 
at the proper time, two blank returns for the election of Grand Lodge 
Officers. 

1563. The Grand Secretary is required to send to each Subordinate 
Lodge, with the list of candidates for Grand Lodge Officers, as many tickets 
for each as there are Past Grands in the Lodge to which the list is sent. 

1564. A candidate for a Grand Lodge office is not disqualified as a candi- 
date by reason of the official ballot, or ticket, designating him as a member 
of the Lodge with which he was formerly affiliated, and not setting forth the 
number of the Lodge to which he had transferred his membership, and of 
which he was actually a member at the time when the voting for Grand 
Lodge Officers occurred. 

1565. A Past Grand cannot vote by proxy; he must be in good standing 
and present in the Lodge to which he belongs, and personally cast his vote 
for Grand Lodge Officers. 



180 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ELECTION FOR OFFICERS— Election for Grand Lodge Officers. 

1566. A brother who is a Past Grand transfers his membership by card 
from one Lodge to another. The Lodge in which he deposits his card notifies 
the Grand Secretary of the transfer of the Past Grand. The brother is en- 
titled to vote for Grand Lodge Officers at the first election of Grand Lodge 
Officers after he has deposited his card in the new Lodge. 

1567. Should there be only one nominee for any office, and he should 
die or decline the nomination before the day of election in the Subordinate 
Lodges, and no further nominations are made, the office must nevertheless 
be filled by the election of some Past Grand at the regular election. 

1568. In a Grand Lodge where none but the representatives are per- 
mitted to vote upon any business of the session, nominations for Grand Of- 
ficers are made at the session of a Grand Lodge preceding the annual elec- 
tion in the Subordinate Lodges. The Grand Lodge meets in October of each 
year, and elections for Grand Officers are held in each Subordinate Lodge on 
the following meeting night in June of each year by ballot by the Past 
Grands in good standing. At the October session of the Grand Lodge, a 
brother was the sole nominee for Grand Treasurer. He died in November, 
and the ticket voted at the June election in the Subordinate Lodges con- 
tained no name for Grand Treasurer. At the next annual session of the 
Grand Lodge thereafter, the office of Grand Treasurer was declared vacant 
and an election on the floor of said Grand Lodge was ordered. The Grand 
Master thereupon opened the Grand Lodge for nominations. After the nomi- 
nations were closed, the Grand Master directed the Grand Lodge to ballot, 
ruling that all Past Grands in good standing were entitled to vote; from this 
decision an appeal was taken to the Grand Lodge on the question that none 
but representatives were entitled to vote. The Grand Lodge reversed the 
Grand Master, and from this action an appeal was taken to the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge. In that body the Committee on Appeals concluded that every 
Past Grand has an inherent right to vote for Grand Officers of his Grand 
Lodge, but that he must exercise that right in the manner provided by the 
laws prescribed therefor by such Grand Lodge. That they had made very 
careful investigation of this subject, and find several decisions bearing upon 
the inherent rights of Past Grands, but so far as they were able to ascertain 
the precise question herein contained had never been presented to the 
Sovereign Body. They believed that if all Past Grands present at a session 
of the Grand Lodge, in Grand Jurisdictions where the representative system 
obtains, were permitted to vote for election of Grand Officers to fill vacan- 
cies, it would open the door for the Past Grands of the particular locality 
where the Grand Lodge should at the time be holding its session, to control 
such election and practically disfranchise the great body of Past Grands 
who would be unable to attend that session of the Grand Lodge; but if the 
representatives were permitted to fill such vacancies it would more nearly 
represent the choice of all the Past Grands of the jurisdiction. The com- 
mittee therefore recommended that the appeal be dismissed, and the action 
of the Grand Lodge be sustained. After careful consideration, the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge decided that the appeal be, and the same is hereby dismissed, 
for the reason that it was improper to hold an election at the session of the 
Grand Lodge under the circumstances of this case. 

1569. In counting the vote for Grand Lodge Officers, all the tickets are to 
be counted, whether voted separately for each officer or by general ticket. 

1570. In 1895 the Sovereign Grand Lodge approved the Grand Sire's de- 
cision as follows: "In canvassing the votes for Grand Lodge Officers cast 
by the Past Grands, if, in some Lodges, Past Grands were allowed to vote who 
were disqualified, and such illegal votes charged to the successful candi- 
date and deducted from his vote would change the result, the entire vote 
should be thrown out and the result declared on the remainder." The next 
year it was held that this decision should not have been approved, and is 
therefore void. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 181 

ELECTION FOR OFFICERS-Election for Grand Lodge Officers. 

1571. Grand Bodies have full power and authority to go behind 
the returns and investigate any illegalities and irregularities occurring 
in the election of their officers, and have the right and power to use their 
own discretion as to the method of making such investigation and deter- 
mining for themselves the manner of reaching and declaring the results. 

1572. A plurality of all votes cast does not mean a majority of the votes 
cast. There is no distinction between a plurality of all votes cast and a 
plurality of the vote cast. 

1573. At an election the returns from some of the Lodges are not received 
by the committee to count the election return. The returns received by 
them are to be canvassed and the result declared. If afterwards duplicates 
of the return not received are sent to the Grand Secretary, and by him laid 
before the Grand Lodge at its next session, and these votes, if counted, 
would elect another of the candidates, nevertheless the candidate de- 
clared elected by the canvassers is legally elected, notwithstanding the 
Lodges whose returns had not been received were not in fault, but had fully 
complied with the requirements of the law, and could not have prevented the 
accident on account of which they were not received. 

1574. An election cannot be legally held under a Constitutional amend- 
ment or a revised Constitution of the Grand Lodge, although regularly 
adopted by it, until it has been approved by the Sovereign Grand Lodge or 
the Grand Sire in recess. 

1575. Returns will not be counted by the Committee on Election Re- 
turns for either of the following reasons: 

No signature of Noble Grand. No votes recorded. 

No signatures of Tellers. Voted on wrong date. 

No names of Tellers. Voted by proxy. 

More votes than Past Grands. No return. 

No date of election. Past Grands of another Lodge as Tellers. 

No Seal. No election held. 

Particular attention is called to two reasons for rejecting votes — "voting 
by proxy," and "appointing Past Grands of other Lodges to act as Tellers." 
Attention was called to the latter cause in 1905, but it was necessary to 
again refer to it. While throwing out the vote of a Lodge for the reason above 
stated has not affected the result, there might come a time when the rejection of 
the vote of one Lodge would change the result, hence the necessity of complying 
with every form of the election law. 

(b). Election for Subordinate Lodge Officers. 

1576. Preceding an election, the Lodge has the right to appoint a com- 
mittee to prepare tickets for the convenience of its members; but it cannot 
compel the members to vote a ticket so prepared. Every member in good 
standing has a right, if he prefers it, to prepare a ticket for a candidate on 
legal nomination and vote it. 

1577. A Noble Grand cannot postpone the election of any officer, but the 
Lodge may, by vote or non-action postpone the election of xtepresentative. 

1578. When an election of any kind, w r hether to membership or office, is 
being held, it is the duty of the presiding officer to conduct, supervise and 
declare the result of the same, and no motion shall be received or be in or- 
der until said result is declared. 

1579. Where an election was held in a Subordinate Lodge for a Rep- 
resentative to the Grand Lodge and two candidates of the same surname 
were in nomination, and votes were cast for one of these candidates without 
naming which one, and before any decision as to the result was made, a mo- 
tion was offered and seconded that the vote be retaken, which motion pre- 
vailed, such action was illegal. 



182 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ELECTION FOR OFFICERS -Election for Subordinate Lodge Officers. 

1580. While an election is being held, and after the tellers have announced 
£he result, it is the duty of the presiding officer to declare the result of said elec- 
tion. No motion concerning the election should have been received or is in order 
until said result was declared. 

1581. It is legal and proper to provide by By-Laws that at the election of 
officers in the Lodge the Warden shall distribute and collect the ballots. 

1582. The ballot box is not required to be in the centre of the Lodge 
room. 

1583. The Lodge has the power to decide upon the qualifications and 
rights of its members to vote at elections. 

1584. The By-Laws of a Lodge may fix the form of ballot, that is to say, 
"whether it is to be "written," "printed," or "written or printed." 

1585. Where the By-Laws say that tfie election shall be "by written bal- 
lot," the names on the ballot shall be in writing; where by printed ballot, tne 
names on the ballot shall be printed; when "by written or printed ballot,'' 
either of the aforesaid character of ballots will be legal. 

1586. When but one candidate is in nomination, a member may be di- 
rected to cast the ballot for such candidate in behalf of the Lodge. A mo- 
tion to declare him elected is improper. 

1587. Although the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges requires of- 
ficers to be elected by ballot, a brother who is elected Noble Grand by the 
usual sign and declared so elected by acclamation, there being no opposing 
candidate and no objection being made at the time, is a duly elected officer 
under the law. 

1588. The right to vote a secret ballot applies to a poll for the elec- 
tion of officers and representatives. 

1589. If the Noble Grand votes for officers he cannot, in case of a tie, 
vote again. His right to give the casting vote applies to votes upon legis- 
lative questions only. 

1590. A vote in blank is as much a vote to be counted as though it had 
the name of a candidate upon it to be elected. To be elected, an officer must 
have a majority of all the votes cast, including blanks. Where but one can- 
didate is nominated for a given office, he is not elected if the number of blank 
votes cast exceeds the number of votes cast for the candidate. 

1591. Two candidates were in nomination; one received fourteen and the 
other fifteen votes, and one ballot had on it the names of both candidates. 
The one receiving fifteen votes was elected, as the vote having both names 
on it was not a vote for a candidate in nomination. 

1592. Where the By-Laws of a Lodge provide that "on the second ballot 
the poll shall be between the two candidates who shall receive the highest 
number of votes on the first ballot," or that "the candidate having the small- 
est number of votes shall be dropped on the next ballot," all the votes cast 
for candidates other than those remaining in the field under the provisions 
of the law are void and must be excluded from the poll. 

1593. Where an election held has been regular, the forms of law complied 
with, the candidate eligible and free from all charges, it is not competent for 
the Lodge, at that or any subsequent meeting by a mere vote, on motion, 
to declare such an election void. Every officer or member of the Order is, 
of course, amenable to its laws, and if he offends against them the mode 
prescribed for trial and conviction must be followed. 

1594. If the election for representative in a Lodge was had at the time 
and in the manner prescribed in our local law, the election cannot be annulled 
by the Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 183 

ELECTION FOR OFFICERS— Election for Subordinate Lodge Officers. 

1595. No error or informality will reverse any election, unless it may 
have affected the result. If the error he such that it can be seen that it 
could not by any possibility have affected the result, the decision will not be 
reversed, for the error has done no harm; but if it might by any possibility 
have affected the result, there is error, and the decision will be overturned. 

1596. The election and installation into office of a member who is dis- 
qualified by law for such office is null and void, and should be so declared by 
the proper authority in the jurisdiction and the vacancy filled according to 
law. 

1597. The brother elected by a Lodge as representative to the Grand 
Lodge on the meeting night fixed for elections is the representative, and al- 
though a reconsideration of the vote may be taken at a subsequent meeting 
and another brother elected, the one elected on the designated regular elec- 
tion night is the representative. 

1598. The casting of an illegal vote does not invalidate a ballot, unless it 
affirmatively appears that such illegal vote did change or might have changed 
the result. 

1599. Legal votes are not to be thrown out in order to exclude illegal 
votes, unless necessity requires it as the only means of preventing the con- 
summation of a fraud. 

(c) . Election at Institution of New Lodge. 

1600. The instituting officer of a new Lodge can only appoint officers to 
fill the chairs temporarily for the institution after which the Lodge should 
elect and install its officers. 

1601. On the institution of a new Lodge, the Special Deputy obligated 
those charter members only who were Odd Fellows and held cards. As 
soon as this was done, an election for officers was held, which was confined 
to those charter members who held cards, and before initiation of those 
charter members who were not Odd Fellows. The question was asked 
whether this was legal, or should the charter members who were not Odd 
Fellows have been initiated before the election of the officers, so that they 
might vote for same. It was held that the election for officers was properly 
confined to those who held cards and were obligated in the institution of 
the Lodge. Only those who take the obligation provided for in the institution of 
new Lodges constitute the newly instituted Lodge. 

1602. Only those who are petitioners for the charter may participate in 
the election of officers at the institution of a Lodge. Charter members in- 
itiated at the institution of a Lodge are not qualified to vote for officers, un- 
less they were initiated in accordance with the legislation of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge had in 1906, for the purpose of qualifying the requisite number 
of petitioners for the new Lodge. 

(d). Election at Installation. 

1603. Should an insufficient reason be given to the installing officer for 
the non-attendance of an officer-elect upon the installation night, the in- 
stalling officer may require the lodge immediately to elect another to fill 
such office. 

1604. A Noble Grand elect having failed to appear for installation and 
forfeited (under the local law) his office, the member elected and installed 
in his place is the Noble Grand of the Lodge. 

1605. Where a new election is ordered by the Grand Master or a District 
Deputy Grand Master, or a Special Deputy Grand Master, at an installation, 
it is his duty to conduct such election, and neither the Noble Grand or any 
one else has a right to attempt to put a question to the Lodge while the 



184 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ELECTION FOE OFFICERS— Election at Installation. 

Grand Master or his Deputy is conducting such election, or installing the 
officers. Any member of the Lodge may vote at such election, although a 
Grand Officer or acting as such and clothed in his official regalia. 

(e). Contested Election, 

1606. When an election of officers is contested, the several members 
voting can legally be examined as to how they voted by a committee ap- 
pointed for that purpose by the body in which the election took place, or 
by any other agency created by such body. 

1607. In order to vitiate an election the proof as to the illegality of the 
vote and that it affected the result must be positive. A mere assertion to 
that effect is insufficient. 

1608. The election and installation into office of a member who is dis- 
qualified by law for such office is null and void and should be so declared 
by the proper authority in the jurisdiction and the vacancy filled according 
to law. 

1609. An officer was declared elected by one vote. On the next Lodge 
night the Lodge held the election void, on the ground that one member 
voted who was disqualified (but it did not appear for whom he voted), and 
then proceeded to a new election, and elected another candidate by four 
votes. The second election was illegal, and the person first declared elected 
was entitled to the office. 

1610. An installing officer has no right to refuse to install an officer 
on the ground that at the election a member was deprived of his vote on an 
erroneous statement that he was in arrears for dues. The Lodge has the 
power to decide upon the qualifications and rights of its members to vote 
at elections, and if the brother was denied a vote it was his personal griev- 
ance and he could appeal, but the installing officer could not for that reason 
refuse to install the brothers who were returned to him as regularly 
elected. 

1611. If any candidate was injured by the refusal of the Lodge to allow 
a brother to vote, the candidate injured might also< appeal. 

1612. Where on the night of election one of the nominees was in arrears 
for over three months' dues, but the arrearage was unknown to him, and was 
likewise unknown to the members of the Lodge, the Secretary having given 
the brother no notice of the arrearage nor did he notify the Lodge of the 
same, a majority of the members believing in his good standing voted for 
the brother, and he is declared elected. Under these circumstances it is the 
duty of the Lodge as soon as the true state of facts are disclosed to declare 
the election null and void, and to order a new election to fill the vacancy. 
The second highest candidate has no claim to the office, as the Constitution 
for Subordinate Lodges provides that the successful candidate must have a 
majority of all the votes polled. 

1613. The election for Representative to the Grand Lodge having been 
declared null and void on account of the election of a brother who was not 
eligible for the office, the Lodge should hold a new election to fill the vacancy. 

1614. Where on the night of election one candidate received eleven votes 
and the othjer received eighteen votes, after the election it was found that the 
candidate who received eighteen votes was ineligible. It was the duty of 
the Noble Grand to order a new election. A candidate to be elected must 
receive a majority of the votes cast. 

1615. In the Grand Lodge the Representatives shall decide all con- 
tested elections, and cause the candidates then declared elected, if present, 
to be installed by the Grand Master or a Past Grand Master. 

1616. While the Grand Lodge has the power and authority to go behind 
the returns and investigate any illegalities and irregularities, yet when the 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 185 

ELECTION FOR OFFICERS— Contested Election. 

canvass of the votes has been made and declared in the manner provided by 
the By-Laws, it is not compelled to do so, and has the right in its discretion 
to refuse to make any such investigation, and such refusal cannot be assigned 
for error on appeal to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

1617. An election is not to be declared void on account of illegal votes, 
unless it is shown that the casting of such votes affected or might have af- 
fected the result. 

1618. A Grand Lodge cannot legally discard the entire vote of the Lodge 
on account of one illegal vote. Unless it can be affirmatively shown that 
the casting of such illegal vote did change, or might have changed, the re- 
sult. To give the illegality effect it must be shown that without its happen- 
ing, the result would have been different. The entire vote of the Lodge is not 
to be thrown out unless the illegality can be cured in no other way. 

1619. The rule is well settled that the whole vote of a Lodge should 
not be thrown out, on account of illegal votes, if it be practicable to ascertain 
the number of illegal votes and the candidates for whom cast. 

1620. Legal votes are not to be thrown out in order to exclude illegal 
votes, unless necessity requires it as the only means of preventing consum- 
mation of a fraud. 

1621. Subordinate Grand Bodies have full power and authority to go be- 
hind the returns and investigate any illegalities and irregularities occurring 
in the election of their officers, and have the right and power to use their 
own discretion as to the method of making such investigation and to de- 
termine for themselves the manner of reaching and declaring the result. 

ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE. 

(a) In the Grand Lodge. (b). In the Subordinate Lodge. 

See Good Standing. See Honors of Office. 

(a). In the Grand Lodge. 

1622. A Past Grand to be eligible to office in the Grand Lodge must be in 
good standing in his -Subordinate Lodge. 

±623. According to the general law, as well as by the Grand Lodge Con- 
stitution, a Past Grand who is not a member of the Grand Lodge is not 
eligible to office in the Grand Lodge. 

1624. The Grand Lodge can elect the Grand Master from the floor without 
previous service unless its Constitution approved by the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
contains some provision making him ineligible. 

1625. The question was asked whether a Past Grand, who is not a mem- 
ber of the Grand Lodge, would be eligible to appointment as Grand Secretary, 
if the Grand Master should instruct some one qualified to confer the Past 
Official and Grand Lodge Degrees upon him. Held that such Past Grand 
would not be eligible, as no one can be an officer of a Grand Lodge, who is 
not in fact a member of that Grand Lodge. The Grand Master in vacation 
has no power to make him a member of the Grand Lodge, because it is 
fundamental with all Legislative Bodies, and is so under our system that the 
Grand Lodge itself is the judge of the qualification of its own members. To 
be an actual member of a Grand Lodge, a Past Grand must have been ad- 
mitted and had the Grand Lodge Degree conferred upon him, and this cannot 
be done except by the Grand Lodge when in regular or special session. 

1626. The first Noble Grand of a new or revived Lodge, who has 
served the necessary time, is entitled to the Past Official Degree, and is 
therefore eligible to admission to the Grand Lodge, when he will be eligible 
to office in the Grand Lodge. 

12 



186 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE-In the Grand Lodge. 

1627. A Past Grand otherwise qualified can be nominated for and elected 
to the office of Grand Secretary and Grand Representative at the same time. 

1628. A candidate for Grand Lodge Office must possess at the time of 
his election all the qualifications prescribed by the law. 

1629. The Grand Lodge has no power to add to the qualifications of 
eligibility to office. 

1630. A provision in a Constitution of a Grand Lodge that members can- 
not be elected to office therein until one year after their admission to mem- 
bership, or that candidates for Grand Lodge office shall be able to read or 
write, is illegal. 

1631. A provision that the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand 
Treasurer, shall not be re-elected until they have been out of office two 
terms each, of one year, is illegal, as it is prescribing a new test of eligibil- 
ity to office. 

1632. A Past Grand, a member in good standing of a Lodge, may be 
elected to and installed into office in the Grand Lodge to which his Lodge is 
subordinate, although he does not reside in the State in which the Grand 
Body is located; provided, that there be no prohibition in the local law. 

(b). In the Subordinate Lodge. 

1633. To be eligible to office in a Subordinate Lodge, the brother must 
be a member thereof and be in good standing and have attained the Third 
Degree. 

1634. Neither the Grand Lodge, nor a Subordinate Lodge can make or 
require any other or different qualifications tor election to office than those 
prescribed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

1635. Any Scarlet Degree member in good standing in a Subordinate 
Lodge is eligible to election or appointment to any office in his Lodge, except 
the office of Noble Grand and Vice Grand. 

1636. Any Scarlet Degree member in good standing in a Subordinate 
Lodge may be elected Noble Grand or Vice Grand of a new or revived Lodge. 

1637. To be eligible to the office of Noble Grand a member must have 
served a term in the office of Vice Grand of a Subordinate Lodge. 

1638. A brother is eligible as Noble Grand if he is a Past Vice Grand of 
any Subordinate Lodge. It is not necessary that he should be a Past Vice 
Grand of the Lodge of which he is a member and which is electing him Noble 
Grand. 

1639. It is legal to nominate a Vice Grand for Noble Grand, as his term 
of office will have expired previous to the time for his installation into the 
office of Noble Grand. 

1640. In case of a vacancy in the office of Noble Grand or Vice Grand of 
a Subordinate Lodge and all qualified brothers refuse to accept either of said 
offices, the Lodge may elect a Scarlet Degree member thereto; provided, 
however, that a dispensation for the purpose be first obtained from the 
Grand Master or the District Deputy Grand Master. 

1641. This does not mean that every Past Grand belonging to the Lodge 
must decline to accept after they are elected. It is sufficient if on the night 
of election all present decline an election. 

1642. To be eligible to the office of Vice Grand a member must have 
been installed into and served a term in some elective or appointive office 
in a Subordinate Lodge other than that of Trustee or (prior to 1895), that of 
Chaplain. 

1643. A brother who is elected or appointed to fill a vacancy in any of- 
fice in the Lodge, being installed therein and filling the position during the 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 187 

ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE-In the Subordinate Lodge. 

balance of the term, is entitled to the honors of the office, and to have credit 
lor a term of service therein in determining: his eligibility for election to 
Vice Grand or Noble Grand, as the case may be. 

1644. Previous service in office to qualify a brother to be elected Noble 
Grand or Vice Grand means service not only for a majority of nights of a 
term, but up to the end thereof; therefore, if a brother resigns he will lose 
his credit for service in the office even though he may have served a majority 
of the nights in the term. 

1645. A candidate for office in a subordinate Lodge must be in good standing 
on the night of election, and the law is satisfied if the officer is otherwise found 
eligible at the time of his induction into office; for example, it is legal to nomi- 
nate and elect a Vice Grand for Noble Grand as his term of office will have expired 
previous to the time of his installation into the office of Noble Grand. 

1646. A candidate who is ineligible by reason of not being in good stand- 
ing on election night, cannot make himself eligible so as to be installed on 
installation night. The election being illegal, the installation would be void. 

1647. A member over thirteen (13) weeks in arrears when elected to of- 
fice is ineligible, and payment of said arrears on the night of installation 
does not remove the disability. 

EMBEZZLEMENT. 

1648. Embezzlement is an offense against good morals, a crime and con- 
sequent violation of law, as well those of the State as those of the Order, 
and is conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow. 

1649. In 1860 the Sovereign Grand Lodge decided in a case where the 
Treasurer of a Lodge became involved, and immediately informed his sure- 
ties and executed a mortgage to them to secure them and the Lodge from 
loss; and subsequently the Lodge took an assignment of the mortgage to the 
Lodge to secure it from loss and released the sureties, that under these cir- 
cumstances it was improper to prefer cnarges against the Treasurer for ap- 
propriating the funds to his own use, and convict him, the Lodge having 
made a final settlement with him, he having secured the Lodge against loss, 
showing that he did not design to defraud the Lodge. 

1650. In 1885, on an appeal, the Sovereign Grand Lodge decided that 
where an officer who uses the funds of the Lodge entrusted to his keeping 
tor his own purposes violates his obligation, and is guilty of an offence 
against the laws of the Order. No matter how honestly he may have in- 
tended to pay it back the offence nevertheless is committed. It is trust 
funds, and must be sacredly kept for the purposes for which it was raised, 
and any attempt of a Lodge to release a Treasurer from his defalcation by 
taking property or security in lieu of money, is illegal and void, and is in 
effect a donation of so many dollars out of the Treasury of the Lodge. 

1651. While in 1898 it held that settlement with a Lodge by a defaulting 
officer, by repayment of the amount embezzled by note does not prevent the 
trial, conviction and punishment of the offending, brother by the Lodge, nor 
would the fact that the public statutes of the State or government wherein 
such Lodge was located making such a settlement a condonation and bar 
to criminal prosecution in any way mitigate the offense against Odd Fellow- 
ship as between an Odd Fellow and his Lodge. 

1652. While in 1899 it decided, on appeal, that when a brother charged 
with misappropriating the funds of the lodge pleads guilty to having unlaw- 
fully used such funds, but without any wrongful intent to misappropriate 
them, and upon trial the Lodge accepts such plea, it is allowable to punish 
such brother by suspending instead of expelling him. In this case the ac- 
cused brother pleaded in extenuation of his offense that the wrong had been 
committed unintentionally, and promised to endeavor to repair the wrong 
lie had committed. Held further that the Lodge had a right to accept the plea 



188 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

EMBEZZLEMENT. 

of the accused as a correct statement of the nature and extent of the offense. And 
. further, the Lodge, in pronouncing judgment, has a right to fix any penalty 
prescribed by the laws of the Order, unless a specific penalty has been pre- 
scribed for the particular offense for which the accused has been adjudged 
guilty. 

[It is evident from a careful reading of the above sections under this 
heading that the Sovereign Grand Lodge has not definitely determined any 
particular rule of law governing this class of cases, but that each case has 
been decided according to the peculiar circumstances incident to itself, and 
that moreover in each case of this character the Lodge is the best judge, 
not only as to the extent of the offense, but as to the adequate punishment 
therefor.] ' 

EMBLEMS AND NAME OF THE ORDER. 

1653. The emblem of "three links," the words "Friendship, Love and 
Truth," and the initials "F. L. T." are officially adopted as emblems and 
badges of the Order. 

1654. The right to wear the official badge, emblem or Jewel of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows is necessarily dependent upon active membership therein. 
A member suspended for non-payment of dues cannot wear an official badge, em- 
blem or Jewel of the Order, and thus hold himself out to the world as an Odd 
Fellow, without violating the Jaws of* the Order. 

1655. No member shall expose on any sign, emblems of the Order or any- 
thing relating to Odd Fellowship, on pain of expulsion. 

1656. No member of the Order shall, either directly or indirectly, use or 
sanction the use of any of the emblems, the name, or any of the titles, or 
the mottoes or the initials thereof, of this Order in the prosecution of any 
private business or enterprise. 

1657. An association incorporated under the name of "Odd Fellows' 
Building Association, Limited," organized for the purpose of providing ways 
and means for the profitable investment of its funds in the purchase of land 
and the erection and maintenance thereon of a building to, be known as "Odd 
Fellows' Flail," and not limiting its membership to the members of the Order, 
is in conflict with the general law, and therefore illegal. 

1658. It is within the power of a Grand Lodge, to which application is 
made for the use of the name of the Order to decide whether or not the 
enterprise for which such application is made comes within the legitimate 
uses of the Order; but the decision of such Grand Lodge must be in pur- 
suance of the legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge and especially in 
furtherance of the specific prohibitions and general tenor of the resolution 
of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. Such decision must, of course, also be made 
subject to the revisory jurisdiction of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

1659. A member of the Order shall not use any of its emblems, its name 
or any of its titles, its mottoes, or the initials thereof in any advertisement 
or public display not authorized by some law of the Order. 

1660. Any member of the Order or officer of a Lodge who shall be guilty 
of any of the offences defined and set forth in the preceding Sections shall 
be considered guilty of a fraud upon the Order, and snail be suspended or 
expelled from membership, at the option of his Lodge. 

1661. The foregoing shall not be construed to apply to any periodical or 
newspaper now published, or hereafter to be published in the interests of tiie 
Order, in good faith, by a member or members of the Order in good standing, 
unless such publication shall, under cover of the interests of the Order, give 
publicity to any of the signs, emblems, mottoes, or other secrets of the Or- 
der, in advertisement or otherwise, for the benefit of individuals or com- 
panies, or for the advancement of their own private interests. 

1662. If any such periodical or newspaper shall offend against the pro- 
visions of this regulation, ' it shall be the duty of the Grand Master to warn 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 189 

EMBLEMS AND NAME OF THE OKDER. 

the publishers of said periodical or newspaper to discontinue such conduct, and in 
the event of the continuance of such publications or advertisements, and per- 
sistent disobedience to said warning, it shall be the duty of the Grand Master to 
prefer charges against the offending party, or parties, before his or their 
Subordinate Lodge; and it shall be the duty of such Lodge to arraign and try 
the party, or parties, so charged and, upon conviction of the offense, to sus- 
pend or expel the offender. 

/ 1663. The Sovereign Grand Lodge and Grand Bodies of jurisdictions pos- 
sess the inherent right to control the use of the name of the Order and its 
emblems, within the limit bounds of tfie Sovereign or a particular jurisdic- 
tion; and can refuse to allow the use of the same by insurance companies, 
and otherwise successfully interdict the solicitation for insurance of mem- 
bers of the Order in Lodges, Encampments, etc., or elsewhere, as "Odd 
Fellows." 

1664 According to the General Law of this Order, no Life or Endowment In" 
surance Company or Association can use the name or emblems of this Order 
directly or indirectly, in connection with its name, or the business of tho 
company. 

1665. The General Law of the Order does not recognize any private company 
or corporation of any kind, although it advertises to conduct its business with Odd 
Fellows only. 

1666. The use by Lodges of charts, etc., containing figures, emblems and 
mottoes not found among the recognized and legitimate symbols of the Or- 
der is clearly in conflict with our organic law. The use of such charts, etc., 
is a wilful breach of the law. The charts published by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge are the only ones that Lodges are permitted to use. 

1667. A testimonial for cure for the liquor habit printed as a circular 
letter bearing the letterhead of a Lodge, with emblems, etc., and signed by 
the Secretary as such, is in violation of law. 

1668. It is unlawful to use the name or emblems of the Order in con- 
nection with any enterprise not conducted wholly in the interests of the 
Order. 

1669. There is no general law to prevent a band, some of the members 
of which are members of an Odd Fellows' Lodge, from taking the name of 
such Lodge, provided the consent of the Lodge be first had and obtained. 

1670. A resolution adopted by a Lodge, "That the union label be placed 
on all local printing of this Lodge," is a violation of the law against the use 
of the name and emblems of the Order in connection with any advertise- 
ment, or for public display, not directly appertaining to the Order. 

ENCAMPMENT OR PATRIARCHAL ODD FELLOWSHIP. 

See Certificates. 

1671. To acquire or retain membership in an Encampment of Patriarchs, 
full membership and good standing in a Subordinate Lodge in good standing 
is indispensably necessary. 

1672. The Grand Lodge has proclaimed to its subordinates that "the En- 
campment branch is the crowning point of an Odd Fellow's career, as it con- 
fers the degrees known as the Sublime Degrees of the Order. Many of our 
ibest members have as yet failed to obtain the secrets of these degrees, which 
inculcate lessons with which every brotner should be acquainted; therefore, 
the Scarlet Degree members in this jurisdiction are fraternally urged to join 
an Encampment of Odd Fellows; this Grand Lodge looks with pleasure upon 
every effort made to increase the number of Patriarchs in Pennsylvania, 
and does hereby recommend to the Lodges under its jurisdiction to give en- 
couragement to its members to join Encampments. 

1673. It is the duty of the Secretary of a member's Lodge, when he de- 
sires to join an Encampment, to furnish him with a certificate showing that 



190 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ENCAMPMENT OR PATRIARCHAL ODD FELLOWSHIP. 

he has acquired full membership in the Lodge and is in good standing 
therein. 

1674. A brother of the Third Degree in good standing, desiring a certin- 
cate of his grade to enable him to join an Encampment, is entitled to receive 
the same from the Secretary of his Lodge, in due form upon application, and 
no vote of the Lodge is necessary for such certificate. Neither a Lodge, nor 
the Secretary thereof, has the right to refuse to issue to a brother of the 
Third Degree, in good standing, a certificate of his standing in the Lodge, 
which certificate is necessary to be filed for membership in an Encampment. 

The following form of certificate may be used: 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. F. 

, 10... 

To Whom it May Concern: 

This certifies that Brother , is a member in good stand- 
ing of Lodge, No , under the jurisdiction of the Grand 

Lodge of Pennsylvania, and that he has taken the First, Second and Third 
Degrees of the Order. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name, and the seal of 

the Lodge, this day of 

, Secretary. 

(Seal.) 

In this connection, attention is called to the following approved decision 
of the Grand Patriarch of Pennsylvania: 

"Is the Official Certificate or receipt for dues, under the present law, 
a certificate of good standing in the Lodge, within the time covered by date 
thereon, for all purposes in the Encampment; and can it be used in the 
case of a brother applying for admission in an Encampment, and in case of 
a petitioner for a charter for a new Encampment, or a petitioner for the res- 
toration of the charter of a defunct Encampment?" 

"Answer — Yes. An Official Certificate is a sufficient guarantee of good 
standing to accompany a petition for membership. (Sov. Gr. Ld., 1899, page 
29). Provided, that the certificate bears the rank of the brother as a Third 
Degree member (Sov. Gr. Ld., 1884, page 9503). It is imperative with the 
Lodge granting the certificate to state in it the highest rank the brother has 
attained in the Lodge, especially is this the case when such brother demands 
such statement. — (Sov. Gr. Ld., 1898, page 15746)." 

1675. It is also the duty of the Secretary to keep a list of members who 
have joined Encampments, and at once inform a brother's Encampment of 
any cnange in his membership according to the happening of either of the 
following exceptions, so that the Encampment may govern itself accordingly: 

1676. First Exception — When a member of an Encampment in good 
standing takes a Withdrawal Card from the Subordinate Lodge of which he 
may be a member, his membership in the Encampment shall not be affected 
thereby for a year from the date of his said Withdrawal Card. He shall be 
considered in good standing in his Encampment if he deposits his With- 
drawal Card in a Subordinate Lodge and becomes a member thereof at any 
time within a year from the date of his said Withdrawal Card; provided, he 
shall keep his dues paid up in the Encampment during that time. 

1677. Second Exception — The suspension of a member of an Encamp- 
ment for non-payment of dues by his Lodge shall not affect the standing of 
said member in his Encampment for the term of one year thereafter; pro- 
vided, the Patriarch shall not rest under any disability during the interim in 
his Encampment. 

1678. Third Exception — When a brother is a member of both a Subor- 
dinate Lodge and Encampment, and his Subordinate Lodge shall become ex- 
tinct and by reason of age or infirmity he cannot successfully apply for 
membership in another Subordinate Lodge, upon his obtaining a Grand Lodge 
Card from the Grand Secretary of his jurisdiction he shall be entitled to re- 
tain his membership in his Encampment upon said card. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 191 

ENTERING AND RETIRING. 

See Regalia, Meetings. 

1679. Every Subordinate Lodge, when open, is a Third Degree Lodge, 
and none other is recognized by our laws. When reduced to the Initiatory, 
the First or Second Degrees, it is the same Lodge, but open for specific pur- 
poses only, in a lower degree. 

1680. "Members can retire from the Lodge room when the Lodge is 
closed in one degree and before it is opened in another." 

1681. The Third Degree Lodge opened at the beginning is not closed, 
in any sense, except to confer degrees, until formally closed at the end of 
the session; but when open to confer any lower degree, any member who has 
received such degree is entitled to be admitted. 

1682. It is the duty of every member of a Lodge to assist, by his pres- 
ence at least, in transacting its business; and he has no right, by a volun- 
tary and capricious act on his part, to interrupt Lodge business, or bring 
its business to a standstill. A Noble Grand has the right and authority, in 
such an emergency as will leave the Lodge without a sufficient number to 
transact business, to decline to recognize the brother, which is equivalent to 
denying him permission to retire. 

1683. A brother is not entitled to enter or retire from the Lodge room 
unless clothed in proper regalia. 

1684. If an officer desires to enter and his regalia be in his chair in the 
Lodge room, he must enter in a scarlet regalia, and there exchange it for his 
official regalia. 

1685. A By-Law permitting firemen to retire from the Lodge upon an 
alarm of fire, without addressing the chair, during the conferring of a degree, 
is illegal. 

1686. A brother in good standing cannot be kept out of his Grand or 
Subordinate Lodge while the minutes are being read, if he desires to enter 
and can work his way into the Lodge. 

1687. No officer or member can enter or retire from a Lodge when open 
and working as such, without observing the usual formalities, addressing tne 
chairs, etc., except the officer in charge of a candidate and the Degree Staff, 
when conferring the degrees. 

1688. A member of a Lodge entering a Lodge room while the Lodge is 
in recess, if he should have gained access without the usual formalities, 
should be required toi retire and work his way in according to law when the 
Lodge resumes its regular session. 

1689. It is not necessary for officers of the Degree Staff to enter from 
or retire to the ante-room through the doorway in charge of Inside Guardian, 
nor need they address the chair as directed in the Ritual. 

1690. A Grand Officer visiting a Subordinate Lodge is given the honors 
of the Order after he has addressed the chair and on retiring from the Lodge. 

1691. When a visiting brother shall have proved himself entitled to ad- 
mission in the manner required by law, he shall be introduced to the Lodge 
by the Examining Committee, and not work his way in. > 

1692. The installing officer and such other members of the Grand Lodge 
as may assemble to aid in these ceremonies are required, before entering the 
ante-room, to give the same pass word that is demanded of other brothers; 
but after the Lodge has been duly informed by the Grand Marshal of the 
presence in the ante-room of the installing officers, no pass word shall be 
required of them at the inner door. 

1693. When the officers at installation retire in charge of the Grand 
Marshal for examination, they should retire in form; that is, address the 
chairs. 

1694. Officers-elect having been examined in the ante-room when they 
enter for installation, do not address the chairs. 



192 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ENTEEING AND EETIEING. 

1695. A Past Grand should neither enter nor remain in a Lodge when 
open without wearing a Past Grand's collar. 

1696. Attention is called to the instructions concerning entering and 
retiring, to be found in the Ritual. 

EVIDENCE. 

(a) General Principles. (c). Of Former Membership and Eank'in 

(b). {Weight and Sufficiency of Evidence. the Order. 

' '■Conflicting Evidence. (d). Of Beneficial Standing. 

See Trials. See Charges. See Testimony. 

Appeals. Witnesses Commissioner. 

(a). General Principles. 

1697. Evidence is the means by which the existence or non-existence 
or the truth or falsehood of an alleged fact is ascertained or made evident, 
or more generally, the facts upon which reasoning from effect to cause is 
based. 

1698. There are no specific rules of evidence in the Order, except that 
the evidence must be the best under which all the circumstances is obtain- 
able, and in the absence of other regulations should be taken in the same 
manner and with the same effect as legal testimony taken in courts of justice. 

1699. It must be positive, affirmative and direct, not negative, heresay 
or indirect. 

1700. It must not be exparte, that is, such as has deprived the other 
party of his or its opportunity to cross-examination. 

1701. As in courts of justice, it must be primary, which is the best 
evidence as distinguished from secondary evidence, or evidence of such a 
nature as to imply, unless explanation is given, that better evidence exists 
and is kept back; for example, if it is sought to prove the contents of a 
written contract, the instrument itself is the best evidence of the contents, 
and it must be produced or satisfactory excuse must be given before wit- 
nesses can be allowed to testify what the contents were. 

1702. Competent evidence, satisfactory evidence, or sufficient evidence 
are synonymous terms, meaning such evidence as in amount is adequate 
to justify the conclusion in support of which it is adduced; for example, the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge has said that charges which are not supported by 
competent evidence cannot be sustained. 

1703. A record of a trial in the courts upon a charge of the violation of 
the laws of the land, is prima facie proof of the facts appearing therein; 
and where charges are preferred against a brother for a violation of the 
laws of the Order, the same as he has been tried for in the courts ; the record 
in the courts is competent proof in the trial in the Lodge, and is conclu- 
sive, unless other evidence be introduced besides that in the record; and 
on such trial either party may introduce such evidence as is not embraced 
in the record. 

1704. On the trial of a brother, the testimony of a Witness must be re- 
jected whoi is offered to prove from recollection the contents or a document 
not lost, but on file and recorded in the Minutes of the Lodge. 

1705. The record of acquittal upon a charge of feigning sickness to ob- 
tain benefits, such record containing the evidence upon that issue is suf- 
ficient to establish the brother's right to these benefits. 

1706. Members of a Rebekah Lodge or an Encampment may be tried and 
expelled from such Lodge or encampment for conduct unbecoming an Odd 
Fellow, and in case of conviction therein there is no objection to the intro- 
duction of the record of conviction in evidence before the Subordinate Lodge 
or trial committee, stating in general terms the nature of the charges and 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 193 

EVIDENCE— General Principles. 

without disclosing any of the secret records or workings of such Rebekah 
Lodge or Encampment, and properly certified by the officers of such Lodge 
or Encampment under its seal. 

1707. Positive evidence of illness cannot be overcome by testimony that 
the claimant did not appear to be ill nor by any amount of negative testi- 
mony. 

1708. "While an exparte statement may be regarded as evidence sufficient 
to place a brother on trial, it is not admissible on the trial. 

1709. A brother was declared off the sick list, but made no complaint 
of the action of the Lodge until some ten months thereafter, when he ap- 
pealed to the Grand Lodge. There was a provision in the Lodge Constitu- 
tion that if any member believed a brother applying for benefits was not 
so sick as to be entitled to them, the question should be referred to one or 
more physicians, whose decision should be final. Immediately upon the ap- 
peal the Lodge directed the medical investigation required by law, and this 
was adverse to the claimant. Held, that this decision was final. 

1710. Where the contention is that a brother at the time of his admis- 
sion to the Lodge concealed an infirmity amounting to a condition of un- 
sound health, an affidavit made and filed by the brother in his claim for a 
pension is competent evidence tending to show the brother's knowledge of 
his infirmity at the time of his admission, and as to the condition of the in- 
firmity at that time as therein stated. 

1711. Where a decision of a civil court, say the Superior Court, is being 
cited before a Trial Committee as bearing by analogy upon the question in- 
volved, it would not be competent to go into evidence to show the grounds on 
which the Superior Court reached its conclusions. Such a procedure would 
encumber the record of the Trial Committee with a multiplicity of irrelevant 
issues. 

b). Weight, Sufficiency and Conclusiveness of the Evidence, Conflicting 

Evidence- 

1712. In a trial on charges for feigning sickness and claiming benefits, 
there is some conflict of testimony upon the question whether the appellant 
was entitled to benefits. If the matter was a claim for benefits, there is suf- 
ficient testimony to warrant a finding either way, and it is a well settled rule 
that a judgment will not be reversed upon the mere weight of the evidence. 
But here is a charge of fraudulently misrepresenting his condition, to ob- 
tain benefits. The fact that sufficient testimony was submitted to have 
warranted a finding in favor of the appellant, upon a contested claim for 
benefits, is a complete vindication as to the charge of attempting to defraud. 
The brother believed he had a just claim for benefits; whether he ought to 
recover them is not presented and not decided. But by the production of 
such testimony as would warrant a Trial Committee in deciding in his favor, 
any inferences of fraud are conclusively rebutted. 

1713. Charges which are not supported by competent evidence, cannot be 
sustained and the appeal will be dismissed. 

1714. A Subordinate Lodge to which a brother belongs, in whose neigh- 
borhood he resides, who are acquainted with the witnesses produced, and un- 
der whose direction the testimony is taken, are the best judges of the weight 
of such testimony, and no appellant body acting upon the inspection of the 
written testimony merely ought to revise the judgment of the Subordinate 
Lodge, upon it, unless it clearly appears that the Subordinate Lodge has acted 
improperly, hastily or in a spirit unworthy of our Order. 

1715. The Subordinate Lodge is the proper body to decide as to the 
weight and effect of conflicting testimony, and after the Grand Lodge has, 
in such case, passed upon the action of such • subordinate on appeal the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge will not disturb the judgment. 



194 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

EVIDENCE— Weight, Sufficiency and Conclusiveness of,— Conflicting Evidence. 

1716. Where a Subordinate Lodge acts upon a report of a committee 
upon matters of fact only, when there is evidence to sustain the charges, 
such action will be sustained by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, on appeal, after 
the Grand Lodge has passed upon the evidence and confirmed the judgment 
of the Lodge. 

1717. The Lodge may be reversed on the ground that the charges are 
not sustained by the evidence. 

1718. If the evidence is so meagre that the truth of the case cannot be 
ascertained a rehearing will be ordered on appeal. 

1719. When a brother has been convicted by his Lodge and there is not 
sufficient proof to convict the brother of the intent to defraud the Lodge in 
any way, shape or manner he will be reinstated on appeal. 

1720. It is within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge and the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, upon appeal, to weigh the evidence and decide upon its pre- 
ponderance in order to do substantial justice, and this is especially so where 
the exceeding disparity of the evidence is so great as to place it beyond the 
point of conflicting testimony. 

1721. Where it was conceded that a brother is afflicted in some degree 
with disease, and the only point in controversy is, is it to such a degree as to 
render him incapable of pursuing his usual occupation or otherwise earning 
a livelihood, it is not within the province of the Grand Lodge or Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, on appeal, to disturb the findings of the tribunal that had the 
witnesses before it when the conflict of testimony is great. This is especially 
so when the preponderance of the testimony is in favor of those findings. 

1722. Uncontradicted evidence raises a question of law upon which an 
appeal can be based, but where there is a substantial conflict in the evidence, 
or in cases where the finding is not strongly and decidedly against the 
weight of the evidence, the finding will not be interfered with or disturbed. 

1723. The Sovereign Grand Lodge will not review a case merely upon the 
weight of the evidence. Where there has been a full and fair hearing on the 
evidence, and no errors of law have been shown, the finding and decision of 
a Grand Lodge is conclusive. 

1724. Where the question to be determined was whether or not certain 
proceedings were had in a Grand Lodge, the Sovereign Grand Lodge ap- 
proved the ruling of the commissioners that they would confine themselves 
exclusively to the manuscript record of the proceedings as the best evidence 
of the action of the Grand Lodge, under the peculiar circumstances of this 
case, and that they would therefore ignore any parol testimony that may be 
taken in the controversy. 

1725. In an appeal from the action of a Subordinate Lodge under Its 
immediate jurisdiction, the Sovereign Grand Lodge reversed the conviction 
and expulsion on the ground that there was no specific evidence to warrant 
it. 

1726. A conviction was reversed and a Grand Lodge was instructed to> 
reinstate a member "on the ground that the charges preferred have not been 
sustained by the evidence." 

1727. The Sovereign Grand Lodge rather regards with favor than other- 
wise a disposition to get at the whole truth, so as to do entire and im- 
partial justice between the parties. 

1728. In a case where it was urged upon the Appeal Committee that it 
was the rule never to reverse a cause simply upon the evidence where 
there is sufficient evidence to sustain the findings and judgment of the 
Lodge, even though the evidence be conflicting, it was held that there is 
no instance recorded where it has been decided by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge that a Grand Lodge had not power to review the facts, unless the 
Constitution or laws prohibited it. The principle invoked by the Lodge ap- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 195 

EVIDENCE— Weight, Sufficiency and Conclusiveness of.— Conflicting Evidence. 

plies where there was some legal evidence in the case, and therefore the 
body in which the case was tried, and who had the witnesses before it, was 
the best judge of the weight which should be given to conflicting testimony. 

1729. A Grand Lodge has jurisdiction upon appeal to review all ques- 
tions of fact, unless its Constitution or laws prohibit it, and may in all cases 
examine the record to ascertain if there is an entire absence of legal testi- 
mony. 

1730. The determination of a case depended upon the question whetiier 
the brother's disability results from paralysis or decrepitude incident to old 
age. The testimony was conflicting. In such cases the tribunal wnich hears 
the witnesses or know them is best able to judge. The Lodge unanimously 
decided that the disability arose from old age, and that hence they were 
not responsible. The Appeal Committee was divided in opinion. In such 
a case the Lodge should be sustained. 

1731. It is regarded as a safe rule and good practice not to interfere with 
or disturb findings on evidence where there is either a substantial conflict in 
evidence, or in cases in which the finding is not strongly and decidedly 
against the weight of evidence. 

(c), Of Former Membership and Rank in the Order. 

1732. "Satisfactory evidence of former connection with the Order, ' 
within the meaning of the law, must come from the Lodge of which the 
brother was formerly a member; or, in the event of such evidence being in- 
accessible, by reason of its being defunct or otherwise, then from the Grand 
Body under whose jurisdiction the subordinate existed; and should neither 
of these be accessible or obtainable, then such evidence shall be regulated 
for each of the Grand Jurisdictions by the Grand Bodies thereof. Should 
the applicant fail to meet the requirements, he may then make petition for 
admission into the Order by initiation as prescribed by existing law. 

1733. When a brother applies to the Grand Secretary for a Grand Lodge 
card as a member of a defunct Lodge, he must furnish satisfactory evidence 
to that officer that he, the applicant, is at the time worthy of the recom- 
mendation to the friendship and protection of the Brotherhood, which evi- 
dence must, of course, be such as will satisfy the Grand Secretary. 

1734. In the case of a brother who has honorably withdrawn from his 
Lodge by card and has remained out of the Order for a period of twelve 
months, his card thereupon becomes invalid for the purpose of visiting, but 
remains effective as evidence of previous good standing in the Order when 
application is made for a renewal of membership. 

1735. The amount and character of the evidence which should be re- 
quired by the Grand Lodge before conferring the several degrees is a mat- 
ter entirely for the Grand Lodge to determine. 

1736. A brother joined a Lodge in one jurisdiction on a card from an- 
other, certifying that he was a Past Grand, but he had not received the 
Past Grand's Degree. He was then elected Representative to his Grand 
Lodge and presented with his credentials as such, a duly authenticated 
certificate from the Lodge of which he was formerly a member to its Grand 
Lodge, certifying that he was entitled to receive the Grand Lodge Degree. 
Held that this latter certificate alone was not sufficient evidence under the 
general law that the brother was entitled to receive the Past Official and 
Grand Lodge Degrees, but that that certificate, taken in connection with the 
certificate as Representative, was sufficient evidence to authorize the degrees 
to be conferred on him by his Grand Lodge, and to authorize it to admit him 
to membership and a seat in such Grand Lodge. 

1737. Unless a brother, when admitted to membership, produces satisfactory 
proof of his rank to the Lodge of which he is a member he cannot be recognized 
as a Past Grand. 



196 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

EVIDENCE— Of Former Membership and Rank in the Order. 

1738. A card stating the rank of the holder thereof is not sufficient or 
conclusive evidence to entitle him to the privileges such rank confers. He 
must be proved in the work of the degree of the Subordinate Lodge expressed 
in the card if he claims to have ever received this degree. 

(d). Evidence of Beneficial Standing. 

1739. The best evidence of a member's beneficial standing, when within 
the jurisdiction of his Lodge is the books of his Lodge. 

1740. The possession of a Visiting Card in date, stating, the amount of 
benefits which the Lodge issuing such card pays to a member in good stand- 
ing when sick or disabled and unable to follow his usual occupation, or 
otherwise earning a livelihood for himself, is sufficient authority to warrant 
the payment of sick benefits by a Lodge of the same or another jurisdic- 
tion, upon proper proof and satisfactory examination; provided, that it shall 
be the duty of the Lodge receiving the card to immediately notify the Lodge 
issuing the card. 

1741. If the card of a sojourning brother states that his Lodge pays for 
watchers and the amount, the Lodge having the brother in charge, in case 
of sickness, has a right to pay not exceeding that amount, notwithstanding 
it may provide for watching with its own sick by draft of its own members. 

EXCURSIONS, PICSTICS, Etc. 

1742. No Subordinate or Grand Lodge, 'Rebekah Lodge or Convention, 
Subordinate or Grand Encampment, Canton or Grand Canton, and no mem- 
ber of any of the above organizations, of any rank or station in the same, 
shall hold or make any arrangement for, or manage, or to any extent con- 
trol, any anniversary, excursion, picnic, ball, or party, or entertainment of 
any kind, wherein regalia, emblems or name of the Order will be worn, as- 
sumed, or used, without first obtaining the consent of the Executive Grand 
Officer in the jurisdiction, or department of the Order, in which the enter- 
tainment is proposed to be held. Such permission only to be predicated upon 
the direct promise, through the officers of the Subordinate or Grand Body 
seeking the permission, that no intoxicating beverages of any kind shall be 
offered to the members or guests present on the occasion. 

1743. Funds paid into the treasury to answer the call of the sick, to bury 
the dead, to educate the orphan, or to answer the legitimate expenses of the 
Lodge, cannot be diverted from the Treasury to be expended in pleasure 
excursions, picnics, or the like, for these are not the legitimate purposes or 
the Order. To appropriate money from the Treasury in payment of expendi- 
tures incurred in such excursions is a misappropriation of the funds provided 
for the sick, the burial of the dead, the education of the orphan, and the 
legitimate expenses of the Lodge. 

EXPULSION. 

(a). Of a Member. (b). Cf a Lodge. 

See Charges. See Offenses. 

Trial- Eeinstatement. 

(a). Expulsion of a Member. 

1744. Expulsion is the most severe punishment inflicted by the laws 
of the Order upon evil-doers. It can only be inflicted after charges, trial 
and conviction, in accordance with the due process of law. 

1745. Expulsion is the highest penalty which our laws can inflict; it is 
never resorted to except for cause; and the fact of a member being expelled 
implies that he has been guilty of a misdemeanor, or some offence against our 
laws. By such an act the Order is purged of his presence, and members 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 197 

EXPULSION— Expulsion of a Member. 

of a Lodge are required to do nothing more, unless the offence be a criminal 
one, in which case, in their character of citizens, they are hound to sustain 
the laws of the country. 

1746. The proceedings must be more rigidly scanned, on appeal, when 
their result is the gravest and highest punishment known in the Order — 
expulsion. 

1747. The question of the expulsion of a brother from this Order is a 
most serious one — it deprives him of valuable privileges — and any proceed- 
ings leading to such an end should be one in which the letter of the law has 
been strictly followed, and in which every right of the accused has been 
granted and recognized. 

1748. A member of our Order, when accused of an offense against our 
laws, has the right to demand that his guilt be clearly proven before a Lodge 
can deprive him of his membership. The taking away by a Lodge of the 
high and priceless relation of membership in our Order is a grave action, 
and should never be done except it is clear that the offense charged is 
criminal under our law, and the evidence to sustain it is satisfactory. 

1749. Where a member or a Lodge has been adjudged guilty and the 
punishment is "expulsion" under the laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, 
the Lodge must expel him, or the Grand Lodge must expel the Subordinate 
Lodge, as the case may happen to be. 

1750. As the law requires a two-third vote, the Grand Master has no au- 
thority to set it aside, and direct expulsion by a majority vote. If the Lodge 
has the discretion to fix a penalty and declines by the necessary vote to make 
it expulsion, the Grand Master cannot direct the Lodge to expel. 

1751. An expelled member is completely out of the Order, where the 
charges were made, trial had, and he was adjudged guilty in his Subordinate 
Lodge. If the penalty of expulsion was inflicted after trial in the Grand 
Lodge, then the penalty only extends to sever membership in that body, not 
from the Order at large. , • 

1752. There can be no reconsideration of the vote by which a member 
was expelled, as he is out of the Order, and can only return in the manner 
prescribed by law. 

1753. The law which says that there can be no reconsideration of a 
ballot for expulsion does not hold where one of the supporters of the ac- 
cused is, on the ballot for suspension, caught putting two ballots in the box, 
which, if true for the previous ballot for expulsion, would have made the 
necessary two-thirds vote for expulsion, and where a count of the brothers 
present shows that there had been one more vote cast on the ballot for ex- 
pulsion than there were brothers in the room. 

1754. A member who has been expelled from a Subordinate Lodge ap- 
peals to the Grand Lodge in his jurisdiction and the appeal is dismissed. An 
appeal is taken from the action of his Grand Lodge to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge; the appeal ^s sustained, and the Grand Lodge is instructed to direct 
the Subordinate Lodge to restore the brother to membership. In such case 
the position of the brother in the Order during the time between the ad- 
journment of the session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge at which the appeal 
was sustained, and the time the Subordinate Lodge receives official notice 
from its Grand Lodge to restore the brother to membership is that he still 
stands expelled until official notice reaches the Subordinate from the Grand 
Lodge, and then he should, of course, be restored to all his rights. The action 
of the Sovereign Grand Lodge takes effect when officially made Known to the 
Subordinate Lodge through the State or Territorial Grand Lodge, and not 
before. 



198 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

EXPULSION. 

(b). Expulsion of a Lodge, 

See "Reinstatement of a Lodge. See Restoration of Charter. 

1755. No act of an expelled Lodge performed after the expulsion was 
published will be considered legal, and it is not competent for a Grand Lodge 
to legalize initiations made by a Lodge during its expulsion. 

1756. When a Lodge is reinstated, those persons who were in office at the 
time of its suspension or expulsion should resume their several offices, witn- 
out regard to the duration of the time intervening between the date of such 
suspension or expulsion and the reinstatement. The period of its suspension 
or expulsion is a blank in its existence, and whatsoever is done in such an 
interval by the persons claiming to be a Lodge is without authority and in 
contempt of law, and must be regarded as not merely voidable, but utterly 
void. When the disability is removed, then the Lodge starts again into the 
exercise of its various functions, and the rights of the several members 
to the offices they held when the disability was imposed revive with its re- 
vival, and they shall proceed at once with their respective duties as though 
there had been no interruption. 

1757. A Lodge cannot be blotted out of existence and deprived of all 
rights by action of the Grand Lodge without an opportunity to make answer 
and defense to charges preferred; but action, suspending a Lodge temporar- 
ily pending a trial upon charges duly preferred, such trial to be promptly 
given is warranted by law. 

1758. When a Lodge is expelled its functions cease altogether. 

1759. A member of an expelled Lodge has not the right to visit on an 
unexpired Visiting Card granted prior co such suspension or expulsion. He 
is suspended from hjs privileges in the Order, and cannot visit or exercise 
any of the privileges of membership until he has been specially relieved from 
the disability by the restoration of the charter, or by action of the Grand 
Lodge Officers in granting him a proper Card of Withdrawal or Dismissal 
Certificate. But it is competent for a Subordinate Lodge to receive on de- 
posit a Withdrawal Card granted by such expelled Lodge if, at the time it 
was granted, the Lodge labored under no disability. 

FALSE CHARGES. 

1760. The usage and custom of the Order recognize the bringing of false 
charges as an offense against the Order, and as conduct unbecoming an Odd 
Fellow. 

1761. The By-Laws of a Lodge provided that a member might be tried 
for wilfully bringing false charges against a brother. Under this By-Law 
a member was convicted and expelled on proof that he verbally made a false 
charge against a brother. Held that the action of the Lodge convicting the 
accused should be reversed on the ground that he was found guilty of an 
offense with which he was not charged, the By-Law having reference only 
to written charges, regularly preferred in the Lodge, and not to mere accusa- 
tion. 

1762. An affidavit made in good faith by the advice and consent of 
prominent and reputable members of the Order, and for a legitimate pur- 
pose, does not constitute an offense. 

1763. There is no law or rule of Odd Fellowship which prevents a 
brother from stigmatizing as false and corrupt any affidavit or other evidence 
sought to be used against him, unless it shall appear that such charges are 
maliciously and wilfully made, and not justified by probable cause. 

FEES. 

See Dues. See Degrees. 

Initiation Fees. Dispensations. 

Assessments. 



1907.] . N THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 199 

FEIGNING. 

(a). Feigning Sickness. (b). Feigning Recovery. 

(a). Feigning Sickness. 

1764. Fraudulently claiming benefits and feigning sickness is an offense, 
upon the conviction for which the Lodge may inflict any punishment it 
thinks the facts of the case warrant, even to expulsion, subject, of course, 
to review under the appeal procedure. 

1765. A brother was charged with conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow. 
The specifications set forth that while on the sick list and drawing benefits, 
he had handled and purchased goods at auction; that he was away from 
home as late as eleven o'clock at night; that members of the Relief Com- 
mittee were unable to find him at home either day or night, and that when 
he found that his delinquencies were discovered, he declared off the sick list. 
Of this charge he was found guilty and expelled by an unanimous vote of 
the Lodge. He was reinstated by the Grand Lodge on the ground that the 
charge against him did not constitute an offense. 

1766. The mere notice by a brother to the Noble Grand that he will claim 
any special amount of benefits is no violation of any rule or law of the Or- 
der. There must be an actual claim presented and an attempt made to de- 
fraud the Lodge before a brother can be held liable for an infraction of his 
duty as an Odd Fellow. 

1767. Charges were preferred against a brother and he was expelled 
from the Order for attempting to defraud the Lodge by claiming benefits for a 
cutaneous eruption produced by the application of croton oil to the skin, and 
which he represented to be a natural disease. 

(b). Feigning Recovery. 

1768. Under a By-Law which reduces the benefits after a stated number of 
weeks' sickness, a member who declares himself off the sick list at or near the 
expiration of the time named, and again reports himself sick, unless he has 
entirely recovered from the disability or sickness for which he had received bene- 
fits before declaring himself off, is not entitled to the higher rate of benefits ; and 
if it appears to be the purpose of the claimant, such action may be regarded as an 
attempt to defraud the Lodge, and charges may be preferred against him for con- 
duct unbecoming an Odd Fellow. 

FESTIVALS. 

See Application to Use the Name of the Order. See Kegalia, &c. 

FINANCES. 

See Grand Master. See Appropriations. 

Decisions. Appeal*. 

Mandate. Funds. 

1769. A Subordinate Lodge has control over its finances, and may utilize 
them for such benevolent, or other legitimate purposes, as the members may 
deem expedient, having a due regard for the reversionary interest of the Grand 
Lodge, and such control is also limited by the general law. 

1770. In the disbursements of the moneys of the Grand Lodge the ex- 
penditures are required to be confined strictly to the objects for whicn 
such appropriations were made. 

1771. Where a Lodge directs an order to be drawn upon its Treasury 
in clear violation of the laws of the Order, and persists in its intention to so 
appropriate the money, an appeal should be at once taken to the Grand Mas- 
ter, which will have the effect of staying further proceedings until his decis- 
ion is obtained. 



200 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

FINES. 

See Dues. 

1772. To fine is to exact a money payment as a punishment for an offense 
or dereliction of any kind. The sum of money so exacted is called a fine. 
Fines are punishments certain in amount and must necessarily grow from 
some By-Law fixing the same. The arbitrary imposition by a Lodge of a sum 
of money as a punishment for some offense where the same is not provided in 
the By-Laws would not be a fine, but an amercement. 

1773. As fines are not dues, but charges against a brother, therefore the 
Subordinate Constitution provides that in determining the beneficial stand- 
ing of a member the time and not the amount shall be considered. If all the 
dues, assessments and charges that have been charged in the preceding thir- 
teen weeks ending with the last meeting, but not including the present meet- 
ing, are unpaid, he is non-beneficial at the close of the present meeting. 

1774. If a member or an officer is fined by the Noble Grand, or by a reso- 
lution of the Lodge, for neglect of duty or a breach of decorum, he is not 
suspended if he neglects to pay his fine, but is debarred from being installed 
into an office, taking a card, or performing any act that requires him to be 
clear of the books of the Lodge. The fine may be deducted from his benefits. 

1775. When a Lodge has a By-Law imposing a fine of a specific amount 
as a punishment for an offense or a neglect of duty, in imposing the penalty 
for said offense or neglect, the Lodge can neither reduce or increase the 
amount specified in the By-Laws, but the fine can be remitted. 

1776. If the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges does not provide for 
the fine or punishment of a brother who refuses to watch with the sick, or 
provide a substitute, the Grand Lodge can approve a By-Law of a subordinate 
making such provision. 

1777. Where the By-Laws of a Lodge provide that "Any member, when 
notified to attend a sick brother, failing to attend in person or by substitute, 
shall be fined three dollars, unless excused by a two-thirds vote of the mem- 
bers present," the whole question of the remission of the penalty is in the 
discretion of the Lodge. It may excuse for sickness of the brother or his 
family, or for any other reason it may deem sufficient, such as business en- 
gagements, etc. 

1778. Where a By-Law of a Lodge provides that a member must watch 
with the sick or pay a fine, a member of the Lodge who resides beyond the 
territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge and fails to report to the nearest Lodge 
where he is residing for nurse or watch duty, and have a certificate of such 
fact sent to his own Lodge, can be assigned to watch with the sick, and fail- 
ing to do so can be fined. 

1779. If an officer or member is justly liable to a fine, the Secretary can- 
not charge the fine unless the Noble Grand, in open Lodge, or the Lodge, 
by a resolution, directs the fine to be imposed. 

1780. If fined for an offense, after trial upon charges regularly preferred, 
and the member refuses to pay, it does not affect his good standing, but will 
affect his beneficial standing, the resolution imposing the fine should be 

so worded as to set forth that Brother be fined , to be 

paid out of the first money paid into the Lodge by the brother, and so on, 
from time to time, as he makes payment, until the whole fine be paid. 

1781. The Junior Past Grand of a Lodge cannot be fined for non-attend- 
ance at the weekly meetings of the Lodge; yet it is his duty to attend the 
meetings. 

1782. Subordinate Lodges may, by By-Law, impose a fine upon such of 
their members living within the territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge as do not 
attend the funeral of a deceased brother of the Lodge; provided, the fun- 
eral shall take place within the territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge, and 
that such member shall have notice of the time of the funeral. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. ZU1 

FINES. 

1783. When a By-Law prescribes a fine as a penalty for neglect to attend 
the funeral of a deceased member, the fact of the deceased being non- 
beneficial does not excuse. 

1784. Fines may be imposed any time after roll-call, if there is no pro- 
vision in the By-Laws governing the matter; but the better plan would be to 
impose the fines under new business at the succeeding meeting, in order 
that brethren might have an opportunity to offer their excuses, as thereby 
the accounts of the Secretary would not require alteration. 

1785. Where a member of the Lodge is out of the State, holding a Visit- 
ing, Card, his Lodge cannot fine him for not attending a funeral. 

1786. A Subordinate Lodge has not the right to enact a law making it 
obligatory upon the Junior Past Grand of a Lodge to perform the duty of 
Chaplain of said Lodge, nor if declining to perform said duty is it competent 
for said Lodge to fine him for non-performance of duty. 

1787. Nor can the Lodge require the Junior Past Grand to act as a 
member of the R,elief Committee, and impose a fine on him in case of non- 
performance of this duty. 

1788. Where the penalty imposed by the Lodge is a fine, the Lodge has 
the right, at any subsequent meeting, to remit the fine. 

FIRST WEEKS SICKNESS. 
See Weekly Benefits, Forfeiture, Notice. 

1789. A Lodge, by the general law of the Order, has the right to provide 
that benefits shall not be paid for the first week's sickness. 

1790. By the General Law a Subordinate Lodge may provide by By-Laws that 
no benefits shall be paid for the first week or two weeks' sickness or disability. 

1791. The By-Laws of a Lodge provide that "If a brother dies within 
less than seven days after being taken sick, the sick benefit shall be added 
to the funeral benefit." It was held that the intent and purpose of the By- 
Law was to meet cases of sudden death, and that one week's benefits should 
be added to the funeral benefit in such cases. 

1792. In computing the first week, together with the subsequent dura- 
tion of his sickness, the day the brother is taken sick and the day he is de- 
clared off are both to be counted. 

1793. When the By-Law provides that no benefits are to be paid for the 
first week's sickness, a member in good standing who becomes in arrears 
during such first week's sickness is not deprived of benefits because of 
such arrears. It is impossible to get in arrears while sick. 

1794. A brother having been sick for a number of weeks, conscious that 
he was a burden upon his Lodge, desired to be reported off the sick list; 
after having been at work for three days, he suffered a relapse of his former 
sickness, and was reported to his Lodge as being sick. The By-Laws of his 
Lodge provide that no sick benefits shall be paid for the first week's sickness, 
under these facts the brother was entitled to benefits from the time of the 
relapse, for the reason that he honestly resumed work, believing that he 
was fully recovered. Where a brother tries- to relieve his Lodge from the 
burden incident to sickness, and he finds, after an honest effort to resume 
work, that he is unable to follow his usual vocation, there should be no 
punishment or penalty imposed. 

1795. A brother sick and receiving benefits, thinking he was able to 
work, did return to work and worked one day, and returned to work the 
next day, but after a few hours he became worse and had to return to his 
home, and he continued sick for two weeks longer. The By-Laws of his 
Lodge provide that sick benefits shall not be paid for the first week's sick- 
ness. Held that this was a continuation of the same sickness, and that the 
brother was entitled to two weeks' sick benefits. 

13 



202 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

EIKST WEEKS' SICKNESS. 

1796. Where a brother is taken sick while suffering under a penalty 
for non-payment of dues, and according to the By-Laws of his Lodge, benefits 
are not payable for the first week's sickness, the brother is not entitled to 
the first week's benefits after the penalty has expired, should the sick- 
ness or disability continue beyond that time. 

FISCAL YEAR/ 

1797. The Fiscal Year of the Grand Lodge terminates on the 30th of 
April. The term Fiscal Year applies only to the financial transactions be- 
tween the Grand Lodge and its Subordinates, and not to its current expenses, 
for which appropriations shall have been made for the then current year 
by the Grand Lodge at its Annual Session. They are closed just prior to the 
Annual Session. 

FLAG. 

1798. The flag of the Order shall be of white material, either bunting, 
satin or cotton cloth, as may be selected by those desiring one. The propor- 
tions to be 11-1 9th of the length for the width. The emblems to consist of 
three links, to be placed in the centre of the flag, with the letters I. O. O. P., 
and the name of State District or Territory using it, to be painted or 
wrought in scarlet color and trimmed with material of same color. 

1799. It is intended for use by Subordinate Lodges as well as the Graml 
Lodge. 

1800. The placing of some symbol or flag over the graves of Odd Fellows 
when decorating on Memorial Day is recommended. 

FLOOR WORK. 

See Degrees. See Degree Staff. See Eitual. 

1801. The Committee of the Sovereign Grand Lodge appointed to revise, 
correct and have printed the several plans of floor work presented to the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, report "That they have attended to the duty as- 
signed to them," which was adopted. 

[Note. — The authorized floor work tor Subordinate Lodges can be procured from the 
Grand Secretary at 50 cents per copy.] 

1802. A Lodge may procure as many copies of the authorized floor work 
as it requires, but they should be retained in the custody of the Lodge for the 
use of its officers; they are not to be sold to, or held by, individual members 
as personal property. 

1803. A Subordinate Lodge may use any form of floor work it prefers; 
provided, it conforms in all respects to the Ritual; the forms authorized by 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge are only guides, and are not obligatory. But if a 
Lodge uses any other form than that provided by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, it is not proper to print and publish the same, as it must, of neces- 
sity, contain reference to the Ritual and ceremonies of the Order, which can 
only be printed or published by authority of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

FORMS, 

1804. Except where specially stated otherwise, the forms given in this 
Digest are not obligatory, but are presented, as has been in previous editions 
of the Digest for the guidance of Lodges, officers, members and committees. 
The form is not imperative so that the substance is clearly set forth. 

1805. Grand or Subordinate Bodies, or individuals, who shall print and 
circulate any forms or ceremonies of the Sovereign Grand Lodge that con- 
stitute a source of revenue to its treasury will be deemed guilty of an of- 
fense against the law of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 203 

TOKMS. 

1806. All the "forms," whether of cnart, certificate, diploma or kindred 
forms, published by the Sovereign Grand Lodge are exclusively the prop- 
erty of said body, designed by it and necessary to its welfare and prosperity. 

FORFEITURE. 

(a). Of Office. (b). Of Benefits. 

(a). Of Office. 

1807. A Lodge cannot, for non-attendance, displace an officer during the 
term for which he was elected, in the absence of a By-Law on the subject 
permitting the forfeiture to be made. 

1808. Absence of an officer from the regular stated meetings of the Lodge, 
for at least four consecutive nights, may work a vacation of that office, if 
the By-Laws so provide. 

1809. Wlhen a Lodge has a By-Law declaring a chair may be vacated 
if the incumbent absents himself for at least four consecutive meetings, 
before action can be taken under the law the officer shall be notified, that 
he may show cause why his seat shall not be vacated. 

1810. The power to declare an office vacant, when an installing officer 
has failed to attend and discharge the duties of his office, is left to the 
control of the State jurisdiction. 

1811. In the absence of By-Laws, the only remedy is with the installing 
officer. The rule in this jurisdiction has been to request the District Deputy 
Grand Master to appear on a certain night to install the delinquent 
officer, and at the same time notify him of the coming of the installing of- 
ficer. When the time arrives, and the officer elect does not appear, the 
installing officer declares the office vacant and holds a new election to fill 
the vacancy. 

1812. The suspension for cause of a brother who is also an officer of 
his Subordinate Lodge, even though but for three months, vacates his office, 
and the Lodge may fill such vacancy. 

1813. A Noble Grand who becomes in arrears for dues cannot hold the 
office, but he can become qualified by paying up his dues before any action 
is had or taken in his case. 

1814u An officer is not suspended from the performance of his duties 
during the pendency of charges against him, except in so far as these 
charges may have relation to the duties of his position, such as the appoint- 
ment of the whole or part of the committee to try them, or any action on 
the report. 

(b). Of Benefits. 

1815. Benefits may be forfeited to the Lodge by the By-Laws fixing this 
as a penalty, for want of length of membership, or for want of continuance 
of sickness, or for delay in paying arrears; or the forfeiture of benefits may 
have resulted from the suspension of the sick brother for cause, or by the 
act of the sick brother in failing to give the notice of his sickness, as re- 
quired by the By-Laws; for example, a brother taken sick before he has 
been a member six months under a By-Law requiring six months member- 
ship before becoming entitled to benefits, is only entitled to receive benefits 
if the sickness continues, as soon and from the time the six months expire ; 
or a Lodge may legally provide that it will pay no benefits for the first week's 
sickness, and if the By-Laws so provide, the forfeiture may be made cumulative. 

1816. A member who is not entitled to benefits for a certain period, if taken 
sick during that period, and continuing so after its expiration, is entitled to bene- 
fits after the period has expired. 



204 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

FRACTIONS OF A WEEK. 

1817. In the absence of a positive local legislation for the payment of 
benefits for the fractional part of a week, benefits can only be paid for the 
full week. 

1818. Subordinates have a right to provide against paying benefits for a 
fractional part of a week, and such is the general usage of the Order. 

1819. Twelve working days cannot make two weeks under our laws, but 
those laws do not recognize parts of days in cases of benefits; therefore 
if a brother be taken sick on the twelfth, and reported well on the twenty- 
fifth, he is sick two weeks. Both days are to be counted. 

1820. It is not lawful for a Lodge to charge against a deceased brother's 
account the fraction of a week's dues that have accumulated since the last 
meeting of the Lodge to the day of his death, in order to deprive his bene- 
ficiaries of the funeral benefits. 

FRAUD. 

(a). Definition. (c). In Obtaining- Benefits or Relief. 

(b). Admission to Membership by. 

(a). Definition. 

1821. Fraud is defined to be an act or course of deception, deliberately 
practiced with the view of gaining a wrong or unfair advantage. 

1822. An artifice by which the right or interests of the Lodge are in- 
jured. 

1823. An artifice employed by one or more persons for the purpose of 
deceiving the Lodge, or a member, to the prejudice of its or his rights. 

(b). Admission to Membership by. 

1824. It is now settled law that mere irregularities without fraud do not 
vitiate an admission, and that an illegal admission by card is void. 

1825. A member of a Lodge removed from his jurisdiction and took a 
Withdrawal Card, which he suffered to expire without depositing it. After 
this, and while he remained a permanent resident of the jurisdiction to 
which he had removed, he applied to his old Lodge for admission as an 
Ancient Odd Fellow, and was admitted to membership without consent of 
the jurisdiction of which he was a resident. In this case the applicant 
knew, or was bound to know, what the law was, and that his membership 
was illegal. The Lodge also knew, or was bound to know, what the law was, 
and his membership being illegal, he was not protected, and his status was 
that of an Ancient Odd Fellow. 

1826. After the initiation of a candidate who was illegally or fraudu- 
lenty elected, if he has been guilty of fraud his initiation cannot be declared 
void, as it might be construed as releasing him from his obligation, which, 
perhaps, would also be considered void, if the whole initiation was, but in 
such case he can be expelled therefor, after proper trial. 

1827. If a person has acquired membership through fraud or misrepre- 
sentation, his initiation cannot be declared void, but he must be expelled 
therefor, after proper trial. 

1828. A candidate represents himself as twenty-one years of age when 
he is not. His Lodge tried and reprimanded him and suspended him for six 
months. The Lodge might lawfully do this, as it was not compelled to 
expel him. 

1829. Persons who from no fault of their own are illegally initiated 
cannot be discharged from membership for that reason, but are entitled to 
all the rights enjoyed by other members of similar rank, and the same rule 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 205 

FRAUD— Admission to Membership by. 

governs the case of an unworthy person who may have been inadvertently 
admitted. 

1830. A saloon-keeper joining the Order and concealing the nature of 
his business from the Lodge at the time of his initiation or admission thereto, 
upon conviction thereof and continuing in the business, must be expelled. 

1831. Where the holder of a Dismissal Certificate who has been a saloon- 
keeper continuously from a period prior to the enactment of the amend- 
ment to the Constitution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, applies for mem- 
bership and conceals the nature of his business from the Lodge, and is ad- 
mitted, he is liable under the amendment, and the penalty, upon conviction, 
would be expulsion. 

1832. An applicant who is a suspended member, and as such was in the 
saloon business prior to 1895, commits an offense against the laws of the 
Order if he makes a false statement about his occupation in presenting his 
application for renewal of membership. 

1833. The refusal of a brother to pay a debt due another member of his 
Lodge, does not constitute sufficient grounds for preferring charges against 
him, when the debt is barred by the State statute of limitations. Unless there 
appear some element of fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining the credit, 
or unless the loan was made upon the faith of membership in the Order, 
charges will not lie. 

(c). In Obtaining Benefits or Relief. 

1834. Any fraudulent misrepresentation of his age by a party seeking 
admission into either branch of the Order, whereby membership therein 
is illegally obtained for a less consideration than the law of the Lodge re- 
quires, shall discharge the Lodge from any and all responsibilities growing 
out of the initiation of the party in question, from and after the time such 
fraud shall be discovered and proved, or determined upon a fair investigation 
and upon competent testimony. 

1835. It shall be legal to investigate and determine the fact of such 
fraud, even after the death of the party alleged to be guilty thereof; pro- 
vided .due notice of such investigation is given to the representatives or 
family of the deceased claiming benefits of the Lodge. 

1836. A brother was taken sick from a disease he contracted in the 
army before he became a member. He stated at the time of his admission 
that he was not suffering from any disease. An affidavit, upon which he 
procured a pension from the United States Government was produced, in 
which he testified that the disease was contracted in the army during the 
war. This affidavit was sufficient to. show that he knew at the time he was 
admitted that he was suffering from such disease, and benefits were denied 
him. 

1837. When, however, it is found as a fact that the claimant honestly 
thought he was in sound health when he applied for admission, and he tes- 
tified "that he considered his health at the time as good as ever in his life," 
he is entitled to benefits. 

1838. Where the claimant was, at the time of his admission, suffering 
from a physical disability which did not impair his ability to follow his 
usual avocation, and did not affect his health of body, failure to state this 
disability is no fraud upon the Order, and does not prevent his admission 
or bar his subsequent claim for benefits. 

1839. A brother who acquires the Semi-Annual Pass Word improperly, 
and by making use of said pass word obtains relief from a Lodge of which 
lie is not a member, is guilty of a double fraud upon the Order, and should 
be required to refund the amount received to the Lodge from which he re- 
ceived it, and be punished by his own Lodge for the offense. 



206 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

FRAUD— In Obtaining Benefits or Relief. 

1840. It would not be proper to hold a Lodge responsible for funds ob- 
tained under fraudulent circumstances, where it is innocent of any con- 
nivance at it. 

1841. The Constitution of a Subordinate Lodge provides that "A mem- 
ber who shall obtain credit expressly by reason of being an Odd Fellow, and 
shall violate the items of such credit, shall be guilty of an offense against 
the laws of the Order." Held in such case that to render a member of a. 
Lodge amenable for an offense against the laws of the Order, he must have 
used the fact of his membership in some way for purposes of fraud or im- 
position. 

FUNDS. 

See Appropriations. See Investments. 

Special Five Per Cent. Fund. Defunct Lodge Fund. 

Contingent Fund. Aged Odd Fellow's Fund. 

Trustees. 

1842. The funds and property collected under and by authority of a 
charter duly granted to a Lodge are trust funds, and can be applied only 
to the objects for which they were collected. No division or diversion of 
the funds or property, or other disposition of it, except for the legitimate 
objects of the Order, can be recognized by the Grand Lodge. When a .bodge 
shall fail, from any cause, to continue as a working body, and yields up its 
charter, the money and property of whatever kind of which it may be pos- 
sessed and belonging thereto, must be surrendered up and paid over to the 
Grand Lodge. Therefore it is absolutely essential that the Lodges from 
time to time, in their Annual Report to the Grand Lodge, shall furnish an 
entirely accurate and complete statement of their assets. 

1843. The primary object, without which no Lodge of Odd Fellows can 
exist, is mutual aid and fraternity; a system of dues and a treasury for the 
security of the former, are necessary adjuncts of our system; all other pe- 
cuniary benefits are simply incidents which naturally flow from the duty of 
mutual aid; therefore, the whole of the assets and property of Lodges are 
trust funds, equally to be protected and of equal sacredness. 

1844. Funds held by the Lodge in special trust cannot be merged into 
the general fund and thus diverted from the purpose for which the trust was 
created. 

1845. When, from any cause, any separate fund of a Subordinate Lodge 
shall be found unnecessary, it shall be lawful to otherwise appropriate such- 
fund or to merge it, in whole or in part, in the general fund. Provided, that 
the object contemplated by such special fund be otherwise fully protected 
and secured. And provided further, that provision be fully made to return 
any donation made to the said special fund which may be demanded by the 
donor who may insist upon its being donated to the object for which it was 
donated. Provided further, that no> such appropriation shall be made unless 
the same shall first be authorized by the Grand Lodge to which such 
subordinate may be attached. 

1846. The funds and property of defunct Lodges may, at the option of 
the body holding the same, be used for the purpose of assisting working 
Lodges, when in need of funds, to sustain them in their organization; or they 
may be applied for the assistance of the widows and orphans of such de- 
funct bodies or to the Aged Odd Fellows' Fund which may exist in such 
Grand Jurisdiction. Provided, that where a fund is held on a specific trust, 
and such subordinate becomes defunct, the Grand Body shall see that such 
trust is duly executed and the trust fund applied to the purpose for which 
the fund was created. 

1847. The funds of a Lodge are not held in common, but collectively, as 
trustees, for the uses and purposes of the Order's beneficial system, as ap- 
plicable to the particular Lodge, and no individual member thereof has a 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 207 

FUNDS. 

right, as a mere member to receive a share therein. The funds are not sub- 
ject to an equal partition. Until a member is sick, he has no ciaim thereon. 

1848. Whenever a number of members desire to withdraw from a Lodge, 
they must do so without the expectation of sharing a fund raised for and de- 
voted to a sacred purpose. Members about to withdraw ironi one Lodge for 
the purpose of establishing another, have neither the moral nor legal right 
to combine together for the purpose of extorting, either Dy ordinary motion 
or special By-Laws, an appropriation of the funds of the .Lodge in their own 
favor. Donations made to assist petitioning brothers by the parent or other 
Lodges, for the purpose of instituting new Lodges are allowable, and are in 
no sense to be regarded as a division of the funds of the Lodge. In the 
consideration of such action by the parent Lodge, it is recommended that the 
Grand Officers be consulted as to its propriety. 

1849. There is no law to prohibit a Lodge from appropriating a portion 
of its widows' and orphans' funds for the purchase or erection of a home for 
its widows and orphans, but the general law does forbid the use of the 
widow and orphans' fund to be appropriated to the relief of Aged and in- 
firm members of the Order. 

1850. All investments of Lodge funds must be made in the name of the 
Trustees, in trust for the Lodge, and said Trustees can only invest said funds 
or change said investments when authorized so to do by the Lodge, and all 
evidences of investments, as aforesaid, must be deposited with the Treas- 
urer of the Lodge. 

1851. Funds derived from rents or the income of investments having 
been placed in the general funds of the Lodge cannot be donated or used, 
except for the legitimate expenditures of the Order. 

1852. It is lawful for a Subordinate Lodge to donate its funds for any pur- 
pose within the object and scope of the Order. 

1853. The reversionary interests the Grand Lodge holds in the funds ol 
its subordinates gives it a right to limit their expenses to purposes within the 
Order. 

1854. It is illegal to take from the treasury of a Lodge the expenses ot 
a supper (or banquet) given on the night of installation of its officers, or 
at any other time. 

1855. Lodge funds are not to be expended for a collation and ball, even 
upon the celebration of the anniversary of the Order. 

1856. A Lodge cannot lawfully use its funds to pay the expenses of an 
oyster supper given to its members and others. 

1857. A Lodge cannot appropriate funds from its treasury for the purpose 
of offering a reward for the apprehension of a ruffian who assaulted one of 
its members. 

1858. The funds in the hands of Treasurers of Lodges contributed for 
the relief of widows and orphans of deceased members, cannot be loaned to 
Lodges to enable them to meet other demands. 

1859. A Lodge loaning its funds to the wife of a member on a mortgage 
in which the husband was compelled to join, is violating the Constitution 
for Subordinate Lodges, as the bond is the evidence of tne debt, and being 
given by the husband, is in controvention of the rules laid down by tl?e 
Grand Lodge. The prohibition against lending money to a member of a 
Lodge applies with equal force to a wife of a member, for not only is a man 
and his wife one in the law, but even under the enabling act they are not so 
far separated in law as to make her obligation a proper security for Lodge 
funds, or remove her from the objections that exist as to the acceptance of 
her husband's obligations. 

1860. A brother wanted his Lodge to let his wife have money to buy 



208 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

FUNDS. 

her a home, and he is to pay it in installments. The Lodge has no right to 
loan her money while he is living, expecting to make the payment. 

1861. A Lodge loaned $200 to a number of its members to aid in starting 
an Encampment. The Grand Lodge decided against the legality of the pro- 
ceeding, adding: "The law is explicit and has provided for no exceptions." 

1862. It is illegal to take the funds of a Lodge to pay for lectures not 
having for their objects the instruction of the public or the members on the 
subject of Odd Fellowship. 

1863. In jurisdictions where the Grand Lodge may decide to establish, 
maintain and support homes for the dependent widows or the maintenance 
and education of the orphans of deceased Odd Fellows, such Grand Lodge 
may permit the Subordinate Lodges in its jurisdiction, under reasonable 
and proper restrictions, to donate or loan a portion of their widows' and or- 
phans' fund, or a portion of their Lodge funds, to said home; provided, that 
where Grand Jurisdictions grant the privilege herein named to their Subor- 
dinate Lodges, that the proposition in any such Subordinate Lodge shall lie 
over one week before final action. 

1864. A Lodge cannot lawfully loan its funds to a church, the trustees of 
which are all Odd Fellows. The law against loaning funds to members was 
made, in part, to save the scandal of forcing by civil law, payment by a 
brother of a debt. How much greater the scandal before the eyes of a 
Christian community, should a Lodge, if compelled by circumstances, bring 
suit against a church to recover a claim. The funds cannot legally be so 
loaned. 

1865. A Lodge stands in the same relation to another Lodge as to a 
member of a Lodge, and as a Lodge cannot lend its funds to a member; it 
therefore would not be proper to lend its funds to another Lodge. 

1866. Where a Lodge initiates a candidate against whom it holds a bond 
and mortgage, he immediately, upon admission, comes within the terms of 
the law prohibiting loans to members, and it should be the duty of the 
Lodge at the earliest practical moment to recall the loan. 

1867. It is the duty of Lodges which have loaned funds to members of 
the Order at a time when such loans were allowed, to call in the loan as 
soon as practicable, to the end that the funds may be reinvested, as is now 
permitted by law. 

1868. A Lodge cannot loan money to a suspended member, for the reason 
that a suspended member is still a member of the Order, although deprived of 
certain rights and privileges, he is eligible for reinstatement at any time 
upon proper application. 

1869. A Lodge cannot loan its funds to a member of another Lodge. The 
prohibition of loans to members is applicable in such cases. 

1870. The Grand Lodge has declared and spread upon its Journal the 
fact that Lodge funds cannot be loaned either to members in good standing, 
nor to suspended members, and that Odd Fellows cannot become security for 
money loaned from the treasury of a Lodge. 

1871. Funds derived from sources other than the members' dues, like 
rents, interest and income or investments, having been placed in the gen- 
eral fund of the Lodge cannot be used or donated, except for the legitimate 
expenditures of the Order. 

1872. Trust funds vested in the Lodge, as trustee for a special purpose, such, 
for example, as a widows' and orphans' fund, cannot be merged into the general 
fund, as they have been donated for a special purpose and cannot be diverted from 
the purpose for which they were created. 

1873. Nor can the Grand Lodge authorize this to be done, unless this 
jurisdiction maintains an Odd Fellows' Home. Thereupon the Grand Lodge 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 209 

PUNDS. 

is authorized to empower the Subordinate Lodges to merge the widows' and 
orphans' fund with the general funds of such Lodge. 

FTOERAES. 

1874. In all cases funeral ceremonies shall be conducted by the Subor- 
dinate Lodge of which the deceased was a member, except that in conduct- 
ing the funeral ceremony of a deceased brother who was a member in good 
standing of both Subordinate Lodge and a Subordinate Encampment, the 
Lodge shall take precedence over the Encampment (except where the de- 
ceased was a Grand Officer, etc.) unless by the previously expressed desire 
of the deceased, his widow or near relatives, the Encampment shall be 
designated to take charge of his remains for burial, when the Encamp- 
ment shall take precedence. 

1875. Where a Patriarchal member of the Order dies suddenly, without 
expressing his preference for burial by either his Encampment or Lodge, 
and whore both bodies desire to officiate at the funeral, the matter shall be 
determined by the expressed wish of the widow (should there be one), or 
nearest relative. 

1876. If a brother was a past or present elective officer of a Grand 
Lodge or Encampment, then the ceremonies may be conducted by such 
Grand Lodge or Grand Encampment. 

1877. The several Grand jurisdictions have the right to determine whether the 
dead can be buried by a committee of the Lodge or by the whole Lodge. 

1878. Officers and members of a Lodge, whose duty it is made by the 
laws to attend the funeral of a deceased brother, may be fined for neglect 
of that duty, if the By-Laws so provide. 

1879. Where a member of a Lodge is out of the State holding a 
Traveling Card, his Lodge cannot fine him for not attending a funeral. 

1880. There is no law requiring a Noble Grand to open and close hU 
Lodge in regular form when called to meet at the Lodge room to attend the 
funeral of a brother; he may do so or not. 

1881. The propriety of extending funeral honors to a brother in ar- 
rears, but against whom no charges for unworthy conduct were pending at 
the time of his death, is a matter for local regulation, upon which subject 
there has been no legislation in this jurisdiction. 

1882. A Lodge cannot in a body, as a Lodge, attend the funeral of a 
deceased "Ancient Odd Fellow" and conduct the services according to the 
Ritual of the Order. 

1883. A Lodge cannot perform the funeral services of our Order over 
the body of one who is not a member of it. 

1884. It is not lawful for the brethren of a Subordinate Lodge to wear 
their funeral badges and turn out at the funeral of a brother's wife, whether 
such deceased be a member of the Rebekah Branch or not. 

1885. By the general law funeral honors may not be extended to a de- 
ceased brother who has been lawfully suspended from membership. For 
example, where a former member of a Lodge, and a Past Grand Master of 
the Order, was recently suspended for non-payment of dues. Since his suspen- 
sion he died in China, where he was a United States Consul in the city of Singa- 
pore. The government returned his remains for interment, and the Odd Fellows 
of the State decided to bury the remains of their late brother according to the 
rites and ceremonies of Odd Fellowship. It was held that a brother who stands 
suspended for non-payment of dues cannot lawfully be buried with the honors of 
the Order, although no expense be incurred by the Order. If the proceedings 
were in every particular regular at the time of the brother's suspension, the Lodge 
cannot extend the funeral honors. 



210 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

FUNERALS. 

1886. A By-Law compelling a member to attend the funeral of a member 
who dies of a contagious disease, such as smallpox, is null and void. 

1887. At the Funeral of a Lodge member, who has not attained the 
Patriarchal Degree, each member is entitled to wear the regalia of the high- 
est rank he attained in the Lodge; the regular regalia as prescribed for the 
Encampment Branch, other than the usual rosette, has not been authorized 
by the Sovereign Grand Lodge to be used on such occasion. 

1888. The regalia to be worn by all brothers of the Order when attend- 
ing the funeral of a deceased brother shall be as follows: 

1st. A black crepe rosette, having a centre of the color of the highest 
degree to which the wearer may have attained, to be worn on the left 
breast; above it a sprig of evergreen, and below it (if the wearer be an 
elective or past officer) the jewel or jewels which, as such, he may be en- 
titled to wear. 

2d. The ordinary mourning badge to be worn by brothers in memory 
of a deceased brother shall be a strip of black crepe, passed through one but- 
ton hole, only, of the left lapel of the coat and tied with a narrow ribbon of 
the color of the highest degree to which the wearer may have attained. 

1889. The Grand Lodge, may, at its discretion, permit the usual regalia 
of the Order to be worn at funerals, either in connection with or as a substi- 
tute for the simple regalia above described. 

On such occasions the Marshall shall wear a black scarf, and bear a 
baton bound with black crepe. 

The Outside Guardian shall bear a red wand bound with black crepe. 

The Scene Supporters shall bear white wands, bound with black crepe. 

The Inside Guardian shall bear the regalia and insignia indicating the 
rank in the Order of the deceased brother. 

The Supporters of the Vice Grand shall bear the wands of office, bound 
with black crepe. 

The Chaplain- shall wear a white scarf. 

The Warden shall bear the axe, bound with black crepe. 

The Conductor shall bear his wand of office, bound with black crepe, 
and the Supporters of the Noble Grand shall each bear their wands of of- 
fice, bound with black crepe. 

1890. There has been considerable confusion in the matter of wearing 
regalias of the Order at funerals in the various jurisdictions under the con- 
trol of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and in consequence thereof there has 
repeatedly come to the Sovereign Grand Lodge appeals and questions grow- 
ing out of the said matter. In 1877 a funeral ceremony, which provided a 
form of regalia, was adopted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. In connection 
with this ceremony the right was given to State Grand Encampments and 
Grand Lodges, at their discretion, to permit the regalia of the Order to be 
worn at funerals in connection with, or, as the substitute for the funeral 
regalia provided for in the ceremony adopted at that session. In 1885 a 
decision was made that notwithstanding the provision in the ceremony of 
1877 as to regalias to be worn, should be that prescribed by that ceremony, 
that Grand Masters had the authority to grant dispensations to Lodges at 
funerals, and that State Grand Lodges and Grand Encampments could not 
abridge that prerogative. This decision evidently has not been thoroughly 
understood, and as a consequence some confusion has existed among the 
Grand Jurisdictions with reference to the question or right to the wearing 
of the regalia of the Order at funerals. In the funeral ceremony adopted in 
1903 it is provided: "Emblems of mourning worn by members of the Lodge 
shall be uniform, and may be either a band of crepe on the left arm or a 
black badge on the left breast." No other provision is made for regalias or 
emblems of mourning in the funeral ceremony of 1903. The provision with 
reference to regalias provided for in 1877 is carried into the procedure at 
funerals printed by the Grand Secretary. There now seems to be no obliga- 
tion in thts Order, so far as the Sovereign Grand Lodge has prescribed, to 
use any particular form of regalia at funeral ceremonies. Different forms 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 211 

FUNERALS. 

and kinds of regalia are in use in different jurisdictions at funerals under 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge. There is no objection to the wearing of the 
usual regalia of the Order at the funeral ceremony of brethren of the Order 
in jurisdictions where that is desired. That there be no further misunder- 
standing on the subject, the Sovereign Grand Lodge adopted the law which 
appears in the following section: 

1891. Subordinate Lodges and Encampments and Rebekah Lodges 
may wear the regalia of the Order at the funeral of a member of the Order 
without applying for a dispensation, except where the different Grand 
Bodies and Jurisdictions have otherwise, or may hereafter prescribe. 

1892. No other than the prescribed regalia for funeral purposes can be 
adopted or worn. 

1893. Members in attendance at the burial of deceased brothers of the 
Order may wear their hats, if the inclemency of the weather or heat be such 
as to endanger health. 

1894. A Lodge cannot impose a penalty upon members for not wearing 
black suits of clothes at a funeral of a deceased brother; but a Marshal may 
exclude from a funeral procession a member who does not comply with the 
regulations of the Lodge respecting uniformity of dress at funerals or public 
displays. 

1895. The form of funeral ceremony adopted in 1903 by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge as "up to date, uniform and impressive," must be used ex- 
clusively. All the old forms are obsolete and prohibited. 

1896. It is unlawful for a Subordinate Lodge to print the funeral cere- 
mony, even for its own convenience, and not for sale. 

1897. The burial ceremony is not sectarian in any particular, but is In 
full accord with the non-sectarian rules and principles of the Order, and does 
not need to be amended in any way. 

1898. It is not lawful for a Lodge to appropriate money from its general 
funds for music at the funeral of a member. 

1899. A Lodge has not the right to appropriate its funds to pay railroad 
fare and carriage hire of its members to attend the funeral of a member who 
died and was buried several miles from the Lodge room. ' 

1900. General funds cannot be appropriated to pay railroad fare and 
carriage hire at funeral of a brother. 

1901. But these expenditures may be paid out of the special five per cent 
contingent fund authorized by law. 

FUNERAL BENEFITS. 

(a). Funeral Benefits. (c). Funeral Benefit for Wife. 

(b). Funeral Expenses. 

See Renouncing the Order. Benefits, Weekly. 

Benefits, Fraud. Immoral Conduct 

Intemperance. 

(a). Funeral Benefits. 

1902. The great object of a funeral benefit in the Order is to extend 
immediate aid to the family of a deceased brother at the time and under cir- 
cumstances which, more than at any other time or condition of things, re- 
quire support and sympathy. The right of property to the funeral benefits 
is in the family of the deceased, and not in the brother. It does not begin 
to exist until after his death, and therefore no disposition of such benefits 
can be made by him in his lifetime. 



212 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

FUNERAL BENEFITS-FuneraJ Benefits. 

1903. As a general rule it may be stated, there can be no right to funeral 
benefits in any case where the brother who claims the benefits or upon whose 
death the benefit is claimed, was not entitled to weekly benefits. But there 
are cases where, owing to the condition of the accounts between the de- 
ceased brother and the Lodge, a funeral benefit will be paid, although the 
same state of facts would not have made the brother beneficial for weekly 
benefits, and there are certain cases of immoral conduct which may be in- 
quired into after the brother's decease, and which, if proven, will bar the 
claim for funeral benefits. 

1904. Should a brother who has lost his right to weekly benefits by non- 
payment of dues, die whilst thus circumstanced, neither his widow nor his 
family will be entitled to funeral benefits, unless the final settlement of 
accounts between the Lodge and the brother show that if the Lodge had 
paid him the moneys due him for salary, or for benefits, or for some other 
debt, there would have been sufficient, if applied to the arrears, to have 
liquidated them, then the widow would be entitled to funeral benefits. 

1905. A Lodge is not responsible for the funeral expenses of a member 
who dies while in arrears for dues, or who dies while laboring under a pen- 
alty for non-payment of dues. 

1906. In this jurisdiction there can be no just claim for funeral benefits 
in a case where the brother was not entitled to weekly benefits. 

1907. A Lodge cannot lawfully adopt a By-Law which will pay a funeral 
benefit upon the death of a member not entitled to weekly benefits. 

1908. Any fraudulent misrepresentation of his age by a party seeking 
admission into either branch of this Order, whereby membership therein 
is illegally obtained for a less consideration than the law of the Lodge re- 
quires, shall dischargie the Lodge from any and all responsibilities growing 
out of the initiation of the party in question, from and after the time such 
fraud shall be discovered and proved, or determined, upon a fair investiga- 
tion and upon competent testimony. It shall be legal to investigate and de- 
termine the fact of such a fraud, even after the death of the party alleged bo 
be guilty thereof; provided, due notice of such investigation is given to the 
representatives or family of the deceased claiming benefits of the Lodge. 

1909. Even after the death of a brother it is proper to inquire whether 
his sickness was the result of his own immoiral conduct, when his Lodge, 
during his lifetime, had no notice or knowledge of his conduct, or in case 
of secret disease. 

1910. When a brother has resided away from the neighborhood of his 
Lodge the prima facie presumption is that the Lodge had no knowledge of 
his improper conduct. 

1911. Where either the immoral conduct or the false representation, 
as the case may be, were known to the Lodge during the lifetime of the de- 
ceased brother, and the Lodge permits his membership to continue unin- 
terruptedly until after death ensued without charges, the Lodge is bound 
to pay the funeral benefits. 

1912. When a Lodge has a By-Law which suspends a member from bene- 
fits who has been in arrears for a given time after he has paid up in full, 
any member suffering under the operation of this law is lying under a dis- 
ability, by reason of non-payment of dues, which would preclude him from 
receiving funeral benefits upon the death of his wife during this time. 

1913. If a brother while in arrears, so as to deprive him of benefits, is 
taken sick, and he then pays up his dues and dies from that sickness, his 
widow is not entitled to funeral benefits. 

1914. A member committing suicide, his family are not thereby debarred 
from funeral benefits. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 213 

FUNEEAL BENEFITS-Funeral Benefits. 

1915. A Lodge cannot provide in its By-Laws for the payment of benefits 
to the widows of deceased members when sick, or for funeral benefits upon 
their decease. The duty of relieving the widows and orphans of deceased 
members is of a charitable character; here the higher, nobler principles of 
the Order are invoked, and the Lodge is called upon to relieve tnem accord- 
ing to their several necessities. 

1916. In case of the death of the wife of a member in good standing and 
entitled to weekly benefits, the Lodge may, by its By-Laws, provide for the 
payment of such fixed sum for funeral benefits as may be deemed advisable. 

1917. In no case are the funeral benefits to be liable for debts con- 
tracted by the deceased; they accrue only after his death. The funeral 
benefits of the wife of a member in good standing must be paid to the 
member; and where a brother is an inmate of the Odd Fellows' Home or 
Pennsylvania, and his wife dies the funeral benefits for the wife are payable to the 
brother. 

1918. It is the policy of our laws to assist a brother in life, and to 
aid and protect his family, if he has one, after his death; it is not the object 
or our organization to render aid to' others besides the immediate family 
of the deceased brother. If he has no immediate family, widow, child, or 
other immediate relative, who was before his death dependent upon him for 
support, or upon whom he was dependent, then he has left no one who has 
a legitimate claim upon the Order. If he leaves a father, mother, brother, 
sister or other indigent relative who is a member of another family, and 
was not in the lifetime of the deceased dependent upon him, such indigent 
relative has no lawful claim on the Lodge of the deceased, not having been 
a member of his family. If it be claimed that they are such dependent rela- 
tives, there should be some proof of the fact. The only persons who are 
the beneficiaries of the funeral benefit are the widow, orphans, under the 
age of twenty-tone years, relatives upon whom he was dependent at the time 
of his death, or dependent relatives who were members of the family of the 
deceased, and who were dependent upon the deceased at the time of his 
death. 

1919. A brother died in a hospital. He left a will appointing an execu- 
trix. His only living relative being a niece ; said niece is married, and was 
not dependent upon the brother; the funeral expenses were paid with money 
found on the person of the brother after his death. The brother was not 
dependent on the niece for support. Held that the niece is not considered a 
dependent relative in this case; that it is not lawful to pay the funeral bene- 
fit to the executrix of the estate, and that the Lodge can retain the funeral 
benefit. 

1920. As to legal representatives of a deceased brother, this Order does 
not recognize them as having any claim upon the funeral benefit due to a 
member. By the term legal representative is meant personal representative — 
that is, the executor or administrator of the person deceased. It is a part 
of the function of the personal representative of a deceased person to pay 
the debts of the deceased; but it is no part of the design of our Order to 
pay such debts; that which Odd Fellowship bestows is for the comfort of 
a brother and his family and to relieve and administer to their personal 
and present needs. If we pay the personal representative, he must use the 
money as he does the other funds of the estate. He will have no right to 
withhold it from the creditors and devote it to the family. 

1921. Where a brother leaves no family or dependents, but only rela- 
tions in France in comfortable circumstances, his administrator is not en- 
titled to funeral benefits. 

1922. If he have a father, mother, brother, sister or other indigent rela- 
tive, who is a member of another family, and was not in the lifetime of the 
deceased dependent upon him, such indigent relative has no lawful claim 
on the Lodge. 



214 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

FUNERAL BENEFITS-Funeral Benefits. 

1923. Where a brother dies, leaving no widow, but minor children, 
funeral benefits are payable to the guardian, if there be any of the children, 
and not to the administrator of the decedent's estate. 

1924. In the event of the death of a member in good standing not pos- 
sessing any legal beneficiaries of a funeral benefit, and leaving no estate, or 
insufficient assets to pay the expenses of a funeral, the Lodge shall pay the 
bill of the undertaker and other necessary expenses to an amount not ex- 
ceeding, in the aggregate, the funeral benefits. 

1925. A married daughter having a husband and family, with whom the 
deceased did not live, and who was in no wise dependent upon him, nor he 
upon her, is not entitled to funeral benefits; nor is a married daughter with 
whom the deceased was living and paying board .to the husband, though she 
gave him attention and nursing, he being neither dependent upon her, nor she 
upon him, entitled to funeral benefits, or te the funeral benefits unexpended 
by the Lodge. 

1926. Our law does not recognize collateral relatives at all, unless they 
were members of the family of the deceased at the time of his death, and 
dependent on him for support. The right of property in the funeral bene- 
fits is in the family of the deceased, and not in the brother. It does not be- 
gin to exist until after his death, and if there are no dependent relatives, no 
benefits are to be paid. The law of the Order does not, in such a case, cast 
the estate anywhere, because there is no estate to cast, therefore no dis- 
position of such benefit can be made by the brother in his lifetime. 

1927. In case iof the death of a brother entitled to benefits, leaving no 
family or dependent relatives and no other provision was made by law for 
their payment, the Lodge is not bound to pay the money to any person. 

1928. A Lodge is required to pay the funeral benefit of all deceased 
members in good standing and entitled to benefits, although funeral ex- 
penses may not have been incurred. 

1929. A Lodge must pay the funeral benefits of an initiatory member, 
who was initiated prior to July 1, 1882, if he dies in good standing. 

1930. A Lodge holding the promissory note of a deceased brother can- 
not appropriate the funeral benefits in liquidation of the note. 

1931. The Constitution provides that "a funeral benefit of not less 
than thirty dollars, as the By-Laws shall specify, shall be paid," etc. If the 
By-Laws prescribe a sum beyond thirty dollars, and the brother, at the time 
of his death, was indebted to the Lodge for dues, the arrearages may be law- 
fully deducted from the funeral benefit. 

1932. A Trial Committee had resolved to report an accused brother 
guilty of contempt for not appearing at the trial, but before they were 
able to do so the brother suddenly died of heart disease. He was entitled 
to be buried with funeral honors, and his widow was entitled to the benefits 
provided by the By-Laws. 

1933. Where a brother was under charges but died before the time of 
his trial, it was decided that the deceased, if not in arrears for dues, or suf- 
fering other disability than that cited, preserved and left to those noted 
under our laws the right to receive funeral benefits on his decease. He was 
presumably innocent until proven guilty, and was entitled to a trial before 
such conclusion of guilt could be reached. Dying before trial could be had, 
the charges drop — for we cannot try the dead other than morally. The 
Lodge was therefore directed to pay the funeral benefits due upon the de- 
cease of the brother to whoever is entitled to them. 

1934. A brother suddenly and mysteriously disappeared, and about a year 
thereafter was suspended in his Lodge for non-payment of dues. Held that 
the mere fact of disappearance for seven years, without being heard from, would 
raise the presumption of death at the end of that time, hence the suspension for 
.Non-Payment of dues was legal and no funeral benefits would be payable. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 215 

FUNERAL BENEEITS-Euneral Benefits. 

1935. Facts and circumstances may, however, exist from which a court 
and jury would have the right to infer that death occurred at an earlier 
period. In case he was in good health, his habits were good, he was in- 
dustrious, his family relations were of the most pleasant character, his wife 
and children were fond of him, and he of them, his circumstances were easy, 
and all his surroundings were agreeable and pleasant, then his deatn, pre- 
sumptively, occurred at the time of his disappearance. 

1936. A Lodge by agreement cannot lawfully make donations to mem- 
bers, the same to be made credit against funeral benefits when due. In no 
case can funeral benefits be liable for debts contracted by the deceased. 
They do not become operative until after death. 

1937. On a claim for funeral benefits which the Lodge refused to pay, 
alleging that the deceased broth'er misrepresented his age at the time of 
his initiation, the action of the Lodge was sustained for the reason that the 
evidence shows that the brother misrepresented his age at the time of his 
initiation, which was only discovered after his decease. 

(b), Funeral Expenses. 

1938. The By-Laws of a Lodge provide that in case of the death of a 
brother entitled to benefits, the sum of seventy-five dollars shall be allowed 
for funeral expenses, and in the absence of a competent relative the Noble 
Grand shall take charge of the funeral. The Lodge refused to pay on the 
ground that there were no dependent heirs, and that the funeral bills could 
not be lawfully paid because the body was not taken charge of and buried 
by the Lodge. Held that the expenses of the funeral must be paid. 

1939. The By-Laws of a Lodge provided that on the death of a brother 
seventy-five dollars shall be allowed for funeral expenses. A brother hav- 
ing been buried and expenses incurred; held that his family was entitled to 
the amount for funeral expenses, and that it was not "material that the 
Lodge should have authorized the expenditure of all or any part of the 
funeral expenses, or as a Lodge attended his funeral." 

1940. A brother having died, leaving no dependent relative, the Lodge 
pays the funeral expenses; any excess may lawfully be used in erecting a 
tombstone to his memory. The term funeral expenses means in our law de- 
cent interment, which includes the proper marking or distinguishment of 
his grave. 

1941. A brother while in a state of frenzy shot himself and his wife. 
They were both found dead. There were no children or dependent relatives, 
but nevertheless there were several claims for funeral benefits. The Grand 
Master decided that if both were found dead and there were no witnesses to their 
decease, the law will presume that the woman died first, and both funeral benefits 
will be payable by the Lodge. If it is known as a fact that the brother died first, 
then no funeral benefits will become due for the death of the wife, for at that 
moment she ceased to be his wife and became his widow, and likewise at that 
moment he ceased to be a beneficial member of the Lodge. If the Lodge does 
not desire the Noble Grand to attend the burial, the benefits may be applied 
to the payment of the funeral expenses. The Grand Lodge decided that this 
state of facts is not to be understood as authorizing the payment of funeral 
benefits, but they are sufficient to warrant the Lodge in paying the funeral 
expense, if it desires to do so. 

1942. When there is no dependent relative the balance, if any, after pay- 
ing the funeral expenses, should be retained by the Lodge. 

1943. A bill for labor performed in serving refreshments and for re- 
freshments served at the time of the funeral is not a legitimate funeral 
expense. 



216 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

FUNERAL BENEFITS. 

(c). Funeral Benefit on Death of Wife. 

1944. In the absence of a Constitutional provision, a Subordinate Lodge 
has the right to make a By-Law providing for the payment of a funeral 
benefit to a brother at the death of his wife, and a Grand Lodge has the 
right to provide, in its Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, that Subor- 
dinate Lodges may adopt By-Laws providing for the payment of a funeral 
benefit to a brother at the death of his wife. 

1945. When a Lodge has a By-Law which suspends a member from 
benefits who has been in arrears for a given time after he has paid up in full, 
any member suffering under the operation of this law is lying under a dis- 
ability, by reason of non-payment of dues, which would preclude him from 
receiving funeral benefits upon the death of his wife during, his time. 

1946. In the case of a claim for funeral benefits due a brother upon the death 
of his wife which the Lodge declined to pay for the reason that the brother 
prior to his wife's death, having become indebted to the Lodge for over three 
months' dues, paid part of the indebtedness, but never the whole amount in 
full. The appeal was dismissed and the Lodge sustained in its action, as the 
brother has been in arrears to his Lodge for over three months' dues, and has 
at no time since settled in full, as required by the Constitution of Subordinate 
Lodges and the By-Laws of his own Lodge. 

1947. Inasmuch as Subordinate Lodges are not required by the general 
law (except at their own option), to pay benefits on the decease of the wife 
of a member, they are privileged to enact By-Laws prescribing that no mem- 
ber shall receive two (2) such benefits, and to exclude all members who have 
previously received benefits for the decease of a wife. 

1948. A Lodge has a By-Law that provides for a funeral benefit of twenty- 
five dollars upon the death of the wife of a member, with a provision that 
no member shall be entitled to such benefits more than once. The wife of 
a member in good standing dies, who was his second wife, his first wife hav- 
ing died some years before the adoption of the foregoing law, at which time 
the Lodge paid him a funeral benefit. The brother is entitled to receive the 
funeral benefits upon the death of his second wife. 

1949. The wife of a member dies; he, being in arrears, made no claim 
for benefits on account of her death. He remarries, and upon the death or 
his second wife, being in good beneficial standing, claims benefits. The By- 
Laws of the Lodge provide that funeral benefits by reason of the death of the 
wife of a member shall be paid but once. As, under the circumstances he can 
claim but once, that is, for the second wife, he is entitled to the benefits for 
the second wife's death. 

1950. A member of a Lodge was initiated July 6, 1880, and has never 
taken any of the degrees except the first degree, but has always been in 
good standing. The brother's wife died a few days ago. The brother is en- 
titled to the funeral benefit payable by the Lodge on the death of a wife for 
the reason that brothers initiated prior to July 1, 1882, are beneficial without 
regard to the degrees taken. 

1951. Where a brother of a Lodge is an inmate of the Odd Fellows' Home 
of Pennsylvania, and while such an inmate his wife dies, the funeral benefits 
for the death of his wife are payable to the brother. 

1952. A brother claimed funeral benefits from the Lodge for the death of 
his wife upon the ground, only, " that she was his lawful wife and he her law- 
ful husband," and that he desired the money upon the pretense of paying the 
doctor for his services previous to the last illness of said wife. The testi- 
mony for the Lodge showed that at the time of the death of the wife, and for 
some time previous, he did not live with or support his wife or his child, 
but that on the contrary, they were living apart from him, and were sup- 
ported by her parents, and he had obtained from her a release, drawn by 
an attorney and signed by her, releasing him from ail claim whatever that 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 217 

FUNERAL BENEFITS-Funeral Benefit on Death of Wife. 

she might have against him in the future. Held that the laws of the Order in 
providing for the payment to the husband of funeral benefits on the death of the 
wife, contemplate that the relations of husband and wife should exist at the time 
of the death, which did not in this case. It would be a scandal upon the Order to 
allow a man, who had passed through the marital ceremony with a woman, and 
who thpreafter performed none of the duties and bore none of the burdens which 
that relation imposes, to receive funeral benefits upon the death of a neglected wife. 
It becomes a speculation on the part of the husband, which the Grand Lodge will 
not approve. 

FRATERNAL PAPERS. 

See Circulars. See Emblems. 

1953. The "Fraternal Press " of our Order has come to be a most important 
element in the work of this Fraternity. The reading public, as well as the 
great majority of Odd Fellows, everywhere, are each year becoming more 
and more interested in learning of the financial, as well as the numerical 
strength of the Order, whose interests are so vast that the press is needed 
in its work, and most nobly has the "Fraternal Press" responded to this 
need. It brings to every Lodge and every brother news of the important 
matters concerning the Order, increases interest in it, and knowledge of its 
great work. Our fraternal newspapers and magazines are improving in 
every direction, and are rapidly becoming an almost invaluable adjunct to 
our Order. The circulation of the deserving ones should be encouraged and 
aided in every legitimate way. 

1954. The Grand Lodge is authorized to empower Lodges and Rebekah 
Lodges to appropriate money from their general funds to pay for purely 
fraternal Odd Fellow papers for each of their members. 

1955. The Grand Lodge has no power to make it obligatory upon the 
members in this jurisdiction to subscribe for and take a paper devoted to 
the interests of the Order. 

1956. An appropriation by a Grand Lodge towards the support of an 
Odd Fellows' periodical does not necessarily imply that it is thereby designated 
as the official organ of the Grand Lodge, and in the event of the failure of 
the Grand Lodge to so designate the periodical, the Grand Master has no 
authority to designate it as such official organ. 



GENERAL LAW. 

See Local Law. See Conflict of Law. 

1957. By general law, which includes the Ritualistic law, is meant the 
Constitution and By-Laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, the Ritual, the 
written and unwritten work of the Order, and all the legislative and Judicial 
actions of the Sovereign Grand Lodge that are not expressly stated to be 
local legislation. 

1958. The Sovereign Grand Lodge is alone authorized to decide ques- 
tions of general law. Irregularities arising out of the violation of law can 
only be healed by the authority competent to pass the law; if the law vio- 
lated was "one of general application" the Sovereign Grand Lodge alone is 
such competent authority. 

1959. The Sovereign Grand Lodge construes its own laws, and passes 
upon the validity and integrity of those passed by Grand Bodies, and in the 
interim of its session devolves this duty upon the Grand Sire, when referred 
to him, whose decision thereon is to be followed until overruled by the Sov- 
ereign Grand Lodge. 

14 



218 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

GENERAL RELIEF COMMITTEE. 

1960. The Grand Lodge is authorized to establish General Relief Com- 
mittees, organized as to enable them to carry out, as far as may be, the re- 
quirements for relief found to exist in their several jurisdictions, and for 
the maintenance of which they may organize Relief Committees to receive 
contributions from Lodges and individuals, and may authorize the Grand 
Master to grant dispensations to such committees to raise funds by such 
legitimate means as he may approve. Provided, that like restrictions be 
placed upon said Relief Committees in the giving of entertainments as 
are placed upon Lodges under dispensations for like purposes; and pro- 
vided, further, that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to 
divest Lodges of their rights or prerogatives in the care and assistance and 
relief of sojourning members of the Order, or to compel the formation ol 
such Relief Committees. Such committees are required to report annually 
to the Grand Secretary of the jurisdiction wherein organized; and pro- 
vided, further, that in jurisdictions where, in the judgment of the Grand 
Lodge, the method of raising funds for the carrying on of the work as set 
forth above is inadequate, the Grand Lodge may prescribe, by legislation, 
authority for a per capita assessment on the members of the Lodges rep- 
resented in such Relief Committees. 

1961. A Lodge cannot be compelled to join such a General Relief Com- 
mittee against its wish. 

1962. A Lodge, having joined such a committee, may withdraw there- 
from at its pleasure. 

1963. It is illegal to hold meetings of a General Relief Committee on 
Sunday, and a member of such committee is not bound to attend the meet- 
ings held on that day. 

GOOD STANDING. 

1964. A member shall be considered in good standing who is a con- 
tributing member of a Subordinate Lodge and free from any disability by 
reason of non-payment of dues or of charges under the penal provisions of 
his Lodge. 

1965. Good standing does not necessarily mean beneficial standing. For 
example, a Lodge may provide that a brother shall not be entitled to benefits 
until a specified time after his arrears of dues have been paid in full; never- 
theless, immediately upon paying his arrears, a brother would be entitled 
to all the other privileges of good standing except benefits, such as voting, 
having, the pass word, etc. 

1966. If in arrears for dues and liable to suspension, a brother is not in 
good standing. 

1967. No member is in good standing while his note is held for due*. 
The note is a new form of indebtedness, not a discharge of the debt. 

1968. The answer to the question as what arrears of dues and charges 
are necessary to bring a brother into bad standing, depends upon the local 
legislation of the Grand Lodge to be found either in its Constitution or By-Laws, 
or the Constitution prescribed by it for Subordinate Lodges, or in some other 
legislation of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The question of what taxes, fines 
and assessments may be included in charges against members so as to make them 
non-beneficial or to affect their standing in the Lodge is one to be settled by the 
legislation of each Grand Lodge. And when the Grand Lodge has made a law 
which defines explicitly the terms of good standing of members in their respective 
Lodges, a Subordinate Lodge cannot add to or change the requirements of the local 
law in any way; for example as bv requiring a'tendan^ at Lodee meeting hv 
its members once in each quarter, in order to entitle them to the benefit* 
of the Order. 

1969. Freedom from any disability by reason of non-payment of dues of 
every kind is one of the requisites of good standing. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 219 

GOOD STANDING. 

1970. To constitute a member in good standing lie shall be a contrib- 
uting member, which presupposes that he shall be in active membership, 
a condition not contemplated in a quasi-membership. 

1971. There is no such thing permitted by our laws as vouching for a 
member's good standing. 

1972. The term good standing, as used in reference to membership 
in a consolidated Lodge, means that the brother was not suspended for 
non-payment of dues at the time the consolidation was consummated, and 
when used with reference to membership in a defunct Lodge, it means that 
the brother, at the time the Lodge became defunct, did not owe more than 
one year's dues. 

1973. A member is tried and expelled from his Lodge. One year there- 
after, on appeal to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, the action is reversed, and 
his Lodge is ordered to reinstate him. During the time of one year, and 
pending the appeal, he is in good standing in his Lodge. 

1974. It is the duty of the Lodge to place in good standing a brother 
who is sick and drawing benefits, and in the eyes of the law he is in sucn 
good standing for a period of over thirteen weeks after being discharged 
by the Lodge, even though the Lodge neglected to make the deduction of all 
his arrears for dues up to the time of his discharge. 

1975. If a brother is in good standing it is immaterial that he will be- 
come in arrears in a few days; he may enjoy to the full the privileges of 
membership until the default actually occurs. 

1976. If a brother pays his dues on the last meeting night of the quar- 
ter, he can, on the evening of payment, ask for and receive the term pass 
word. 

1977. A member of a Subordinate Lodge who is in arrears for weekly or 
funeral dues more than thirteen weeks is not entitled to the term pass word, or to 
vote in the Lodge, but is entitled to visit his own Lodge until dropped, suspended 
or expelled. The above phrase, " who is in arrears '" for weekly dues or funeral 
assessments for " more than thirteen weeks " means "who owes more than thir- 
teen weeks' weekly dues or funeral assessments/' 

1978. A brother having a Visiting Card is beneficial, if otherwise en- 
titled, for thirteen weeks after the card has expired. 

1979 A member absent from the jurisdiction of his Lodge holding an official 
certificate, is chargeable with all funeral and other legal assessments which may 
fall due during the time for which the certificate was granted, but he cannot be 
suspended from benefits until three months after the expiration of the official 
certificate by accumulation of funeral dues accruing while the certificate is 
running. 

1980. A veteran member who has been transferred to non-contributing 
membership is entitled to the pass word and fellowship of the Lodge, and 
has all the privileges of active membership except benefits, although tie pays 
no dues. 

1981. The only provisions on the subject of good standing in the laws of 
this jurisdiction relate to beneficial standing and are found in the Constitu- 
tion for Subordinate Lodges, and relate entirely to beneficial standing, to wit. : 
"A member who is over thirteen weeks in arrears for dues is not entitled to 
benefits, and he cannot become entitled to benfits until he shall have paid up 
in full all dues and assessments and fines that have accrued up to the date of 
payment, if the By-Laws so provide, nor then until the expiration of such 
time thereafter as may also be provided in the By-Laws as a penalty. In 
determining the beneficial standing of a member the time and not the amount 
shall be considered. If all the dues assessments and charges that have been 
charged in the preceding thirteen weeks ending with the last meeting, but not 
including the present meeting, are unpaid, he is non-beneficial at the close of the 
present meeting. 



220 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

GOOD STANDING. 

"A member who is in arrears to the Lodge for over thirteen weeks wneu 
taken sick or becoming disabled, cannot by the payment of such arrearages, 
become entitled to benefits during the continuance of that sickness or dis- 
ability." 

"In case of the death of a wife of a member in good standing and entitled 
to weekly benefits, the Lodge may, by its By-Laws, provide for the payment of 
such funeral benefits as may be deemed advisable." 

The absence of local legislation upon the subject of good standing necessarily 
brings the subject under the regulations of the general law as above stated. 

GRADED BENEFITS. 

1982. The provisions in the Subordinate Constitution confining the pay- 
ment of benefits to the members who have received the Third Degree or 
those who were initiated after the first day of July, 1882, is legal and 
proper. 

1983. A Lodge may lawfully provide by By-Law that no benefits shall be 
paid until six months, or any reasonable time, after receiving the Third 
Degree. 

1984. A Lodge may lawfully provide by By-Law that no benefits shall 
be paid a member admitted by card, certificate, or reinstated, until six 
months, or any reasonable time after being admitted to membership or re- 
instated. 

1985. It is not legal for a Lodge to pass a By-Law making a part of its 
membership beneficial after three months' membership and another part 
non-beneficial until after six months' membership. The six months' clause 
under the circumstances would be null and void. 

1986. It is not legal for a Lodge to pass a By-Law allowing five dollars 
per week benefits to members of ten years' standing, and three dollars per 
week to members of three years' standing. 

GRAND HONORS. 

1987. Grand Honors are given to elective and Past Grand Officers, Grand 
Representatives of both the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment of i ennsyl- 
vania, to District Deputy Grand Masters, and to the Grand Master's Special 
Deputies at installation, who announce themselves as coming officially to visit a 
Subordinate Lodge. 

1988. The Honors of the Order are also given to elective and Past Grand 
Officers visiting outside of their jurisdictions, after they have been recog- 
nized and have been introduced to the Noble Grand by name and rank. The 
above is a Grand Sire's decision, which was approved as being in accord- 
ance with previous precedent and usage. Recently, however, the Grand Sire 
has decided that there is no law providing for the giving ol Grand Honors to a 
Grand Master of a sister jurisdiction when introduced as such in visiting the 
Grand Lodge. The giving of Grand Honors to visitng Grand Officers from 
another jurisdiction, therefore, depends upon usage and custom. 

1989. A Past Grand Master has a right to announce his title as such at 
the inner door when visiting a Subordinate Lodge on ordinary occasions ; but 
he is not entitled to the Honors of the Order unless he visits on official 
business, which he should announce. 

1990. An elective Grand Officer, introducing a visiting brother, does so 
In his official character and capacity. He announces himself as the Grand 
Master, or other elective Grand Officer, as the case may be, "with a visiting 
brother;" and he must do so or he cannot make the introduction. The 
Lodge is required to give him the Honors of the Order in such cases, and 
he cannot waive the right. 

1991. The Honors are not given the visiting brother unless he is also en- 
titled thereto. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 221 

GRAND HONORS. 

1992. A District Deputy Grand Master is entitled, when visiting a Lodge 
officially to install the officers, or upon other official duty, to the same honors 
that are accorded to the Grand Master, whose representative he is. 

1993. A Past Grand Representative is entitled to rank as such in every 
branch of the Order of which he is a member. 

1994. The Grand Master may visit a Lodge in his individual capacity 
as a member of the Order, and upon such visits he should not expect to be 
received with Grand Honors. It is only when he announces himself as Grand 
Master that his visit becomes official. 

1995. A Grand Officer, when visiting officially, should be introduced 
after he has addressed the chairs and been given the Grand Honors. 

1996. Grand Offcers should address the chairs as other members. The 
Grand Honors are given immediately after the Grand Officers are recognized 
by the officers of the Lodge. 

1997. A Grand Officer visiting a Subordinate Lodge is given the Grand 
Honors after he has addressed the chair, and on retiring from the Lodge. 

1998. When an officer entitled to receive the Grand Honors announces to 
a Lodge his intention of making it an official visitation he must be received 
with the Honors of the Order. The Lodge cannot inquire into the nature cf 
his business and decline to receive him, because, for example, they may think 
that although he is an elective Grand Officer, the brother he is about to in- 
troduce should have some pass word, which he should communicate to the 
officers of the Lodge. 

1999. In this jurisdiction it is the duty of the Grand Master, either in 
person or by the District Deputy Grand Master, or by some qualified Past 
Grand, appointed by the Grand Master, ,to install the officers elect of all 
Subordinate Lodges, and these deputies, when they appear in a Subordinate 
Lodge for the purpose of installation, are entitled to the Giand Horn rs. 

2000. A Past Grand who has been appointed by a District Deputy Grand 
Master, or selected by his Lodge to install the officers, is not entitled to the 
Grand Honors wnen he appears for that purpose. 

2001. The officers and members of a Subordinate Lodge, when visiting 
another Lodge in a body and introduced by their own officers, are not en- 
titled to be received with Grand Honors. 

GRAND LODGE. 

(a). Fundamental Powers. (e). Judicial Powers. 

(b). General Powers. (f). Powers over Subordinate Lodges. 

(c). Legislative Powers. (g). Powers over Homes. 

(d). Powers as to Payment of Benefits. 

(a). Fundamental Powers. 

2002. The Grand Lodge exists by reason of a charter granted by the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2003. All power and authority not reserved by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge is, in this jurisdiction, vested in the Grand Lodge, and within the 
limitations fixed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, it is supreme for all local 
legislation and appellate jurisdiction. 

2004. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has no power to alter the Grand 
Lodge charter without first obtaining the consent of the Grand Lodge. 

2005. The several Grand Jurisdictions are separate and independent 
bodies, and have full power, within the scope of the principles of the Order, 
to legislate and do all things necessary to carry out the objects of the Order, 
and in the execution of which the Sovereign Grand Lodge will not interfere 



222 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

GRAND LODGE— Fundamental Power. 

or review, unless clearly in opposition to or subversive of established prin- 
ciples. 

2006. The Grand Lodge has the right to adopt a form of laws or Consti- 
tution for its government. 

2007. While the Sovereign Grand Lodge does not claim the power to 
dictate to a Grand Body the particular form in which it shall frame its or- 
ganic law, it does appear to be eminently proper that whatever form may 
be adopted, its provisions should be as simple, direct and comprehensive as 
possible, without unnecessary prolixity, and free from any clauses, sen- 
tences, or paragraphs that are imperfect or incomplete in themselves, and 
incapable of being understood, without resorting to other and entirely dis- 
tinct enactments of other and entirely distinct bodies or authorities. 

2008. The Constitution, when framed, must be submitted to the Sov- 
ereign Grand Lodge, immediately upon its adoption, for approval. 

2009. It is not operative until approved, and entirely inoperative if dis- 
approved. 

2010. The Grand Lodge also has authority to adopt By-Laws in con- 
formity with the Constitution or general frame of government. 

2011. The Grand Lodge may, at its pleasure, review, affirm or reverse 
its former decisions, and alter its legislation. 

(b). General Powers. 

2012. The Grand Lodge transacts its business in the Grand Lodge De- 
gree, which is a matter of substance and draws after its actual membership. 

2013. The Grand Lodge has the power to require that every Past Grand 
entering the Grand Lodge must have the pass word of the current term. 

2014. A Grand Lodge, on ascertaining that a Past Grand present at any 
session is more than thirteen weeks in arrears, and that he obtained the 
pass word improperly, may eject him from its session. 

2015. The Grand Lodge is prohibited from conferring the Grand Lodge 
Degree for a pecuniary consideration and with a view of increasing its 
revenue, or for any other consideration, except the regular performance ot 
the duties of the Noble Grands' chair, the said degree having been designed 
as a reward for faithful service in the Subordinate Lodge. 

2016. The Grand Lodge Degree can regularly be given only during the 
session and in the room in which the Grand Lodge is assembled; but by 
special permission, it may be conferred in some contiguous room. It is a 
matter of substance, and constitutes actual membership in the Grand Lodge. 

2017. The Grand Lodge shall have a seal, an impression whereof in 
wax shall be sent to the Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge and 
be deposited in the archives of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2018. The Grand Lodge may open in the Scarlet Degree at installation. 
Grand Lodges are permitted to exemplify the degrees in the presence of all 
duly qualified members in good standing, and for that purpose to admit them 
to the floor of said Grand Bodies. 

2019. The Grand Lodge may also provide for the exemplification of the 
degrees of the Order while open in the Scarlet Degree. 

(c). Legislative Powers. 

2020. The Grand Lodge cannot delegate its legislative functions. 

2021. The Grand Lodge may, by its Constitution, restrict its legislative 
power to such representative basis as it may deem best for the proper trans- 
action of business. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 223 

GRAND LODGE— Legislative Powers. 

2022. Grand Bodies have the right to establish a system of representa- 
tion, and are the proper source whence such system should emanate. 

2023. The Grand Lodge cannot transfer its legislative functions to a com- 
mittee. 

2024. The Grand Lodge may legislate on all subjects which the Sov- 
ereign Grand lodge has expressly left to "local legislation." For example, 
when the general laws say that the time of conferring the degrees should 
be left to the control of subordinates, subject to such rules as may be pre- 
scribed by local legislation, it means the legislation of the Grand Lodge. 

2025. A Grand Lodge has the inherent power, as has every deliberative 
assembly, to maintain its dignity by preserving order and decorum while in 
session, and punish all infractions of them, but it can only do it upon proper 
notice in the absence of the offender. • 

2026. The Grand Lodge has power to make general laws for the gov- 
ernment of its subordinates, and the local wants of its subordinates should 
be its guide upon the subject. Subordinates have no legislative power what- 
ever, except to make By-Laws for their own internal government. 

2027. The Grand Lodge has full power to assess upon its subordinates 
a per capita tax or assessment for its support. The assessment is not upon 
the individual members, out of their private means, but upon the subor- 
dinates in the ratio of membership, out of their Lodge funds. 

2028. The right of a Grand Body to raise revenue for its legitimate pur- 
poses by assessment on its subordinates has been recognized and enforced 
by the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F. 

2029. The Grand Lodge has the power to assess its subordinates to meet 
deficiencies and to pay current expenses. 

2030. Members of Grand Lodges are not to be taxed out of their private 
means, but the ratio of membership in the Grand Lodge, or per capita tax, 
may form the basis of the assessment on the §ubordiuate Lodges out of their 
Lodge funds. 

2031. Where the Constitution of a Grand Lodge provides that "The 
revenue of this Lodge shall be raised solely for defraying the necessary ex- 
penses thereof, and shall not be appropriated to any purpose foreign to ob- 
jects of the Order," held that the Grand Lodge has power to assess its Sub- 
ordinates for purposes other than its own support. 

2032. The Grand Lodge has authority to prohibit meetings of its subor- 
dinates from being held at places that may not be deemed sufficiently private 
and secure from intrusion. 

2033. A Grand Body has not the power to divide its jurisdiction into 
subordinate Grand Divisions, and charter Grand Division Lodges in them, 
with power to hear appeals from Lodges therein and redress grievances. 
Grand Lodges can only issue charters to Subordinate and Degree Lodges, 
(and Eebekah Lodges). The officers to be known and recognized in the 
Order having been carefully selected and designated. 

2034. If a Grand Lodge passes a law in direct conflict with its Consti- 
tution, and without observing any of the forms required by it, the law is 
illegal, and its subsequent unanimous approval can give it no legal binding 
force. 

2035. By the general law action taken by the Grand Lodge at one session 
can be reconsidered at the subsequent session. 

2036. A Grand Lodge can reconsider a ruling of the Grand Master made 
at the previous session of such Grand Body. 

2037. The Grand Lodge, through inconsistent rulings of parliamentary 
practice, cannot deprive itself of its inherent power to consider any propo- 



224 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

GRAND LODGE-Legislative Powers. 

sition submitted to it and take such action thereon as it may determine to be 
best. 

2038. The Grand Lodge may permit the use of the names and numbers 
of extinct Subordinate Lodges in this jurisdiction. 

2039. The Grand- Lodge may confer the power on the Grand Master, 
during the recess of a Grand Lodge, to grant a petition from a Subordinate 
Lodge to restore an expelled member to said Lodge after the same shall 
have been approved by the Board of Grand Lodge Officers. 

2040. In a certain case, the appellant stated that his appeal was brought 
more specifically to determine whether a Grand Lodge may, at its pleasure, 
review, affirm, or reverse its former decisions. Held that there is no doubt 
on that matter. A Grand Lodge can alter its legislation. Section 4, of Ar- 
ticle I. of the Constitution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge applies only to 
cases under appeal, and not to all legislation of a Grand Lodge. 

2041. It is not within the province of the Sovereign Grand Lodge to 
question the wisdom of any legislative action of the Grand Lodge; provided, 
it does not violate the laws of the Order. 

(d). Powers as to Payment of Benefits. 

2042. Grand Bodies were originally organized for the express reason 
that it is expedient and necessary to separate the legislative from the 
operative portion of the Order, and while this landmark of our Order has 
been somewhat modified by recent legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, 
that legislation has never yet gone to the extent of imposing any relief work upon 
the State, Territorial or Provincial Grand Bodies as a duty. This duty still rests, 
upon the Subordinate Lodges, except so far as it is voluntarily assumed by Grand 
Bodies, and even then, these Grand Bodies cannot go beyond what is clearly war- 
ranted by the legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2043. The Grand Lodge cannot assume the payment of sick benefits in 
its jurisdiction and tax all its members to provide a fund for that purpose; 
nor can it form such a fund to which such Lodges as choose may contribute 
such sums as the Grand Lodge may name to be paid as sick benefits to 
members of such contributing Lodges only. 

2044. The Grand Lodge has no right to appropriate money from its funds 
raised by assessment upon its subordinates for the relief and support of a 
member of one of those subordinates. 

2045. A Grand Lodge cannot lawfully provide a death benefit for mem- 
bers of Lodges under its jurisdiction and raise the funds by per capita tax 
or assessment. 

•2046. Nor can the Grand Lodge provide for the payment of weekly bene- 
fits and provide the funds by a per capita tax. 

2047. The fact that a jurisdiction has a Home for Aged and Indigent 
Odd Fellows does not authorize a Grand Lodge to expend its funds for the 
support of such a brother residing, outside of its jurisdiction. 

2048. A Grand Lodge which expends its funds for the relief of an indi- 
gent and helpless brother, temporarily residing within its jurisdiction, can- 
not compel the Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction to which such brother be- 
longs to reimburse it for money thus expended. 

2049. The Question was asked if, where a brother away from his home 
Grand Jurisdiction dies without an estate and is buried by a Lodge where 
he is, and the amount paid for funeral benefits by his home Lodge is in- 
sufficient to reimburse the Lodge conducting the burial for the expenses in- 
curred, the same being as low as possible consistent with decent burial, can the 
Grand Lodge to which the subordinate conducting the burial is subordinate re- 
imburse said subordinate out of its general fund the amount expended by it 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 225 

GRAND LODGE— Powers as to Payment of Benefits. 

in excess of the amount received from the deceased brother's home Lodge? 
To which the Sovereign Grand Lodge held that a Grand Lodge cannot ex- 
pend its funds for the payment of funeral or other benefits, either by reim- 
bursing Subordinate Lodges the difference between the amount authorized 
to be paid under the law applicable and the amount actually expended, in 
a given case in behalf of their own or sojourning members, or otherwise; 
and a Grand Lodge cannot, by Constitutional provision, authorize such ex- 
penditure of its funds. 

2050. A Grand Lodge cannot provide for the payment out of its own 
funds of benefits to members of defunct Lodges; nor can it collect dues from 
such members for the purpose of paying them benefits, except in accordance 
with the provisions of the general laws for the creation of an Aged Odd 
Fellows' Fund. 

2051. Grand Secretaries shall keep a register to be known as the "Aged 
Odd Fellows' Register." Any Odd Fellow over fifty years of age, who has 
been in continuous membership for twenty-five years or over, and whose 
Subordinate Lodge has surrendered its charter, and who would, under the 
laws of the Grand Lodge, be entitled to receive a Grand Lodge Card, may 
petition the Grand Lodge to place his name upon the "Aged Odd Fellows' 
Register." Said petition shall be accompanied by such a certificate of eli- 
gibility from such authority as the Grand Lodge may prescribe. Upon such 
petition being granted the Grand Secretary shall place the name of such 
petitioner upon the "Aged Odd Fellows' Register." Any Odd Fellow enrolled 
according to the above provisions may apply for admission to any Subor- 
dinate Lodge under the conditions hereinafter set forth. Any Odd Fellow 
enrolled upon the "Aged Odd Fellows' Register" may be admitted to mem- 
bership in a Subordinate Lodge. He shall pay to the Grand Secretary, 
through the Lodge to which he has been admitted, such admission fees and 
dues as the Grand Lodge may prescribe, said fees and dues to be placed to 
the credit of the "Aged Odd Fellows' Fund." Any Odd Fellow enrolled as 
above in a Subordinate Lodge as herein provided who becomes sick or 
disabled so as to be incapable of earning a livelihood, shall receive from the 
Grand Secretary, through the Lodge to which he has been admitted, sucii 
weekly benefits as the Grand Lodge may prescribe, so long as the moneys 
collected under the provisions of the "Aged Odd Fellows' Fund" shall per- 
mit the payment of the same. Subordinate Lodges shall immediately notify 
the Grand Secretary in all cases of sickness or disability referred to in the 
preceding section, of their commencement and termination, and the Grand 
Secretary shall notify Lodges having members on the "Aged Odd Fellows' 
Register" when the said fund shall be depleted. Upon the death of an Aged 
Odd Fellow enrolled as above, who shall be entitled to the benefits of this 
fund, there shall be paid as funeral expenses such sum as the Grand Lodge 
may prescribe, so long as the moneys collected under the provisions of the 
"Aged Odd Fellows' Fund" shall permit the payment. 

2052. Grand Bodies are not compelled to change their Constitution so as 
to provide that funds received from defunct subordinates shall constitute a 
fund for the relief of Aged Odd Fellows. 

2053. The funds and other property of defunct Lodges can be applied to 
the relief of "Aged Odd Fellows" only under limitations fixed by the legisla- 
tion of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2054. It is illegal for a Grand Body, by its Constitution, to apply the 
funds from defunct subordinates to the payment of sick or funeral benefits 
to such as are unable, by "reason of age or physical condition, to join another 
Lodge." 

2055. The Aged Odd Fellows' Fund may also be increased and maintained 
by voluntary contributions, and by such other means as are not inconsistent 
with the laws of the Order. 



226 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

GRAND LODGE— Powers as to Payment of Benefits. 

2056. In 1900 the Sovereign Grand Lodge sustained a decision of the 
Grand Sire to the effect that the funds above referred to can only be applied 
to the relief of Aged Odd Fellows under the limitations and according to 
the provisions of the legislation above cited. 

2057. A Grand Lodge cannot adopt a resolution authorizing the con- 
tinuation of Lodge membership after a Lodge has become defunct by permit- 
ting the members of such defunct Lodge to pay $1 per month to the Grand 
Lodge of the jurisdiction. 

2058. The statement of the resolution referred to in the preceding 
Section went farther, and embraced provisions not contained in the legisla 
tion of the Sovereign Grand Lodge upon the subject of an Aged Odd Fellows' 
Fund. Said resolution undertook to provide that members of defunct 
Lodges shall continue to be members of the Order in good standing, under 
the supervision of the Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction, and further provided 
that such members shall be entitled to receive pass words, etc., and did not 
comply with the legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, which provided 
for a limited membership in a Subordinate Lodge of those who have be- 
come fifty years of age, and been in continuous membership twenty-five 
years or more only. The resolution also had no limitation as to age, and did 
not provide or require that members of defunct Lodges shall apply to, or be- 
come members under the conditions provided by law of Subordinate Lodges. 
Such a resolution, if adopted by a Grand Lodge, would not be legal. 

(e). Judicial Powers. 

2059. The power to construe its own laws is vested in the Grand Lodge 
of each jurisdiction. 

2060. When a construction or interpretation of local law is required by 
any individual member or subordinate, the Grand Body having jurisdiction 
is the proper tribunal to pronounce on the question, subject to appeal to the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2061. This construction or interpretation is reached through the decision 
of the Grand Master during the recess of the Grand Lodge, or by a resolu- 
tion or inquiry offered at the session. 

2062. A Grand Lodge has jurisdiction to construe its own laws, and 
having done so, its decision is and should be final. 

2063. The decision of a Grand Lodge that the Grand Master had power, 
in a given case, to appoint a special deputy, is final. 

2064. The Grand Master ruled out of order a resolution offered in a 
Grand Lodge that all committees should be appointed from Past Grand 
Masters and Representatives, upon the ground that the resolution abridged 
the authority of the Grand Master and the rights of Past Grands. Held, 
error. A Grand Lodge has final power to construe its own laws, and its 
construction of any of its Constitutional provisions is final. 

2065. The Grand Lodge is not bound, because it has established a par- 
ticular rule of law in one case on appeal, to adhere to that rule of law in 
subsequent cases of the same character, but in any such case may review, 
affirm, or reverse its former decision at pleasure. 

2066. In all cases the decisions of the State, District or Territorial Grand 
Lodges or Grand Encampments shall be final and conclusive, until reversed 
by the Sovereign Grand Lodge on a direct appeal therefrom. 

2067. A subordinate refused to reinstate an expelled member, as directed 
by a District Committee on Appeals. Charges were preferred against the 
Lodge to the Grand Lodge for such refusal, and the Grand Lodge, instead 
of compelling its subordinate to reinstate the member, directed the Grand. 
Master to reprimand the subordinate for its disobedience to the mandate of 
the District Appeal Committee, and reversed the action of the District Appeal 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 227 

GRAND LODGE-Judicial Powers. 

Committee. Held that the Grand Lodge had power in the premises to do 
as it did. 

2068. The Grand Lodge should not refuse to grant an appeal to the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, to which, in a spirit of broad fraternity, it should 
have given its consent. 

2069. The Grand Lodge has no authority to render any advisory judg- 
ment. The Grand Lodge could only order an investigation of a claim pur- 
suant to the laws of the Order in this jurisdiction. 

2070. The Grand Lodge is fully competent to decide such questions of 
fact as may be necessary for the exercise of any of its power. 

2071. The Grand Lodge is bound by the provisions of the appeal pro- 
cedure laid down in its laws. It can only decide upon the particular facts 
and as to the questions of law therein presented. It cannot advise or decide 
beyond these limitations. 

2072. The Grand Lodge has no power to. appoint a committee of the 
Grand Lodge to try a brother of a Subordinate Lodge. It may, however, order 
a Subordinate Lodge to try a member, and to this order the Subordinate 
Lodge must yield obedience. 

2073. The Grand Lodge has power to expel a member from its own body 
who may be guilty of conduct derogatory to the character of the Order, 
either in or out of the Grand Lodge, after opportunity for defense, or after 
he shall have been duly convicted, but possesses no power to expel a mem- 
ber altogether from the Order. 

2074. Charges for unbecoming conduct, having been in due form pre- 
ferred to a Grand Lodge, against an officer of that body for being intoxicated 
on the public streets, a motion was passed to indefinitely postpone the 
charges. Held that this was an "exercise of its powers as a Grand Lodge 
where it had full and complete jurisdiction." 

2075. The Grand Lodge may lay charges on the table. 

2076. The Grand Lodge has authority to hear and determine a money 
claim by a member against his Subordinate Lodge. 

2077. After the passage of a resolution by the Grand Lodge acquitting a 
brother who had been expelled by his Subordinate Lodge, it is competent 
for the Grand Lodge to reconsider such vote, and pass a resolution affirm- 
ing the decision of the Lodge. 

2078. The consent of the Grand Lodge to which the Lodge is subor- 
dinate, or the Board of Grand Officers, by its authority, is absolutely neces- 
sary to authorize the restoration of an expelled member. 

(f). Powers over Subordinate Lodges. 

2079. The Grand Lodge has power to make general laws for the govern- 
ment Of the Lodges, and the local wants of their subordinates should be 
their guide upon the subject. Subordinates have no legislative power what- 
ever, except to make By-Laws for their own internal government. 

2080. The Grand Lodge has, unquestionably, the power to adopt a uni- 
form Constitution for its subordinates, and the subordinates are bound to 
conform to such Constitution. 

2081. It is the duty of the Grand Lodge to strictly prohibit all proces- 
sions and balls at which the regalia, emblems, etc., of the Order shall be 
used, unless permission to hold the same be granted after due consideration 
in open Grand Lodge or, in its recess, be granted by the Grand Master. All 
publications made in any public newspaper, calling on the Order to appear 
in regalia on occasions not authorized by the Grand Lodge, are incorrect 
and liable to censure; and the unauthorized use of the name of the Order 
by any one is erroneous and strictly forbidden. 



228 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

GRAND LODGE— Powers over Subordinate Lodges. 

2082. The Grand Lodge has the power to appoint a committee to in- 
vestigate the conduct of a Subordinate Lodge in the absence of charges 
regularly preferred against such Lodge. Ex parte evidence in such case can 
only be used as a basis upon which to prefer charges. It would be incom- 
petent upon a trial of the Lodge. The committee would have no authority 
to examine the books of the Secretary of the Lodge. 

2083. The Grand Lodge cannot elect an officer of a Subordinate Lodge. 

2084. The Grand Lodge is directed to prohibit Subordinate Lodges under 
its jurisdiction from assembling in convention for the purpose of legislating 
on any subject without having first obtained the consent of the Grand 
Lodge. 

2085. When a subordinate purchased ground and erected an "Odd Fel- 
low's Hall" by forming a stock company and securing stock subscriptions, 
and afterwards a dispute arose between such subordinate and one of its 
members, who was a large stockholder in said company, as to whether such 
member had donated all or only part of his stock to the Lodge, and whether 
or not the Lodge was indebted to' the member by reason of his stock sub- 
scription, and if indebted, in what amount. Held that the Grand Lodge had 
jurisdiction to hear and determine such controversy. 

2086. A Grand Body has no power toi compel one of its subordinates to 
reinstate one of its expelled members, except by an appeal from its action 
in expelling such member, nor allow one of its other subordinates to> admit 
such expelled member to membership, except in the manner pointed out by 
law. 

2087. A subordinate was sued and judgment recovered against it by a 
widow of one of its deceased members for benefits, which judgment, it was 
alleged, contravened one of the By-Laws of the Lodge, regularly approved 
by its Grand Lodge. The subordinate claimed the amount of this judgment 
from such Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge was in no wise responsible. 

2088. Where a Lodge pays to a sick brother in good standing in an- 
other Lodge the benefits he is entitled to by the By-Laws of his Lodge, and 
before reimbursement the Lodge to which the brother belongs becomes ex- 
tinct, but surrendered no funds or property to its Grand Lodge, such Grand 
Lodge is not liable to reimburse the Lodge advancing the money to the sick 
brother, but where assets of a defunct Lodge come into the possession of a 
Grand Lodge, such assets are morally and legally subject to the refunding 
of such benefits. 

2089. Subordinates have a right to make By-Laws for their internal gov- 
ernment. The Grand Lodge cannot make By-Laws for its subordinates, but 
has the right of supervision, and may approve or disapprove. It may frame 
a model Code of By-Law T s and recommend the same to its subordinates, but 
cannot compel its adoption. It can, however, enact a uniform Constitution, 
and may therein regulate the matter of benefits, so far as the general law 
allows, and the By-Laws of subordinates must conform to such Constitution; 
and the Grand Lodge may provide that no By-Laws shall be legal until ap- 
proved by it or by the Committee on By-Laws. 

(g). Powers over the Homes. 

2090. The Grand Lodge can only authorize the creation of a corporation 
for the purpose of promoting, locating and controlling an Odd Fellows' Home 
of any kind, in accordance with the general laws of the Order, and when 
created such home must be subject to the control of the Grand Lodge at all 
times. It cannot legally provide that such home, when created, shall be 
"free from all interference, except upon the part of the Grand Lodge in ses- 
sion assembled." 

2091. The Grand Lodge cannot lawfully authorize or recognize the or- 
ganization, under the laws of the State, of a corporation to own and conduct 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 229 

GRAND LODGE— Powers over the Homes. 

a Home for the Aged and Infirm Odd Fellows, or the Widows and Orphans 
of Odd Fellows, over which the Grand Lodge would not have full control, by 
reason of a provision that any person, or number of persons, may become 
members of the corporation and vote for and elect the directors, which 
directors have the exclusive management and control of the corporation, 
conducting its business, controlling its property, and appointing all officers, 
agents and servants, renewing them at pleasure, fixing their compensation, 
and prescribing their duties. The Grand Lodge cannot levy a per capita tax 
for the maintenance of such a home, nor can it permit its subordinates to 
appropriate their general or widows' and orphans' fund for its support. 

2092. The Grand Lodge may create a benevolent corporation, under the 
laws of the State, for the purpose of erecting and managing a home ex- 
clusively for aged Odd Fellows, or widows or orphans of Odd Fellows; pro- 
vided, that the same is to be under the control of the Trustees elected by the 
Grand Lodge, who in turn are both members and Trustees of the Grand 
Lodge. 

2093. The Grand Lodge may create a benevolent corporation, under the 
laws of the State, for the above named purposes, to be composed of the 
voluntary membership of Lodges which may join. These Lodges, being subject 
to certain dues, and when this corporation has been brought under the control 
of pie Grand Lodge, the fact that a corporation composed as aforesaid is not 
under the complete control of the Grand Lodge does not prevent the Grand 
Lodge from donating to it a sum equal to ten cents per member for one 
year, and increasing its per capita tax accordingly. 

2094. In this jurisdiction the homes are subordinate to the Lodges, ex- 
cept the Orphans' Homes, where the Grand Lodge is also a member of the 
corporations, and being subordinate to the Lodges who, in themselves are 
subordinate to the Grand Lodge, the homes are ultimately subject to the 
same supervision and directing care. 

2095. The power to create and maintain these homes necessarily carries 
with it the power to raise money to establish and maintain homes, for with- 
out the power to raise money for this purpose, the authority conferred would 
be ineffectual. By the law of the Sovereign Grand Lodge it is left to the 
Grand Lodge to determine and pass upon the necessity for the establish- 
ment and maintenance of such an institution. When the Grand Body has 
passed upon this question, and determined the necessity to exist, it is then 
left to the Grand Lodge to determine the manner of establishing the Home 
according to the laws of the Order, and the means of maintaining the Home. 
The resolution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge in 1892 is a delegation of power 
to the Grand Lodge ,and there is no limitation, except the general laws of the 
Order, the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, and the will of the 
representatives. 

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. 

See Board of Grand Officers. 

2096. The officers of a Grand Lodge are: Grand Master, Deputy Grand 
Master, Grand Warden, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, who are elected; 
Grand Marshal, Grand Conductor, Grand Guardian, Grand Chaplain, Grand 
Herald, who are appointed by the Grand Master. The Grand Lodge cannot 
abolish or do away with any of the above offices. 

2097. The fact of a member of a Grand Lodge being an elective or ap- 
pointive officer, a Past Grand Master or Grand Representative, confers upon 
him no peculiar privilege in respect to voting; unless he has been elected 
and is duly accredited as a Representative he is not entitled to vote at all, 
except in the election of Grand Officers, when all Past Grands in good stand- 
ing in the jurisdiction are, ex officio, entitled to a vote. His privilege of 
voting arises altogether from the fact of his being a Past Grand in good 
standing in his jurisdiction in the one case, and in the other, because he 
has been elected and accredited, and not because he may chance to occupy 
any or either of the stations mentioned. 



23 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. 

2098. Grand Lodges may elect their Grand Chaplain. 

2099. A Grand Lodge may appoint such officers, additional to those re- 
quired by law, as its wants and conveniences may require. 

2100. The term of service for Grand Officers, as recognized by all the 
proceedings of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, is one year. Grand Officers who 
are elected for the brief period of three or four months are not entitled to 
the official honors of said office, except that when an officer voluntarily with- 
draws from the duties of a station he forfeits the honors thereof, and the 
successor who fulfills the duties of the unexpired term becomes entitled to 
said honors. 

2101. The same rules apply concerning the service of an officer of a 
Grand Lodge while charges are pending as applies under like circumstances 
to an officer of a Subordinate Lodge. 

2102. The elective officers of the Grand Lodge have powers and duties 
as prescribed in the charge-books, and have power to introduce visiting 
brethren within the jurisdiction of their Grand Lodge. 

2103. The appointive Grand Lodge Officers have powers and duties as 
prescribed in the charge books, but do not have power to introduce visiting 
brethren within the jurisdiction of their Grand Lodge. 

2104. A Lodge cannot inquire into the manner of election of Grand 
Lodge Officers. It is sufficient if they have been declared elected, have been 
installed and entered upon the discharge of their duties. Not to recognize 
the brother occupying that position as Grand Master is insubordination. 

GRAND MARSHAL. 

2105. The Grand Marshal is required, when the body of which he is an 
officer appears in processions and at grand visitations, to take charge of the 
same, and the Grand Lodge is under his charge. The duties of that officer 
continue during the term of service connected with his office, and he can 
no more be displaced, without cause, during the term than any other officer 
of a Grand Lodge. 

GRAND MASTER. 

(a). His Power and Duties Generally. (c). His Powers and Duties to Enforce 

(b). His Duties at Sessions of the Grand Lodge. the Laws and Supervise the Lodges 

See Mandates, Charters. 

(a). His Powers and Duties Generally. 

2106. The Grand Master has powers and duties as prescribed in the 
Rituals of the Order, and performs such duties as are imposed upon him by 
his Grand Lodge. He has supervisory power over the Order in his juris- 
diction, and must check the introduction of subjects foreign to the purposes 
of the Order. 

2107. The Grand Lodge can elect the Grand Master from the floor with- 
out previous service, unless its Constitution approved by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, contains some provision making him ineligible. 

2108. A Grand Master removing from his jurisdiction before the term ex- 
pires vacates the office and loses the honors. 

2109. In the exercise of his supervisory power over the Order the Grand 
Master is required to enforce the law suppressing the improper publication 
of the work, cards, diplomas and supplies, as directed by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge of the I. O. O. F. 

2110. The interpretation of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge during its 
recess is vested in its principal officer, subject to a review by such Grand 
Body at its session following, and it is the duty of such officer to administer 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 231 

GRAND MASTER— His Powers and Duties Generally. 

the local law according to his conscientious interpretation thereof. He may 
seek the Grand Sire's opinion thereon, and such opinion, if given, is man- 
datory until reversed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2111. A Grand Master is not the law-making power. He cannot ordain, 
enact or make laws or rules of procedure. His functions are ministerial and 
judicial, not legislative. He is a creature of the law, and not a creator of it, 
and possesses only the power conferred upon him by the law. 

2112. The Grand Master has no authority to suspend the Constitution of 
a Subordinate Lodge, and any dispensation by a Grand Master in conflict 
with such Constitution is void. 

2113. The Grand Master has no power to interpret the Constitution of 
his Grand Lodge as it applies to an act already committed by his Grand 
Lodge. 

2114. The Grand Master may disregard a Constitutional provision if it is 
clearly in conflict with the laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2116. The Grand Master has power to act under a resolution confer- 
ring authority at a time when the Grand Lodge is entertaining a resolution 
to reconsider the same, he being aware of the fact. Whether the pendency 
of a motion to reconsider should induce a suspension of action is a matter 
for the discretion of the executive officer. 

2116. Upon principle, a Grand Master should not hold office in his Subor- 
dinate Lodge or in a Degree Lodge, but it is a subject for local legislation, 
and in the absence of any local prohibition he may hold any such office as 
will not in any way interfere with his official business. 

2117. Upon principle, a Grand Master should not hold office in his Lodge, 
such as Vice or Noble Grand. 

2118. If the Grand Master suspends a Lodge, the Grand Sire has no power 
to order him to restore its charter, the remedy being by appeal to the Grand 
Lodge from the action of the Grand Master and then to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, whether the wrong complained of be to the Lodge or to an individual 
member. 

2119. The Grand Master when visiting as such in his own jurisdiction 
should wear the regalia and jewels of his office. 

2120. When the Grand Master, in the exercise of his supervisory powers, 
suspends a Lodge for violation of law, he has power to restore it without 
waiting for action by his Grand Lodge, unless the Constitution or instructions 
of his Grand Lodge limit his authority in this respect. 

2121. The Grand Master has a right to take part in the proceedings of 
his own Subordinate Lodge, vote for officers, membership and on motions 
that come before it. 

2122. The Grand Master is subordinate to the Grand Lodge and its laws 
in all things. He cannot suspend the carrying out of any positive direction 
given by the Grand Lodge, nor can he authorize an appeal from the Grand 
Lodge to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2123. The privileges of the Grand Master* as an ex officio member of all 
committees, do not extend to the Committee on Appeals, wherein it is 
specifically stated that no one shall be present except the committee ap- 
pointed by the Grand Master, the parties and their counsel. 

(b). His Duties at Sessions of the Grand Lodge. 

2124. The Grand Master does not form an independent part of the gov- 
erning power. During the recess he is necessarily, to some extent, the sub- 
stitute or representative of the Grand Lodge; but during the session he is 
only one of its constituent elements, and presides over its deliberations. 



232 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

GRAND MASTER— His Duties at Sessions of the Grand Lodge. 

Even his acts during recess may, in most instances, be brought up for ex- 
amination. The Grand Lodge alone can claim to be the supreme tribunal of 
the Order in this jurisdiction; to it he is indebted for his position, and to it 
he is accountable, and from and through it to the Sovereign Grand Lodge of 
the I. O. O. F. 

2125. Whilst acting as presiding officer, the body over which he presides, 
and not himself, must, for the time, be the final judge. He should not deny 
appeals from his decisions, for if unconstitutional action should result there- 
from, the wrong can be remedied by an appeal to the Sovereign GrarM 
Lodge of the I. O. O. F. 

2126. A Grand Master has no authority to change the time fixed by tbe 
Constitution for the meetings of the Grand Lodge. 

2127. If there be no quorum within one-half hour, the Grand Master, or 
the presiding officer, may adjourn the meeting from time to time, until a 
quorum shall appear. 

2128. In case of the absence of any one or more of the officers, his place 
shall be supplied by an appointment to be made pro tern by the presiding 
officer. 

2129. He shall, through the Grand Marshal, have direction of all proces- 
sions sanctioned by the Grand Lodge, and cause the proper forms and cere- 
monies to be observed. 

2130. He shall, with the assistance of the Grand Representatives, in- 
struct, or cause to be instructed in the work of the Order, the members of 
the Grand Lodge at every Annual Session. 

2131. An appeal from a parliamentary ruling of a Grand Master lies 
only to the Grand Lodge, and not directly to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2132. The Grand Master does not possess the right or power to cause 
a mutilation of the records of the proceedings of his Grand Lodge, either 
before or after their publication. The Secretary is bound to report a cor- 
rect transcript of the proceeedings of the body, and the body itself possesses 
the sole right to judge of and act upon a disputed fact of record. 

2133. The Grand Master is entitled to vote in his Grand Lodge at elec- 
tions for officers and on all questions to be determined in the Grand Lodge 
when he is a special delegate or representative from his subordinate; pro- 
vided, he is not also entitled to the casting vote, but the regulation of this 
subject belongs exclusively to the State authorities. 

2134. The Grand Master must report to the Grand Lodge such of his 
decisions made during its recess as may need the action of the Grand 
Lodge by reason of their being contested, or as being valuaole additions 
to the local law. 

2135. A decision of the Grand Master is binding until reversed by his 
Grand Lodge, unless his decision is in direct conflict with the Constitution 
and laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2136. The decision of the Grand Master may also come before the Grand 
Lodge by an appeal made by the Lodge or party whose interests have been 
affected thereby. 

2137. The decisions of the Grand Master are in full force until reversed 
by the Grand Lodge, and when the vote on the resolution that the Grand 
Master's action in a certain case be sustained was a tie vote, the result is 
not to be regarded as a reversal of his decision, but as equivalent to no ex- 
pression on the matter in issue. 

2138. The decision of a Grand Master, approved by his Grand Lodge, 
stands as law upon a point not covered by the Constitution. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 233 

GRAND MASTER. 

(c). His Powers and Duties to Enforce the Law and Supervise the Lodges. 

See Questions. See Appeals, 

inquiries. Decisions. 

2139. The Grand Master has entire supervision over the Lodges during 
the recess of the Grand Lodge, and the right to interfere in all violations 
of law, and in case of persistent disobedience may suspend the privileges ot 
the refractory Lodge until the case is tried and determined by the Grand 

Lodge. 

• 

2140. The power vested in a Grand Master to suspend and take from 
a Lodge its charter is a highly penal one, and is to be exercised only in 
extreme cases when injury to the Order is imminent; and the power should 
not be generally exercised until after notice to the Lodge, aud not arbi- 
trarily or Cor slight cause. 

2141. The Grand Master's official relations are entirely with the Lodges. 
It is the duty of the Lodges to control their members. 

2142. He has no power summarily to remove an officer of a Lodge, as 
his official relations are not with the officers of the Lodges, but with the 
Lodges themselves, in their Lodge capacity; and, therefore, if a Noble 
Grand persists in permitting improper work, in violation of his instructions, 
it is the duty of the Grand Master to inform the Lodge that unless it shall 
require its officers to conform to the work it shall be dealt with for in- 
subordination. 

2143. A Grand Master has no right to take the chair of the Noble Grand 
to prevent that officer submitting an illegal motion. If the Noble Grand per- 
sists in violating the law and his obligations, it is the duty of the Grand 
Master to inform the Lodge that unless it shall require its officers to con- 
form to the law, he willl proceed against it for insubordination. The official 
relations of a Grand Master are not with the Noble Grand, but with the 
Subordinate Lodge itself, in its Lodge capacity. 

2144. If charges be preferred against a Lodge, whether the same would 
come before the Grand Master, a committee, or other tribunal, and the Grand 
Master is a member of the Lodge, does not affect his jurisdiction in any waj-. 

2145. When a controversy in a Lodge has reached a point where charges 
are preferred or an appeal for benefits has been filed, the Grand Master has 
no jurisdiction to hear and determine the same, or to interfere therein, ex- 
cepting, of course to insist upon the hearing being promptly held, and to see 
that the forms of the law are complied with; nor can he decide any questions 
arising therein. The case must proceed and reach a final determination ac- 
cording to the trial and appeal procedure laid down in the Constitution of the 
Grand Lodge and the Gonstitution for Subordinate Lodges. 

2146. If, however, a Lodge refuses to entertain charges regularly pre- 
sented, or to try the accused, or to appoint a commissioner and try the ap- 
peal for benefits, or to proceed therein according to law, it is then the duty 
of the Grand Master, on being notified of the facts by a party in interest, and 
after hearing the Lodges' answer to the charge of neglect or failure, and if 
the Lodge appears to be in fault, to' require the Lodge to do its duty in that 
regard. 

2147. Matters relating to the enforcement of the laws of the Grand 
Lodge usually come to the attention of the Grand Master either by the sub- 
mission of a question by a Lodge, or on an appeal by a memDer of a Lodge 
from the action of the Lodge. 

2148. It is the duty of the District Deputv Grand Masters to report 
to the Grand Master any persistent, wilful violations of the law by a Lodge 
or Lodges in their districts. 

15 

I 



234 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

GRAND MASTER— His Powers and Duties to Enforce the Law and Supervise the Lodges. 

2149. The Grand Master has no right to refuse to answer a question 
propounded to him by a Lodge, and it is his duty to decide appeals as afore- 
said, to the end that the party dissatisfied may by appeal be afforded an 
opportunity to have the controversy settled by the Grand Lodge. 

2150. The Grand Master is authorized to grant certain dispensations, 
but not being the law-making power, he cannot grant a dispensation for any 
purpose not authorized by law, or which the law says shall be otherwise. For 
example, the Grand Master cannot dispense with the law prescribing tnat 
a rejected candidate cannot be again proposed for membership until six 
months after said rejection. 

2151. He cannot grant a dispensation to dispense with the regular meet- 
ings of a Lodge, except in cases of actual necessity, when a Lodge has no 
place to meet in. 

2152. He cannot grant a dispensation to a Subordinate to enable it to 
suspend the payments of weekly benefits, or to reduce the initiation fee. 

2153. He can grant dispensations in regard to those things upon wnich 
the laws of the Order are entirely silent, his dispensation then being merely 
a manifestation of his decision that the proposed action is legal and proper. 
For example, a Grand Master granted a dispensation to solicit subscriptions 
in his jurisdiction for erecting a monument over a deceased member of the 
Order. 

2154. He may visit the Subordinate Lodges in his jurisdiction at pleas- 
ure, examine their books, make extracts therefrom, or he may appoint a 
competent Past Grand to make extracts; but he has no right to require full 
copies of their proceedings to be furnished him, this power being reserved 
to the Grand Lodge. 

2155. He has authority, within his own jurisdiction, to introduce visiting 
brethren without subjecting them to the usual examination; but he is not 
allowed to introduce visitors prior to the opening, as the laws contemplate 
the reception of visitors in open Lodge. 

2156. The Grand Master is authorized, by the general law, to grant per- 
mission to a Subordinate Lodge of another jurisdiction to apply to the Lodges 
in this jurisdiction for aid or relief. In this jurisdiction the Grand Master 
exercises this authority in conjunction with the Committee on the State of 
the Order. In such case where the application is favorably considered, such 
Subordinate Lodge is furnished with written authority therefor, in the form 
prescribed by the general laws. (See "Appeals for Aid.") 

2157. The Grand Master has the power to collect the charters and books 
of defunct Lodges. 

2158. While there are many of his duties, such as visitation, installation, 
and instruction in the Unwritten Work, which he performs with the aid of 
or delegates to the District Deputy Grand Masters or Special Deputies, 
nevertheless he cannot delegate to another his duty of rendering judgment 
and decision, or the determination as to the time when to exercise the high 
prerogatives of his office, in the issuance of his mandate and the enforcement 
thereof, in case of persistent disobedience, by the suspension of the Lodge. 

2159. In relation to matters of instruction in the secret work and to en- 
force uniformity in all the signs and charges, as well as in the mode of 
working, the Grand Master has full authority in the premises in person or by 
lawful officers under him. 

2160. Where a Grand Master and Grand Representative of the same juris- 
diction, each at different times during the recess of the Grand Lodge, in- 
struct a Subordinate Lodge or a District Deputy Grand Master in the secret 
work of the Order, and their instructions differ, the instructions of the Grand 
Master as the supreme authority in the jurisdiction are to be followed. But 
as it is the duty of a Grand Representative on his return to his jurisdiction 



1907.] THE ' PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 235 

GRAND MASTER— His Powers and Duties to Enforce the Law and Supervise the Lodges. 

to instruct his constituent Grand Body in the work of the Order, a Grand 
Master is charged with the duty of requiring of Lodges, as well as of mem- 
bers, a strict compliance with the instruction received by him from the 
Grand Eepresen'atives. 

2161. The power of a Grand Master ceases only when his successor is 
elected and installed. 

2162. No change in the administration of the office of Grand Master can 
be taken advantage of. If a Lodge does not perform its duty by obeying 
a mandate of the Grand Master before the end of his term, it is the right 
and duty of his successor to enforce all the mandates of his predecessor, 
and to issue such further orders as will carry the same into effect. 



GRAND SECRETARY. 

2163. The Grand Lodge, being a movable body, can meet wherever it 
may determine, but at its meetings the Grand Secretary should be present, 
with the charter and such records, laws, rituals, cipher and key to the secret 
work, etc., as may be necessary. 

2164. The Grand Secretary is bound to report a correct transcript of the 
proceedings of the body, and the body itself possesses the sole right to judge 
of and act upon a disputed fact of record. 

2165. In locating permanently the office of the Grand Secretary, the 
Grand Lodge only fixes the location of that office. The absence of the Grand 
Secretary temporarily from the office does not remove the office. 

2166. He shall, as soon as practicable after the rate shall be fixed, com- 
municate to the Subordinate Lodges the amount of per capita tax to be paid 
to the Grand Lodge. 

2167. He is required to make out lists of the Lodges, with the number of 
votes to which they are entitled, and to have the same printed for calling 
the vote by Lodges. 

2168. The Grand Secretary is required to forward to the several Lodges, 
at the proper time, two blank returns for the election of the Grand Lodge Officers. 

2169. The Grand Secretary is required to send to each Subordinate Lodge 
with, the list of candidates for Grand Officers, as many tickets for each as 
there are Past Grands in the Lodge to which the list is sent. 

2170. He is obliged to conform to the law requiring that all orders for 
supplies shall be accompanied with the cash, and not less than one dollar's 
worth of cards will be furnished at one time. 

217.1. The Grand Secretary is prohibited from delivering or transmitting 
Visiting or Withdrawal Cards to any person whatever, or to any Lodge, ex- 
cept upon order in writing of a Lodge signed by the Secretary and authen- 
ticated by the official seal of the Lodge. 

2172. Supplies may be delivered by the Grand Secretary to any ac- 
credited representative while in attendance at the Annual Session. 

2173. Immediately after the election of a Grand Representative it shall 
be the duty of the Grand Secretary to forward to the Grand Secretary of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge a duplicate copy of said Representative's certificate 
of election in the following form: 



236 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

GRAND SECRETARY. 

Certificate of Grand Representative, Independent Order of Odd 

Fellows. 

To the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F.: 

This certifies that P. G., has been duly elected (or 

appointed) Representative from the Grand Lodge of 

to the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order f Odd Fellows, 

for years. 

Witness our hands and the seal of the Grand Lodge . . . . , this .... day 

of , 19. ., and of our beloved Order the 

(Seal.) 

A B , Grand Master. 

C D , Grand Secretary. 

Residence of Representative elect 

2174. If the election be to fill the vacancy of an unexpired term, let the 
fact appear on the certificate, and designate the Representative elect by his high- 
est rank or title in the Order. Grand Representatives shall be furnished by the 
Grand Bodies which they represent with such certificates ash sail be required by 
law. 

2175. The Grand Secretary is instructed to prepare the form of Bond approved 
by the Grand Lodge for use of Lodges in this Jurisdiction, and distribute the 
same to the Subordinate Lodges in such manner as will best secure the desired 
result. 

2176. Grand Secretaries, in jurisdictions where Homes of the Order are 
maintained, are required to obtain full and complete reports from such Homes 
annually, and forward the same to the Grand Secretary of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge. 

2177. The names of the Secretaries of the Lodges, together with the post 
office addresses, are to be printed by the Grand Secretary in the Annual 
Journal. 

2178. The Grand Secretary is authorized to print in the Appendix to the 
Journal, the Reports of the District Deputy Grand Masters, so far as the 
same are proper for publication, together with such other matters as may 
be of general interest to the Order. 

2179. The Standing Committees and the full term for whichi they were 
appointed shall appear in the annual Journals of the Grand Lodge. 

2180. A Withdrawal or Visiting Card or Official Certificate is complete with- 
out the counter-signature of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State 
in which the Card or Certificate is issued. 

2181. The Unwritten Work is to be in the custody of the Grand Sec- 
retary. 

2182. The Grand Secretary is the custodian of the Cipher Keys, which he 
can only sell to Secretaries of Lodges. l 

2183. On or before the first day of December of each year the Annual 
Traveling Pass Word for the ensuing year is transmitted to the Grand Sec- 
retary by the officers of th© Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2184. The Grand Secretary shall keep a record of the name and address 
of all applicants for membership who have been rejected in the Subordinate 
Lodges. Whether the application was made for admission by initiation, 
Visiting or Withdrawal Card, Defunct Lodge Certificate, Official Certificate 
or Dismissal Certificate, and likewise of all cases of suspension on charges, 
expulsion or restoration to membership. 

2185. The Grand Secretary is the proper officer to whom application 
shall be made by a member of a defunct Lodge for a Withdrawal Card, Defunct 
Lodge Certificate or Dismissal Certificate, and to whom the applicant shall 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 237 

GRAND SECRETARY. 

present satisfactory evidence of former membership, when the books of the 
Lodge are not in the hands of the Grand Secretary, and also to whom evi- 
dence is to be presented that the applicant is, at the time, worthy of recom- 
mendation to the friendship and protection of the brotherhood. 



GRAND REPRESENTATIVE. 

2186. To be eligible for Grand Representative in this jurisdiction the 
candidate must be at the time of his election a Past Grand in good standing and 
a member of a Subordinate Lodge and a Rebekah Lodge in good standing. He 
must have received the Royal Purple Degree, be a memDer in good standing of an 
Encampment in good standing, and he must reside in the state, district or terri- 
tory in which the Grand Lodge or Grand Encampment which he represents is 
located. 

2187. A Grand Representative cannot represent more than one Grand Body 
at the same time. 

2188. A Past Grand who may be nominated and who may accept the 
nomination of Grand Representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, is re- 
quired to forward to the Grand Secretary a certificate of good standing from 
the Encampment of which he is at the time a contributing member of the 
Royal Purple Degree. No acceptance of the nomination for the aforesaid of- 
fice shall have force without the reception of such certificate, it shall be the 
duty of the Grand Master or Grand Secretary to certify in relation to the 
eligibility of candidates. 

2189. It is the duty of the Grand Representatives on return from a ses- 
sion of the Sovereign Grand Lodge to instruct the Grand Lodge in the work 
of the Order. 

2190. It is the duty of the Grand Representatives to report all enactments 
of the Sovereign Grand Lodge in the matter of general law, and to report 
to the Grand Lodge all proceedings affecting its interests or the well being 
of the Order. 

2191. It is the duty of a Grand Representative not to antagonize his Grand 
Lodge, but to represent its views and protect its interests. 

2192. A Past Grand who resides in one Jurisdiction is ineligible to the 
office of Grand Representative in another. 

2193. A Past Grand elected Grand Representative in one jurisdiction 
while residing in another cannot become eligible to the office by removing 
into the jurisdiction after his election therein. 

2194. The Sovereign Grand Lodge alone has power to pass upon and 
determine who is entitled to a seat in that body. 

2195. The Sovereign Grand Lodge will not go behind a certificate of 
appointment to fill a vacancy appearing on its face to be authentic and in 
legal form when there is no adverse claim to the seat, nor any exception 
to the issuance of the certificate. 

2196. A candidate for Grand Representative should possess all the qual- 
ifications prescribed by the Constitution at the time of his election; but he 
may be nominated before he has attained the Royal Purple Degree, and if 
he receives that degree between that time and the time the votes are cast 
for him his election will be legal. 

2197. A brother who is elected a Grand Representative while he is sus- 
pended in his Rebekah Lodge for non-payment of dues does not become 
eligible by being reinstated therein after his election. He must possess the 
necessary qualifications at the time of his election. 

2198. The office of Grand Representative is a vested right for two years, 
and so long as a Representative has and maintains the qualifications pre- 



238 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

GRAND REPRESENTATIVE. 

scribed by Section 3, Article IX., of the Constitution of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, this right cannot be divested, and if complications of business pre- 
vent a return to his jurisdiction before the second session, his office is not 
forfeited nor his domicile lost by such temporary residence. A resolution 
of his Grand Body that a Grand Representative must return to his jurisdic- 
tion before January 1st prescribes an additional qualification, and for that 
reason is unconstitutional. 

2199. Grand Representatives shall be furnished by the Grand Bodies 
which they represent with such certificates as shall be required by law. 

2200. Certificates of Grand Representatives should be signed by the 
officers serving when the certificates are issued. 

2201. Immediately after the election of a Grand Representative it shall 
be the duty of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge which he is to rep- 
resent to forward to the Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
a duplicate copy of said Representative's certificate of election. 

2202. When the credentials of a Grand Representative are presented 
to the Sovereign Grand Lodge before he can be recognized, his certificate 
should be referred to a committee, whose duty it shall be to examine its 
authenticity and also the qualifications of the Representative. 

2203. A newly elected Grand Representative cannot be regarded as a 
member until his credentials shall have been received and the justice of 
his claim to a seat acknowledged by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and until 
thus duly admitted no brother can take part in any of the proceedings of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge. He is not a Grand Representative until his cre- 
dentials have been accepted, and cannot wear the regalia of a Grand Rep- 
resentative until that time. A brother elected Grand Representative does 
not become such in fact until his credentials have been approved by the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

GRAND SIRE. 

See Sovereign Grand Lodge. General Law. Local Law- 

2204. A Subordinate Lodge under the jurisdiction of a duly organized 
and chartered Grand Lodge, has no right to submit any questions to the 
Grand Sire for his decisions, nor to take any appeal to him upon any real 
or supposed grievance, nor has the Grand Sire any power or authority to 
entertain, answer, or decide any such questions or appeals, if so submitted. 

2205. During the recess of the Sovereign Grand Lodge he has a general 
superintendence of the interests of the Order. He may hear and decide 
such questions as may be submitted to him by the several State Grand 
Lodges and Encampments or by the Grand Master or Grand Patriarchs, or 
by the Grand Representatives. And his decision upon all appeals and ques- 
tions so submitted to him shall be binding upon the bodies or persons sub- 
mitting the same until reversed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. At every 
communication of the Sovereign Grand Lodge he shall make a report ia 
writing of all his official acts and decisions during the recess. 

2206. His duties are not enlarged by the clause in the Constitution of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge that he shall have " general superintendence of the inter- 
ests of the Order," as these are intended to be executive and not judicial duties. 

2207. He has no power to suspend a Grand Master or any officer of the Grand 
Lodge from the exercise of the duties of such office 

2208. The Grand Sire is clothed with certain executive and judicial powers. 
These are committed to and are to be exercised by him personally, and in pursu- 
ance of a well-understood maxim cannot be delegated to another unless so per- 
mitted by the terms of the instrument creating the office and defining its functions 
and duties. The constitution in express terms authorizes the Grand Sire in cer- 
tain cases to depute his authority, and by prescribing when he can depute, the 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 239 

GRAND SIRE. 

law by a well-understood rule of construction, excludes deputation by him in all 
other cases. 

2209. It is not within the province of the Grand Sire to nullify or "nolo 
up" a law of the Sovereign Grand Lodge because he may believe that its en- 
actment was neither wise, judicious or patriotic. It is his duty to construe it 
without reference to any such considerations, and as construed by him to en- 
force it. If he considers it Constitutional, as enacted, he must enforce it, with- 
out adjudicating upon its wisdom, judiciousness or patriotism; these are 
questions which concern only the legislative judgment of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge. 

2210. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has decided that where it directs a 
Grand Lodge to instruct one of its Subordinate Lodges to renew the trial 
of a member who had been expelled, it does not fall within the province of 
the Grand Sire to decide whether or not it is the duty of the Grand Master 
of that jurisdiction in vacation to instruct the Subordinate Lodge to carry 
out the directions of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2211. And it has also decided that the Grand Sire has no power or 
authority to issue a mandate directing or ordering a Grand Master to re- 
store one of its subordinates which he has suspended for refusing t© obey 
his directions. 

2212. The Grand Sire has no power, by dispensation or otherwise, to 
authorize the Grand Lodge, by a unanimous vote, to adjourn to a place other , 
than that provided in its Constitution, or do anything in violation of its or- 
ganic law. 

2218. The Grand Lodge of a jurisdiction passed a resolution changing its time 
of meeting. This was in contravention of a provision of its constitution, which 
provided that all amendments to it must lie over to the next annual session. Thf. 
Grand Sire, being appealed to, decided that the Grand Lodge must meet on the 
day provided by its constitution. Held, although the action of the Grand Lodge 
in changing the time of meeting was illegal, the invalidity of its action results not 
from any lack of power, but from its failure to pursue the method prescribed for 
that purpose by its constitution. 

2214. A decision of the Grand Sire reported to the next session of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, and not reversed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, 
stands as general law, immediately operative. 

2215. A decision of a Grand Sire, when approved by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, reverses a former decision which is in conflict therewith. 

2216. The Grand Sire, in making his decisions sends, a copy only to the 
parties interested; he does not publish them until he submits them to the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge for approval. 

GRAND WARDEN. 

2217. He shall put all questions of appeal that may be taken from the 
decision of the Grand Master. 

2218. In the absence of the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, 
he shall preside at the meetings of the Grand Lodge. 

2219. In the absence of the Deputy Grand Master at the meetings of the 
Grand Lodge, he shall perform the duties of that officer. 

2220. He, or the Deputy Grand Master, shall act upon the certificates of 
Past Grands, and approve them, if correct. 

2221. A Grand Warden performing the duties of Deputy Grand Master, 
without having been duly elected and installed therein, is not entitled to take 
the rank of a Deputy Grand Master. 



240 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

HALLS. 

See Real Estate. 

2222. A hall is a covered edifice, or room, usually of stately dimensions, 
devoted to public business. The name became associated with the Order 
through the fact that the earliest Lodges in this country were instituted 
in public taverns, which, to suit the conditions of business peculiar to those 
days, maintained these public assembling places. The designation has largely 
been superseded by the more correct title, "Lodge Room." 

2223. The occupying of a hall by a Lodge, whether by lease of purchase, 
makes it a hall of the Order, without regard to who may be the owner of 
the property so occupied. 

2224. A Lodge may, for the purpose of providing a place for its meet- 
ings, use a reasonable portion of its funds to purchase stock in an Odd 
Fellows' Hall Association, although such hall or building, when erected, will 
be in part used for other than the Order's purposes; or it may build a hall, 
either alone or jointly with some other organization. 

2225. Lodges cannot assess their members a specific sum for necessary 
expenses in fitting up a hall and procuring necessary fixtures. They are 
authorized to adopt certain rates of regular dues necessary for providing 
funds with which to pay their legitimate expenses. 

2226. The Grand Lodge disapproves of Lodges meeting in taverns. Un- 
der any circumstances, no Lodge should be instituted in any portion of a 
tavern, and those who meet in taverns should, as speedily as possible, re- 
move therefrom. 

2227. The Sovereign Grand Lodge believes in a Lodge owning its own 
property, but under no circumstances should they be permitted to rent or 
lease property owned by them for saloon purposes. 

2228. The property in which a Subordinate Lodge was held should be 
a place where all gentlemen could attend, without the necessity of passing 
through a saloon, and, if possible, to permit no property in the possession 
of a Lodge to be connected with a saloon, and under no circumstances 
should intoxicating liquors be dispensed in or about a Lodge room. 

2229. A Lodge shall not lease any part of its Lodge property, or prop- 
erty in its control, directly or indirectly, to any person or persons, to be used 
as a saloon or place to dispense intoxicants and beverages to be drunk there 
and then on the premises. 

2230. Two propositions were before a Lodge — it being obliged to arrange 
for a new hall — one to buy a lot and build, which would involve the expendi- 
ture of all the funds of the Lodge, and leave them, besides, $800 in debt. 
The other was a proposition of a member to erect a building, making a suit- 
able hall on the second story, which he would give the Lodge sole control of 
for a term of years, at $50 a year, the Lodge advancing him, on the com- 
pletion of the building, $400 in pre-payment of rent, the interest on each re- 
maining amount to be deducted as the yearly rental shall become due. The 
Lodge adopted the latter proposition, and the building was articled for and 
commenced. The Treasurer, in the meantime, announced his determination 
to refuse payment of the $400 when drawn on for it, on the ground that it 
was prohibited, being, in effect, a loan to a member. It was decided that 
it was not a loan to a member in the sense expressed in the law prohibiting 
the same, but was really paying rent in advance to the advantage of the 
Lodge. The Lodge was to be congratulated on its good judgment in refusing 
to sink its "trust funds" in the reckless project of building a hall that could 
not be a financial success, with a debt of $800 besides. 

2231. All spirituous, vinous and malt liquors shall be excluded from the 
Lodge rooms and ante-rooms or halls connected with or adjoining thereto 
under the control of any Subordinate or Degree Lodge or Encampment of 
this Order. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 241 

HALLS. 

2232. A Grand Lodge cannot compel a Lodge to meet in any particular 
room against the consent of sucli Subordinate Lodge. The Grand Lodge, 
however, has authority to prohibit meetings from being held at places that 
may not be deemed sufficiently private and secure from intrusion. Any 
order of the Grand Lodge which prohibits a Lodge from meeting in a suitable 
room is erroneous. 

2233. While a Lodge may be organized in a good building on the ground 
floor, all Lodges are admonished to see to it that no person is permitted to 
gain knowledge of what is going on in the Lodge room by approaching it 
too closely. 

2234. No Lodge room within the jurisdiction of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge shall be used for the conferring of any degrees or secret work not 
provided for by the existing laws of the Order, and any officer of subordinate 
or other Lodge or Lodges who may aid or permit such degrees to be con- 
ferred in such Lodge rooms shall be guilty of a violation of the laws of the 
Order; provided, that this resolution shall not be interpreted so as to affect 
any such proceedings as may be had in such Lodge rooms by other secret 
organizations not under the color of Odd Fellowship. 

2235. The use of the name, symbols, initials, or emblems of the I. O. O. F. 
in connection with any enterprise to be known as an I. O. O. F. or Odd Fel- 
lows' Hall or Building Association, or I. O. O. F. or Odd Fellows' Building 
and Loan Association, or any such association limiting its membership to 
members of our Order, or any such association limiting its management to 
our membership is illegal No Grand Lodge has any authority to give its 
sanction to any such enterprise. Any Odd Fellow violating the provisions of this 
resolution shall, on conviction thereof, be expelled. The several Grand Juris- 
dictions are requested and instructed to enforce this law. Nothing herein shall 
he construed against or inhibit the building and support of any temples, widows' 
and orphans' homes, asylums, schools or halls which are used or to be erected 
and maintained within the legitimate purposes of the I. 0. 0. F. 

2236. An association incorporated under the name of "Odd Fellows' 
Building Association, Limited," organized for the purpose of providing ways 
and means for the profitable investment of its funds in the purchase of land 
and the erection and maintenance thereon of a building to be known as 
"Odd Fellows' Hall," and not limiting its membership to the members of the 
Order, is in conflict with the above law. 

2237. It is within the power of a Grand Lodge, to which application is 
made for the use of the name of the Order, to decide whether or not the 
enterprise for which such application is made comes within the legitimate 
uses of the Order; but the decision of such Grand Lodge must be in pur- 
suance of the legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and especially in 
furtherance of the specific prohibitions and general tenor of the resolution of 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge. Such decision must, of course also be made 
subject to the revisory jurisdiction of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2238. It is not lawful for an association of members to be formed and 
incorporated under the civil law with the name and title of "Odd Fellows' 
Building Association" for the purpose of erecting a building (as an invest- 
ment) — said building to be known as an Odd Fellows' building — and for such 
association to solicit members to invest therein without first obtaining the 
consent of the State Grand Body, and strictly complying with the laws of 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge regarding insurance societies and other laws 
prohibiting the use of the name and title of the Order in private enterprises. 

2239. The legislation embodied in the above Sections had for its chief 
purpose the prohibition of the use of the names, symbols, initials or em- 
blems of the I. O. O. F. in connection with Building Associations, which were 
business enterprises and carried on for profit. That the privilege and pur- 
pose contained in the exception just quoted might not be abused, it was 
wisely provided that any enterprise in the nature of an Odd Fellows' Building 



242 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

HALLS. 

Association should first have the consent of the State Grand Body of the 
jurisdiction, and comply strictly with the law. This regulation was intended 
to secure a two-fold object of confining the building enterprise strictly to 
the purpose of the Order, and keeping it under the control, management and 
ownership of the Order. Im any building enterprise, having for its object 
the providing of an Odd Fellows' Temple or building for the accommodation 
of the meetings and work of the organizations of the Order, the Grand Body 
having jurisdiction, or its Executive Grand Officer in vacation should see to it 
that the Building should be under such control and ownership of the Order, 
through its organizations and members, and that it should not partake of a busi- 
ness enterprise for profit. 

2240. If only controlled and owned by the organizations and member* 
of the Order, the fact that incidentally some portion of it not needed by or 
adapted to the uses of the Order, should be let or used for other purposes, 
would not necessarily divest it of its character of a building for the Order. 

2241. The power to regulate this subject given to Grand Bodies does not, 
of course, contemplate that any financial responsibility whatever shall be 
assumed by the Grand Body, but only that satisfactory showing as to the 
management and ownership of the building, and uses of the same shall be 
made before it can proceed in the name or under the auspices of the Order. 

2242. Before giving its consent the Grand Lodge or its Representatives 
can very properly also consider the proposed basis of the erection and 
maintenance of the building, so as to determine the probable financial safety 
of the same. Wihen the organizations and members of the Order are well 
prepared in a community to erect and maintain a building for the uses ot 
Odd Fellowship, it is helpful and favorable; but in a number of instances 
buildings or temples for the use of the Order have been erected, and for 
want of proper business organization and control, have been lost to the 
Order, and much injury thereby done. 

2243. The following is suggested for the guidance of Grand Bodies and 
Grand Officers, under the legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

1st. That they should be satisfied that the erection and future control 
tended in good faith, only for the uses of the Order, and that profit or spec- 
ulation is not the purpose. 

2nd. That, though profit and speculation should not be the inducement 
to the enterprise, it is not objectionable if the building plan and management 
is such that, subject and incidental to the main purpose, there should be an 
income from such parts of the building as would not be needed or adapted 
for the uses of the Order. 

3rd. That they should be satisfied that the erection and future control 
of the building should be with the organizations and members of the Order, 
and under their ownership. 

4th. That the business basis for the erection, management and use of 
the building should be such as to reasonably promise successful mainte- 
nance of the same, and not result in financial loss to organizations and 
members, and the hurtful consequences resulting from the same. Of course, 
there cannot be absolute assurance of safety from such loss, but what is 
meant is that there should be such business plans as will indicate success- 
ful results in the erection of the building, and the continued use and owner- 
ship of it by the Order. 

HAZARDOUS OCCUPATION. 

2244. It is within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge to approve of the 
By-Laws of a subordinate which provides for the payment of a higher rate 
of dues by those whose occupations are of such a hazardous nature as to 
make them more liable to accident, or by reason of their residing in a local- 
ity where the climatic conditions increase their liability to disease, than is 
required of the member living under ordinary conditions. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 243 

HOLIDAYS. 

2245. It shall be lawful for the Subordinate Lodges of this Order, when- 
ever their regular stated meetings fall upon any national anniversary, Thanks- 
giving, and other legally established or generally recognized holidays, to 
omit holding a meeting. 



2246. A meeting held on a public holiday is legal. 



2247. The Grand Lodge can legislate to permit the Subordinate 
Lodges to wear regalia on a holiday, and not conflict with the rights and 
duties of a Grand Master, requiring him to secure a direct promise concern- 
ing intoxicating beverages. The prohibition against the use of intoxicating 
beverages, and their being offered to members and guests on such occasions, 
applies and is enforceable without a promise. The Grand Lodge has the 
right so to legislate; provided the day selected is a proper occasion and one 
that did not involve any immorality or impropriety. 

2248. Permission is given to any Lodge that desires it, to celebrate Dec- 
oration Day, May 30th, and 4th of July, by appearing in public in regaila; 
provided, that the rules and regulations of the Order be observed. 

2249. The meeting of a Subordinate Lodge on a legal holiday would be 
legal and valid, unless inhibited by local law. All business transacted at 
such meeting would be legal and valid, unless inhibited by the local law of 
the Order or by the law of the land. 

HOLY BIBLE. 

2250. The Holy Bible is an integral part of Odd Fellowship, and it Is 
bo regarded by the Sovereign Grand Lodge; and it is necessary that it should 
be present in every Lodge while open for business. 

2251. The Bible is our great Chart, and from it our Ritual is taken; and 
it is right and proper to have a portion of it read at each meeting or a Lodge, 
if the Lodge desires to have it so done. 

HOMES. 

(a). General Principles. (c). Orphan's Homes. 

(b.) Homes for Aged and Indigent. (d). Report. 

8 * Committee on Homes and Kindred Charities. See Inmate of Home. 

Orphans. Orphan's Asylum Fund. 

(a). General Principles. 

2252. The Grand Lodge has authority to adopt such laws for the purpose 
of establishing and maintaining Homes for aged and indigent Odd Fellows 
and widows of deceased members of the Order, and Homes for the care, 
protection and education of orphans of deceased Odd Fellows as it may de- 
termine to be consistent with the welfare of the Order in this Jurisdiction. 

2253. At a session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge (Portland, 1892), the 
following resolution was adopted. 

Whereas, The question of raising funds for the purpose of establishing 
and maintaining homes for aged and indigent Odd Fellows and widows of de- 
ceased members of the Order, and Homes for the care, protection and educa- 
tion of orphans of deceased Odd Fellows, is a matter of great and vital im- 
portance to many jurisdictions. 

Whereas, There exists a doubt as to the right of State Grand Bodies to 
raise funds under the laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, as they now exist, 
for the above specified purposes; therefore 

Resolved, That State Grand Bodies are permitted to adopt such laws for 
the purpose of establishing and maintaining Homes for aged and indigent 
Odd Fellows, and widows of deceased brothers of the Order, and Homes 
for the care, protection and education of orphans of deceased Odd Fellows, 



244 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

HOMES— General Principles. 

as they may determine to be consistent with the welfare of the Order in their 
respective jurisdictions. 

Subsequent to the passage of this resolution, but at the same session, 
the following resolution was offered: 

•'Resolved. That when any Subordinate Dodge shall determine to estab- 
lish any Home or Homes for the widows of deceased Odd Fellows, or for the 
education or support of the children of indigent or deceased Odd Fellows, 
they are hereby authorized to use their funds to maintain and support the 
same. 

This resolution was rejected, and the following, as a substitute therefor, 
was adopted: 

Resolved, That the State Grand Dodges and Grand Encampments may 
donate any surplus funds they may be possessed of for the purposes set forth 
in said resolution. 

These two resolutions, passed by the Sovereign Grand Dodge at its ses- 
sion in 1892, taking effect January 1, 1893, constitute the only power con- 
ferred upon State Grand Dodges to create and maintain Homes for the Order 
as above set forth. 

2254. The second resolution, as submitted to the Sovereign Grand Dodge, 
authorized State Jurisdictions to use their funds to establish and maintain these 
Homes; but the resolution as passed authorized the donation of any surplus 
fund on hand for that purpose. The effect of this second resolution 
is to authorize State Grand Dodges to donate their surplus funds for these 
purposes — a means provided for disposing of the surplus in the treasury. 
The changing of the language of the resolution as offered, which reads, "are 
authorized to use their funds to maintain and support the same" so as to 
read, "may donate any surplus 'funds they may be possessed of," clearly 
indicates the construction that must be placed upon this resolution. In the 
resolution as submitted, the Grand Dodge was authorized to use its funds 
to support and maintain these Homes, but the Sovereign Grand Dodge 
changed this language, making it read, "may donate any surplus funds they 
may be possessed of." The only purpose of this resolution was to permit 
donations by the State Jurisdiction of surplus funds on hand, and was not 
intended to limit or restrict the powers conferred to create funds for this 
purpose. The first resolution confers general authority upon State Jurisdic- 
tions to establish and maintain Homes generally, while the second resolution 
authorizes these jurisdictions to contribute by giving to these' Homes any 
surplus in the treasury. The one is the delegation of general authority to 
create and maintain, while the other is the specific authority to make d»> 
nations. With this construction, both resolutions can be given full force and 
effect, while with the other construction almost the entire effect of this 
legislation would be destroyed. It is urged that these two resolutions, hav- 
ing been passed at the same session of the Sovereign Grand Dodge, must 
be construed together, and that the second is a limitation of the power con- 
ferred by the first; that it was the intention to limit the power of State 
Jurisdictions to the donation of surplus funds for the creation and mainte- 
nance of Homes. This second resolution is not a limitation of the powers 
conferred by the first, but is rather the delegation of additional powers. 
These two resolutions, being the only legislation of the Sovereign Grand 
Dodge conferring authority upon State Grand Dodges, and having been 
passed by the same body at the same session, must receive such a con- 
struction as will allow them both to stand, and give full force and effect to 
each, if possible. 

2255. Upon the question of establishing and maintaining these Homes, 
the Sovereign Grand Dodge passed the first of these resolutions, which of 
itself clearly confers the power upon State Jurisdictions to create and main- 
tain these Homes. The authority to create and maintain, necessarily carries 
with it the power to raise money to establish and maintain Homes; for with- 
out the power to raise money for this purpose, the authority conferred would 
be ineffectual. By this first resolution it was left to State Jurisdictions to 
determine and pass upon the necessity for the establishment and mainte- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 245 

HOMES— General Principles. 

nance of such an institution. When the State Jurisdiction has passed upon 
this question and determined the necessity to exist, it is then left to tnat 
jurisdiction to determine the manner of establishing and the means of main- 
taining the Home. This resolution is a delegation of power to the State 
Jurisdiction, and there is no limitation of this power except in the Consti- 
tution and By-Laws of the State Grand Lodge and the will of the Grand 
Lodge itself. The preambles to the resolutions show beyond peradventure 
that their intent was to enable Grand Lodges to raise funds for the purposes 
enumerated. It will be seen that the very object of the resolution, ex- 
pressed in the preambles, was to settle beyond all question and doubt the 
right and power of Grand Lodges to raise funds for the purposes named. 
To hold, therefore, that the resolution does not carry with it this necessary 
incidental power would be to fly in the very face of the statement of the 
purpose intended to be secured by the adoption of the resolution. 

2256. The Grand Lodge cannot lawfully authorize or recognize the or- 
ganization, under the laws of this state, of a corporation to own and conduct a 
Home for the aged and infirm Odd Fellows, or the widows and orphans of 
Odd Fellows, over which the Grand Lodge would not have full control by 
reason of a provision that any person or number of persons may become 
members of the corporation, and vote for and elect the directors, which di- 
rectors have the exclusive management and control of the corporation, 
conducting its business, controlling its property and appointing all officers, 
agents and servants, removing them at pleasure, fixing their compensation 
and prescribing their duties. The Grand Lodge cannot levy a per capita 
tax for the maintenance of such a Home, nor can it permit its subordinates 
to appropriate their general or widow and orphans' fund for its support. 

2257. The Grand Lodge can only authorize the creation of, or recognize 
a corporation for the purpose of promoting, locating and controlling an Odd 
Fellows' Home of any kind in accordance with the general laws of the Order, 
and when created, such Home must be subject to the control of the Grand 
Lodge at all times. It cannot legally provide that such Home, when created, 
shall be "free from all interference, except upon the part of the Grand 
Lodge in session assembled." 

2258. The Grand Lodge may create a benevolent corporation, under the 
laws of the State, for the purpose of erecting and managing a Home ex- 
clusively for aged Odd Fellows, or widows or orphans of Odd Fellows; pro- 
vided the same is to be under the control of Trustees elected by the Grand 
Lodge, who, in turn, are both members and Trustees of the Grand Lodge. 

2259. The Grand Lodge may erect or recognize a benevolent corpora- 
tion, under the laws of the State, for the above named purposes, to be com- 
posed of the voluntary membership of Lodges which may join, these Lodges 
being subject to certain dues; and when this corporation has been brought 
under the control of the Grand Lodge, the fact that a corporation composed 
as aforesaid is not under the entire and complete control of the Grand Lodge, 
does not prevent the Grand Lodge from donating to it a sum equal to say 
ten cents per member for this year, and increasing its per capita tax accord- 
ingly. 

2260. "While in the exercise of these powers to establish and maintain 
Homes the Grand Lodge has the right to use benevolent corporations, or- 
ganized under the laws of the State, the members of these corporations 
must, however, be Grand Lodge Trustees, or Grand Lodge Representatives, 
Lodge Representatives, or such members of the Order, members of the 
Grand Lodge, as will be subject to its control and direction, thus directly 
bringing the corporation into the relation of a subordinate to this Grand 
Lod^e. 

2261. The question of establishing and maintaining these Homes has 
been delegated to, and vested in, Grand Bodies. This power necessarily im- 
plies the power to raise money for the support of such Homes by a per 
capita tax, or such other form of tax levied against their subordinates as 



246 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

HOMES— General Principles. 

the Grand Bodies may determine to be consistent with the welfare of the 
Order in their respective jurisdictions. In the case under consideration 
the Grand Lodge has done that which it had a right to do in making a do- 
nation of a sum equal to ten cents per member for this year, and directing its 
Finance Committee to make proper provision for the same. 

2262. That in the discharge of the sacred duty to care for the aged and 
infirm, the widows and orphans of Odd Fellows, the Grand Lodge has the 
legal right and full power to make reasonable and necessary assessments 
upon its subordinates to provide and maintain Homes for such dependents, 
is a correct exposition of recent legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge; 
but from facts brought to the attention of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, this is 
a. power in the exercise of which much caution and deliberation should char- 
acterize the action of the Grand Lodge. 

2263. While it is obvious that if the Order is to accept aid in the main- 
tenance of Homes, only when it comes by way of donations that are with- 
out restrictions of any kind, it will shut itself out from the benefit of the 
liberality and benevolent intentions of many friends of our Order, as it is 
a rare thing to find any one donating valuable property to benevolent 
purposes without restriction of condition, or without throwing about the 
grant such safeguards and means of control as, in the estimation of the 
donor, may most certainly and effectually secure the intent of the donation, 
Nevertheless, if the acceptance of the gift will necessitate an increased per 
capita tax burden upon the Lodges, the acceptance should be the result of 
much caution, and careful consideration and deliberation on the part of the 
Grand Lodge; but, having accepted the gift, witn all its conditions, it is not 
the province of the Sovereign Grand Lodge to question the wisdom of the 
action of the Grand Lodge; provided, that it does not violate the laws of 
the Order. 

[Note. — In order that there may be a proper understanding of the general laws 
relating to the Homes of the Order, so far as they bear upon the several Homes in Penn- 
sylvania it is necessary to present here the following obsolete or repealed law of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge relating to the subject ; Sections 2264-2268.] 

2264. In 1870. The Sovereign Grand Lodge adopted the following: 

As time progresses in the history of our Order the necessity strength- 
ens for making more efficient provision for the support of valetudinary 
brothers than is made under existing practice. Our present system of weekly 
benefits is designed merely to afford relief, not support, to sick and dis- 
abled members; but the time is rapidly coming, anu in the older jurisdictions 
already arrived, when a class of membership, disabled by age from con- 
tributing to their own maintenance, will be proper objects for the special 
care of the fraternity. 

In the days of our present prosperity the Order should be actively en- 
gaged in making the most ample provisions for our future needs, and none is 
more appropriate than the preparation of asylums wherein the brothers 
worn out by age and infirmity may pass the remainder of their days in 
quietude and comfort. 

The propriety of entering, without delay, into this special field of 
benevolence and duty is recommended to the earnest consideration of Grand 
Lodges and Grand Encampments, and to the subordinate bodies throughout 
the entire jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. 

The Sovereign Grand Lodge has no special form or plan to submit or 
recommend; circumstances will undoubtedly vary the mode of operation to 
suit the several localities, and it is better that perfect freedom should be 
allowed to test the various plans that may be projected, when experience 
will ultimately decide on the best. 

But would respectfully suggest that the small weekly contribution of one cent 
per week from the membership of the several Subordinate Lodges in the whole 
jurisdiction would amount to the annual income of one hundred and fifty-five 
thousand dollars, a sum fully sufficient to accomplish the object in view. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 247 

HOMES— General Principles. 

In order that as little time as possible may be lost in proceeding to the 
work, it is suggested that any number of Lodges in any jurisdiction be au- 
thorized to take initial steps toward organizing asylums for aged Odd Fel- 
lows in their several localities or jurisdictions. 

The subject of schools and asylums for the orphans of the Order is one 
that is beginning to awaken general attention, and efforts are being made 
in various jurisdictions to establish institutions that will aid in the execu- 
tion of the commands of the supreme authority of Odd Fellowship. It is 
now (1870) thirty-nine years since Maryland entered upon the education of 
orphans, and the results have been highly gratifying, and should serve as 
an incentive to other jurisdictions to earnest endeavors in the same direc- 
tion. It is true that in some States the public schools are of so excellent a 
character that the ordinary needs of education are amply supplied, but there 
are numerous cases wherein orphans are compelled to labor for their own 
support at an age when they should be attending the school. There are 
others that need the restraining influence of a home and pure associations 
to enable them to attain to the condition in life that is desirable both tor 
themselves and society. The Sovereign Grand Lodge therefore feels it to be 
a duty to encourage the establishment of asylums and schools for the pro- 
tection and education of the orphans of deceased Odd Fellows. 

Resolved, That the Grand Lodges be requested to take action at as early 
a day as possible, and where practicable to provide for the establishment 
of suitable places where the orphan children of the members of the Order, 
in their several jurisdictions, may be supported and educated; also for the 
valetudinary members of the Order, where they may be comfortably sup- 
ported during the remnant of their days. 

Resolved, That in cases where Grand Lodges may omit to take action 
in relation to either of these objects, any Lodge, or members of Lodges in 
such jurisdiction are authorized to raise the funds necessary to apply the 
same in the establishment and support of such institutions or asylums. 

2255. This law was accepted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and 
therefore the utmost that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania could do, in 
pursuance of the limited authority vested in it, and in view of the broad 
powers vested in the Subordinate Lodges by the above legislation of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge in 1870, was to approve the dispensation granted by 
the Grand Master, authorizing conventions of representatives of Lodges to 
meet and organize a Home, and where it was a Home for Aged Odd Fellows, 
to permit the Lodges, members of the Homes, to tax their respective members 
one cent per week for the benefit of the Home. 

2266. In pursuance of the legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge in 
1870, the following Homes were organized in this jurisdiction, viz.: 

The Odd Fellows' Home of Western Pennsylvania. 

The Odd Fellows' Home of Pennsylvania. 

The Home for Orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania. 

Home for Widows and Orphans of Pennsylvania. 

These Homes were severally authorized by this Grand Lodge, and the 
Lodges allowed to associate for the purpose of extending the beneficial 
operation into fields which time and experience had shown were required, 
or to carry into living beneficial effect the fourth commandment, which 
pledges to the orphan the support and care of the Order. In pursuance of 
this legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge in 1870, all these Homes 
have been established under the authority of this Grand Lodge as ah ex- 
tension of the beneficial system. It is impossible to do this work in the 
Lodges, and therefore they have been severally authorized to carry it on 
through their several representatives elected and accredited as such to 
the respective associations; and for the better carrying out of this pur- 
pose, these associations have been severally incorporated under the laws 
of the State of Pennsylvania: 

2267. Notwithstanding the clear terms of this resolution of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge in 1870, vesting in the Subordinate Lodges and the individual 



248 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

HOMES— General Principles. 

members of the Order the authority to establish and maintain these Homes, 
there was an almost constant presentation of questions involving the right of 
the Grand Lodges to severally levy and assess taxes to provide suitable 
places for the education of orphans, and for the establishment of asylums 
for the aged. 

2268. The law of 1870 was repealed, in 1887, by the following resolution, 
viz.: 

Resolved, That State Grand Lodges and Encampments may provide, by 
Constitutional enactment, for the creation and maintenance of Homes for 
aged and indigent Odd Fellows; provided, however, said bodies shall not 
make assessments on their subordinates for the purpose of erecting and 
maintaining the same. 

2269. This law of 1887, in turn, was substantially repealed by the law of 
1892, as herein set forth in Section 2253, and as found in Sovereign Grand 
Lodge Reports, page 13017. The Odd Fellows' Home of Western Pennsyl- 
vania, The Home for Orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania, and The Home 
for Widows and Orphans of Pennsylvania, have accepted the legislation of 
1892, and have become purely representative institutions ; excepting, of course, 
those life members that were admitted prior to their several acceptances of the 
legislation of 1892, which life memberships, having been acquired in pursuance 
of the express provisions of the legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge in 1870, 
are necessarily protected. 

2270. Inasmuch as the Odd Fellows Home of Pennsylvania has ob- 
tained vested rights under the legislation of 1870, it would appear that until 
the Grand Lodge directs otherwise, in determining the rights and privileges 
of this Home, it will be necessary to consider the law of 1870 as still in 
force, as the Grand Master has no power to interpret the law as it applies to 
an act already committed by the Grand Lodge. 

2271. In pursuance of the powers vested in the Grand Lodge, the follow- 
ing Homes have been established in this jurisdiction: 

The Odd Fellows' Home of Pennsylvania, located southeast corner Seven- 
teenth and Tioga streets, Philadelphia; chartered in Pniladelphia County, 
July 10, 1875 ; owns, in fee, a large corner lot property, with suitable buildings 
thereon, valued at $56,500, and maintains 61 aged brothers. 

The Odd Fellows' Home of Western Pennsylvania, located at Meadville; 
chartered by Act of Assembly, April 3, 1872; owns, in fee, eight acres of land, 
with suitable buildings thereon, valued at $47,200; maintains 35 boys and 25 
girls. 

The Home for Orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania, located at 
Twentieth and Ontario Streets, Tioga, in Philadelphia County, Philadelphia, 
chartered December 15, 1883 ; owns, in fee, large corner lots, with two 
buildings thereon, valued at $43,954; maintains 33 boys and 25 girls. 

The Home for Widows and Orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania, 
located at Ben Avon, Allegheny County; chartered by the Allegheny County 
Courts, March 8, 1890; owns about one and one-half acres of land, with large 
buildings erected thereon, valued at $40,000; maintain. 30 boys and 31 girls. 

The Odd Fellows' Orphans' Home of Central Pennsylvania, located near 
Sunbury; chartered by the Courts of Northumberland County, January, 1897; 
owns, in fee, one hundred and seventy-six acres of land, about two-thirds of 
which is tillable, with frame (slate roof) building thereon, valued at $20,000; 
maintains 40 boys and 25 girls. 

The Odd Fellows' Home for the Aged and Infirm of Pennsylvania, located 
at Grove City; owns, in fee, a property called 'Wayside Inn," which cost, 
without any furnishings, $31,304.03, together with a large farm; maintains 15 
inmates. 

The Rebekah Home, located northeast corner Seventeenth street and 
Allegheny avenue, Philadelphia; owns, in fee, a corner property, valued at 
$10,000, subject to a mortgage of $5,000; maintains 10 aged sisters. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 249 

HOMES— General Principles. 

2272. From the foregoing it will be seen that whilst these Homes are all 
of the Order, and for the Order in Pennsylvania, they are all separate cor- 
porations. 

2273. The Orphans' Homes are the only ones supported by the Grand 
Lodge. The Odd Fellows' Home of Pennsylvania was granted authority by 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge resolution of 1870, to permit the Lodges mem- 
bers thereof to levy a tax of one cent per week upon their members for the 
support of the Home, while Homes authorized by the Grand Lodge since 1892, 
to care for and maintain aged and infirm Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania, have 
authority to collect as dues from the Lodges which voluntarily join the Home, a 
sum not exceeding one cent per week per member, and the Lodges joining the 
Home as aforesaid are hereby authorized to charge their members an additional 
sum per week for dues for this purpose, not exceeding in tbe aggregate the said 
one cent per week. Provided, tnat each Lodge incorporate this provision in its. 
By-Laws in accordance with the Laws of the Order and the regulation of its own, 
By-Laws relating to the subject of amendments. 

2274. The Rebekah Home depends upon voluntary contributions. 

2275. The Odd Fellows' Home for the Aged and infirm of Pennsylvania 
provides in its By-Laws that each Lodge a member of that corporation shall 
pay quarterly seven cents in January, and in April, July and October, six 
cents for each member on their roll of membership for the preceding quar- 
ter. 

2276. When the Meadville, Philadelphia and Ben Avon Homes were sever- 
ally incorporated, they permitted individuals to subscribe and thereby become 
associated in the management. This was not in accordance with the re- 
quirements of the Grand Lodge, for the Lodges to associate through their repre- 
sentatives, and has been corrected, so that now all the Orphans' Homes are purely 
representative institutions. 

2277. It has been thought that inasmuch as Homes are incorporated, that 
therefore they are not subject to the veto of the Subordinate Lodges, or to 
the legislative direction of this Grand Lodge, or to the executive super- 
vision and care of its officers, the same as the other subordinate bodies 
working under and by authority of this Grand Lodge. Than this there can be 
no greater error. The form of government has nothing to do with the mat- 
ter. Those in the corporation, in whatever capacity, are not there by per- 
sonal right, but as the representatives of the Lodges and other Subordinate 
Bodies who subscribed thereto. The. act and voice of the corporation is, 
therefore, but the collective voice and act of the Lodges, subject to their 
control and direction, and as these Homes are subordinate to the Lodges, 
who, in themselves, are subordinate to the Grand Lodge, and directly or in- 
directly, the Homes are ultimately subject to the same supervision and di- 
recting care. 

2278. In case of dispute in these corporations, the appeal must be to tbe 
Lodges, or, where there is a violation of the resolutions of this Grand 
Lodge, or the laws of the Order, to the Grand Master in recess. Any attempt 
to transfer the controversy to the civil courts would be a violation of the 
law prohibiting appeals to the civil courts until all the remedies in the Or- 
der have been exhausted. It is important that this principle should be clearly 
enunciated; hence the duty of clearly asserting the authority of this Grand 
Lodge as the final arbiter in the settlement of controversies or disputed 
questions that may involve the reputation, discipline and name of the Order 
in Pennsylvania, and to prevent the public scandal that would arise, and the 
bad feeling that would be engendered by rushing into civil courts and the 
public print with matter of purely internal management, and that alone con- 
cerns the Order, and for which it has adequate remedies of correction and 
discipline. 

2279. The controversy between the Odd Fellows' Home of Pennsylvania 
and one of its auxiliary Committees called the Ladies' Auxiliary Association, 

16 



250 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

HOMES— General Principles. 

and the 'Rebekah Home, as to the ownership of certain funds was appealed 
to this Grand Lodge, and finally settled in accordance with its direction. 

2280. These corporations are authorized by this Grand Lodge for the 
purpose of perfecting the beneficial system on lines that were not possible of 
attainment under the individual Lodge system, and the pages of the reports 
from year to year, and the records of the office are full of precedents, show- 
ing that these institutions are doing noble work, under the authority granted 
by this Grand Lodge, and in a manner consistent with the statement that 
the Grand Lodge is the fountain of their authority. 

2281. In 1894 the Grand Master had presented to him the question as 
to how far the Grand Lodge had secured control over these institutions. Al- 
though the record does not disclose it, yet it is matter of common history 
that at that time the Philadelphia Home acknowledged the right of the 
Grand Master to interfere, and in case of complaint the Home appointed a 
Committee of Investigation, the same as would have been required in a Sub- 
ordinate Lodge. And in a more recent controversy in the Ben Avon Home, 
concerning the admission of an orphan, acting under the direction of the 
Board of Grand Officers, the Grand Master directed them to follow the same 
course, which the Home voluntarily did. 

(b). Homes for Aged and Indigent. 

2282. A Lodge, by a majority vote, can become a member of an Odd Fel- 
lows' Home of Pennsylvania, and may contribute from its funds or assess 
its members for the support and maintenance of said Home. 

2283. It is not legal for the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- 
vania to give permission to circulate among the Lodges of his jurisdiction a 
petition asking the Lodges if they are willing to provide the means by which 
agied brethren who are worthy and in need of a home can be provided for 
upon a plan which is expressed in the following language: "We think if each 
Lodge would pay into the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania one cent per member 
per year, it would accumulate a fund each year of about $1,000, wnich would 
be used for the purpose of paying for the support of about five aged brothers 
in the Home of the Order, the aged brother to be a member-at-iarge of the 
Grand Lodge, and be entitled to visit any of the Lodges in the State, and thus 
enjoy the social relations that are due him as a member of the Order." 
Such a petition is not in accordance with the law of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge on the subject of relief to aged Odd Fellows, and could not be legally 
circulated. 

(c). Orphan's Homes. 

2284. The Grand Lodge divided its Orphans' Asylum Fund between the 
Home for Orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania, situated at Philadel- 
phia, the Widow and Orphans' Home, at Ben Avon, and the Odd Fellows' 
Home of Western Pennsylvania, at Meadville, under an agreement, which 
these Homes carried out, that their membership, excepting, of course, life 
memberships. then in existence, should be limited to representatives elected 
by the Subordinate Lodges in this jurisdiction and by Subordinate Bodies 
connected with the Grand Encampment of Pennsylvania, and Rebekah 
Lodges; that the Representative of the Grand Lodge should, by virtue of his 
office, be an officer and member of the Board of Directors, and that neither 
of the said Homes should ever mortgage their property without the permis- 
sion of the Grand Lodge, or the Grand Master during recess, and that these 
conditions must not be changed without the permission of the Grand Lodge. 
And the Odd Fellows Orphan's Home of Central Pennsylvania in its petition for 
recognition by the Grand Lodge agreed to be subject to the same rules and regu- 
lations. 

2285. The following, division of the Lodges in the State to the several 
Homes was made so as to avoid all of the Homes making appeals to the dif- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 251 

HOMES— Orphans' Homes. 

ferent Lodges in the State, and so that each Home shall only appeal to the 
Lodges in the counties assigned to it: 

Philadelphia Home — The Counties of Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cum- 
berland, Dauphin (south of Peter Mountain), Delaware, Franklin, Lancaster, 
Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and York. 

Ben Avon Home — The Counties of Alleghany, Armstrong, Beaver, Bed- 
ford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Clearfield, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, 
Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland. 

Meadville Home — The Counties of Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, 
McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warren. 

Sunbury Home — The Counties of Bradford, Carbon, Cameron, Centre, 
Clinton, Columbia, Dauphin (north of Peter Mountain), Juniata, Lackawanna, 
Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Pike, 
Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne and 
Wyoming. 

2286. In a case where charges had been preferred against a Home, the 
•Grand Lodge referred the matter to the Committee on Homes and Kindred 
Charities for investigation, and directed that if the said committee find the 
complaint justified by the facts, the Board of Grand Officers is empowered 
to withhold the allotment of orphanage dues which would otherwise be paid 
to the Home, until such objectionable methods are abandoned. 

2287. The following are the standing resolutions concerning the distri- 
bution of the Orphans' Home per capita tax: 

Under the Constitution for Subordinate Lodge in Pennsylvania, provision 
is made for a per capita tax system of dues, amounting to twenty-five cents 
per year, for the support of the Homes for Orphans of Odd Fellows, and it is made 
the duty of this Grand Lodge to direct its distribution ; this subject has been 
brought to the attention of the committee on Homes and kindred charities 
by the Grand Officers, and some considerable study and discussion of it has 
been made in connection with the Grand Officers, and the committee has con- 
sidered it in duty bound to thoroughly canvass and study the subject, and 
endeavor to present for your consideration our conclusions as to the best 
method of making the distribution among the Homes upon just and equitable 
plans, and also throw around the subject guards that would offer no in- 
ducements or encouragement for either the accepting of orphans as inmates, 
perhaps for a short time only, or the declining of deserving applicants. It is 
readily seen that a distribution by territory or district would be open to the 
latter objection, and that a distribution according to the number of inmates 
at a given time during the year, might be open to the former. 

2288. As the expenses of all Homes have a natural or basic expense, 
aside from that connected with the number of inmates, we think that should 
be first taken into account, and a certain amount should be given each Home 
to meet, at least in part, this first, or basic expense, and that the balance 
should be distributed upon a percentage plan by taking into consideration 
at the close of each year, the number of orphans and the number of weeks 
each was provided for at each Home, and distribution of the fund remain- 
ing after deducting the basic expense allowance as the aggregate number of 
weeks' support to orphans given by each Home bears to the total aggregate 
weeks' support given by all the Homes to orphans, and we so recommend its 
distribution, after deducting and allowing to each Home the sum of eight 
hundred dollars as the first or basic expense. To enable the Board of Grand 
Officers, whom we think are the proper persons to make this distribution, to 
do so, we recommend that each Home shall make report to the Grand Sec- 
retary at the close of each year, giving in detail the orphans under their care 
and charge during the year, with dates and number of weeks. This will en- 
able the Board of Grand Officers to carry out promptly a distribution of the 
funds directly after the first of January, 1898, when it will be sorely needed 
by the Homes, and yearly thereafter. 

2289."We further recommend that for the present, at least, tne orphans 
needing our fraternal care and fostering aid be kept at the Home located in 



252 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

HOMES— Orphans' Homes. 

their respective districts as now divided." Which was amended by adding after 
the word " Homes *' in the last line, the words " and that no money be paid to any 
Home that has not complied with the rules and laws of the Order." 

2290. The Grand Lodge has always insisted on its right to compel the 
managers of the Homes to take a child into a Home with or without their 
consent. 

2291. As to the proposition to establish a Manual Training School, the 
Committee on Homes and Kindred Charities presented no plan upon which 
this could be effected, and the directors of the several Homes were unani- 
mous in their expressions against the proposition. A manual training school 
"is designed to develop the motor and executive sides of a child's nature, 
and fits young men for higher technical training." In view of the very small 
percentage of the orphans (there being now not over six boys in all) who 
would be enabled to be thus benefitted, the purchase of ground, erection of 
buildings and maintaining a corps of competent instructors, would involve 
an expenditure wholly unwarranted. At present the children who are fitted 
for higher education are afforded the opportunity in schools adjacent to the 
Homes; whilst for others, at proper age, opportunities are obtained to learn 
trades or occupations with which to engage in the battle of life. The recom- 
mendation is in every sense inexpedient, and should not be adopted. 

(d). Reports. 

2292. The Grand Secretary is required to procure from the Homes and 
Asylums belonging to the Order within this jurisdiction such information as the 
Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge may desire, and forward the same 
to that officer, who shall incorporate a synopsis of the same in his annual report. 

2293. In order to be able to present for the information of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge and other interested persons reliable facts and data, the Grand 
Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge is directed to send out to all the Odd 
Fellows' Homes and kindred institutions a form of report, which will show,, 
in addition to present information, the following: 

1. The Average number of residents during the year, that is. the number 
of days each resident has been in the Home or similar institution during the 
year divided by 365. 

2. Number of old men, old women, boys, girls? 

3. Amount per capita paid by the members of the Subordinate Lodges, 
and amount in the aggregate? 

4. Amount from other sources, mentioning them? 

5. Amount of money, or value of property, contributed by Rebekah 
Branch, each stated separately in aggregate? 

6. Salary of Superintendent and Matron? 

7. Total wages of household servants? 

8. Total wages of help for outside work? 

9. Amount of money spent for actual maintenance of residents; not to 
include improvements to property or repairs? 

10. Amount spent on permanent improvements to property? 

11. Amount of money spent for repairs? 

12. How many of the residents labor at productive work, and value or 
output? 

13. Do they receive any remuneration for their labor; if so, how much? 

14. Is any effort made to teach the boys and girls useful trades or do- 
mestic work; if so, to what extent? 

15. Do the boys and girls receive regular education, and to what extent? 

16. Charges, if any, for residents per week, for old men, old women, 
boys, girls? 

17. Do you furnish clothes, tobacco, medicines and services of physician? 
If so, are they free of cost? 

18. Value of product of farm or garden used in Home? 

19. Value of product of farm or garden sold? 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 253 

HOMES— Eeports. 

20. Is value of products used figured in cost of maintenance? 

21. Are premises insured? 

22. Are you equipped with fire escapes from upper floors? 

23. What amount of money have you at interest as an Endowment 
Fund? 

24. For what purpose is the interest used? 

25. Explain the procedure by which a person obtains . admission to the 
Home. 

26. What provisions are made for giving attention to the sick? 

27. Do you cultivate all your land? 

28. Does it pay? 

29. What are the net receipts from land? 

30. And such other pertinent information as the Grand Sire deems neces- 
sary. 

From such facts the committee will be able to collate and tabulate very 
valuable information, of great interest to those interested in present Homes, 
and of inestimable value to those contemplating the establishment of others. 

2294. The Grand Lodge requires the Orphans' Homes to make the fol- 
lowing annual report, in duplicate, one copy to be sent to the Grand Secre- 
tary and the duplicate to be sent to the chairman of the Committee on 
Homes and Kindred Charities. 

1. No. of child? 

2. Name of child? 

3. When admitted? 

4. Date of birth? 

5. Age when admitted? 

6. Date of father's death? 

7. Date of mother's death? 

8. Name of Lodge? 

9. No. of Lodge? 

10. County? 

11. Present age of child? 

12. Maintained — Weeks? Days? 

13. No. of days absent, where the absence is one week or over. 

14. 'Remarks? 

2295. Form for endorsement in the back of the annual report of the 
Orphans' Homes: 

Annual Report of 19. .. 

We certify that the within report is correct. 

, President. 

, Secretary. 

State of Pennsylvania, County of , ss. 

, President of , being duly 

sworn, according to law, doth depose and say: That the facts set forth in 
the foregoing report are just and true, and that the same was approved by 

a resolution of the Board of Directors of said Home on January , 

19.... 

, President. 

Sworn and subscribed before me this 



HONORARY MEMBERSHIP. 

2296. There can be no such thing as honorary membership of the Order 
obtained in any way other than by Veteran Membership. 

2297. A member sixty years of age, who has been a contributing mem- 
ber for twenty-five consecutive years cannot be suspended for non-payment 
of dues, but shall be retained as a quasi-honorary member, and as such be 
entitled to the pass word and fellowship in the Lodge. He is hailed as a 
non-contributing member. 



254 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



HONORABLE VETERAN. 

2298. The Honorable Veteran Jewel I. O. O. P. shall be furnished ana 
sold to members in good standing who have held continuous membership- 
in the Order for fifty consecutive years or more, and in the same manner 
and on the same terms as the "Veteran Jewel I. O. O. F." is now sold and 
distributed. It is furnished only by the Sovereign Grand Lodge through its 
Grand Secretary, upon the certificate of Subordinate Lodges and the order of 
the State Grand Secretary, when accompanied by the cash. 

[For an exposition as the continuity of membership required and other rights inci- 
dent to the Honorable Decoration, see Veteran Jewel.] 



HONORS OF OFFICE. 

2299. Any Officer of a Subordinate Lodge who shall serve in any office 
therein, either elective or appointed, for a term or a part of a term, and to 
the end thereof, as provided by law, shall be entitled to all the rights, priv- 
ileges and honors conferred for faithful service in such office for a full term, 
The service for pare of a term to entitle to honors is in cases where vacancies 
are filled. 

2300. Any member who has been duly elected or appointed to fill a va- 
cancy in any office in a Lodge who shall have served a majority of the meet- 
ing nights remaining in such unexpired term and to the end thereof, shall be 
deemed to have served a full term in such office. 

2301. An officer who by reason of sickness was compelled to be absent, 
for which sickness he was from time to time excused, so that he could not 
perform his duties for a majority of nights in a term, is nevertheless entitled 
to the honors of office. If the nights actually served as Noble Grand would 
not make the majority of the nights, and if it should be necessary to include 
some of the nights when he was absent under excuse, if the minutes do not 
show that he was excused, or under leave of absence, then the Lodge 
should, by some action taken, show that he was excused, or under leave, if 
such was the case, as the certificate of the Secretary under seal would not 
be sufficient, if the minutes did not show the granting of such excuse or leave. 
The certificate of the Secretary, to be of force showing this state of the record 
should be executed by authority of the Lodge. When the facts are as stated, 
it is proper for the Lodge to take some action showing it and authorizing the 
certificate of the Secretary. 

2302. The sickness must be his personal affliction, not that of some 
member of his family, or by reason of a quarantine of his place of residence, 
or for any other cause not his own sickness. 

2303. Absence attending to the sick, absence from the place where the 
Lodge meets and the brother resides, unusually inclement weather and the 
like are not such excuses for absence as will enable the Lodge, by excusing; 
him, to entitle him to the honors of office. 

2304. When a Noble Grand obtains leave of absence from his Lodge for 
three months and overstays his time, being absent for the majority of the 
nights of the term, and his office is declared vacant by a vote of the Lodge, 
and a Past Grand re-elected to fill his vacancy, the Lodge cannot, by the 
resignation of the latter and the re-election of the former for the remainder 
of that term, make him a Past Grand, entitled to the honors of a Past Noble 
Grand, as this would permit him to take advantage of his own wrong, and 
accomplish indirectly that which the law prohibits him from doing directly. 

2305. An officer who resigns before the end of the term is not entitled 
to the honors, though he serve a majority of the nights of the term; but he 
does not forfeit the salary, if any attached to the office, so far as it may have 
been earned. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 255 

HONORS OF OFFICE. 

2306. When a Subordinate Body fails to hold meetings for the majority of 
the meeting- nights during the term the officers thereof are not entitled to 
honors. 

2307. The officers of subordinates, where meetings are forbidden by 
government quarantine for the major part of a term, are entitled to the honors 
of office, if they are present at the meeting's permitted during the term. 

2308. Any dispensation of a Grand Master or Grand Lodge to dispense 
with the regular meetings of a Subordinate Lodge is illegal and cannot De 
exercised. But if circumstances over which the Lodge can exercise no con- 
trol shall occur by which the meetings cannot be held, the Junior Past 
Grand should not, from that fact alone, be disqualified from admission into 
his Grand Lodge. If, however, the meetings of a Lodge are suspended by its 
own seeking or application, for causes over which it could exercise control, 
and the Lodge fails to comply with the requisites of the law, the officers or 
the Lodge for the term would properly be deprived of their honors; provided, 
such suspension prevented the officers -from serving a majority of the nights 
of the term. 

2309. The suspension of an officer for cause in his subordinate vacates 
his office, no matter how short the period of suspension may be for, and he 
can gain no honors through the service in office during that term. 

2310. The suspension of an officer of a Subordinate Lodge for cause, 
even though but for three months, vacates his office, and the Lodge may fill 
such vacancy. 

2311. An elective officer of a Grand Lodge who is suspended for cause in 
his Subordinate Lodge thereby vacates his office in the Grand Lodge, and 
upon the termination of the suspension he is not restored to his office, unless 
the Constitution of the Grand Lodge expressly so declares. 

2312. The election and installation of officers, held and performed by 
a Lodge during its suspension or expulsion, cannot be recognized as legal by 
a Grand Lodge; nor can a Grand Lodge allow to persons who were elected to 
and installed in office and whose terms expire during the suspension or expulsion 
of the Lodge the honors of the term. 

2313. If a vacancy occurs in an elective office by death, resignation or 
disqualification, the vacancy may be filled by a new election, or the duties 
of such vacant office may, in some instances, be performed by the officer next 
in rank. If the duties are performed by the officer next in rank, he is entitled 
to the honors of the office to which he was elected, and not to the honors of 
the vacant office. 

2314. If the vacancy is filled by a new election, the officer elected and 
performing the duties of the office for the remainder of the term will be 
entitled to the honors of the office to which he was elected, though it may 
be for less than half the term. The officer who shall resign or be removed 
for any cause is not entitled to the honors. 

2315. The established law of the Grand Lodge requires the service of at 
least a majority of the nights of a term in any office to entitle officers to the 
Past Official Degree; and a resignation of the incumbent at any time previous 
to the expiration of the term works a forfeiture of the degree. 

2316. Unless an officer is present in the Lodge room a majority of the 
meeting nights of his term (unless excused for his own sickness), he is not 
entitled to the honors of his office. 

2317. Honors of the Order are for those only who earn them by services 
in offices to which they have been elected, and in which they have been 
installed. 

2318. Grand Bodies cannot decree brothers entitled to honors they ha^e 
not earned, nor can Subordinate Lodges elect them thereto, the Grand Lodge 



256 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

HONORS OF OFFICE. 

Degree having been designed as a reward for faithful service in a Subordinate 
Lodge. 

2319. It is fundamental that the regular meetings of a Lodge shall be 
once a week, and twenty-six of these constitute a six months' term. No 
Noble Grand is entitled to honors, that is, to rank as a Past Grand, until 
he has served at least fourteen weeks in the chair of Noble Grand, and until 
the end of the term. 

2320. By voluntarily withdrawing from the duties of a station, an of- 
ficer forfeits the honors thereof, and the successor who fulfils the duties for 
the unexpired term becomes entitled to said honors. 

2321. The term of office to entitle a Grand Officer to the honors of office 
is one year, and he must serve until the end thereof, the exception being that 
the successor of a Grand Officer who is regularly appointed or elected and 
installed, and who fulfils the duties of the unexpired term becomes entitled 
to the honors of the office. 

2322. The term of service to entitle a Subordinate Lodge Officer to the 
honors of office is six months, and he must serve at least fourteen meeting 
nights, and until the end of the term, the exception being that the brother 
who is elected or appointed to the vacancy, as the case may require, and 
fulfills the duties for the majority of the meeting nights remaining in the 
unexpired term and to the end thereof becomes entitled to the honors of tne 
office. 

2323. All this must be considered as having reference to the manifest 
condition that the brother shall have been regularly and properly installed 
into his office, whether for the full or unexpired term. 

2324. "By the ancient laws and usages of this Order, three things must 
concur in order to entitle any person to past official honors, viz.: 

"1. He must be lawfully elected or appointed to the office. 

"2. He must be lawfully installed therein. 

"3. He must serve therein until the end of the official term or portion 
of a term for which he has been so installed. In case such officer is selected 
and installed to fill a vacancy and serves for the unexpired term, however 
short that may be, he is entitled to the honors of that office, though the 
portion of a full term during which he serves be less than half thereof. 
These principles are as applicable to officers of a Grand Lodge as to officers 
of Subordinate Bodies." (See Deputy Grand Master.) 



HOSPITAL. 

2325. A brother sick in a hospital, if in good standing, is entitled to re- 
ceive sick benefits. 

232fr. A soldier sick in a hospital for soldiers and there supported is en- 
titled to benefits, if in good standing. 

2327. A sailor sick in a government hospital is, if in good standing, en- 
titled to sick benefits. 

2328. Lodges are not required to pay nurse hire at so much per night, 
though the By-Laws so provide, if the sick member is .in a hospital and not 
sick enough to require all the attention of one nurse when the rules of the 
hospital forbid any except their own nurses to care for patients, and allow 
only one nurse at night for the whole ward. The local law governs as to 
whether a Lodge must supply a nurse for a sick brother in a hospital. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 257 



ILLEGAL ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP. 

2329. It is now settled that mere irregularities without fraud do not 
vitiate an admission, and that an illegal admission by card is void. 

2330. After the initiation of a candidate, who is illegally or fraudulently 
elected, if the applicant is innocent of any misrepresentation, and the illegal- 
ity has been confined to the Lodge, in the true principle that the Lodge 
should not take advantage of its own wrong, he shall be protected in his 
membership the same as if legally initiated. If he has been guilty of fraud, 
his initiation cannot be declared void, as it might be construed as releasing 
him from his obligation, which, perhaps, would also be considered void if 
the whole initiation was; but in such a case he can be expelled therefor, after 
proper trial. 

2331. A brother unlawfully initiated is a member of the Order and en- 
titled to all rights and privileges until his membership is terminated in a 
lawful manner. 

2332. A member of a Lodge removed from his jurisdiction and took a 
Withdrawal Card, which he suffered to expire without depositing it. After 
this, and while he remained a permanent resident of the jurisdiction to 
which he had removed, he applied to his old Lodge for admission to mem- 
bership and was admitted to membership without the consent of the jurisdiction 
of which he was a resident. In this case the applicant knew, or was bound to 
know, what the law was, and that his membership was illegal. The Lodge also 
knew, or was bound to know, what the law was. Held that both the Lodge and 
the brother having been guilty of wrong, his membership was illegal and he was 
not protected. His status was, therefore, that of an Ancient Odd Fellow. 

2333. Where a brother was initiated into a Lodge without the consent 
of a Lodge nearer his residence, which had previously rejected his applica- 
tion, he informing his Lodge of his nearer residence to the other Lodge, and 
a dispensation having been obtained from the District Deputy Grand Master 
for such initiation; Held tnat the initiation was illegal, but that the brother, 
having been initiated innocently on his part, was entitled to remain in the 
Order. 

2334. One who is initiated into the Order through inadvertence, when no 
application had been made or ballot taken, is nevertheless a legal member 
of the Order. 

2335. A person initiated into the Order, who is not qualified under the 
law, but who is guilty of no deception, fraud or wilful concealment in mak- 
ing his application, can be retained as a member of the Order. 

2336. A Lodge having knowingly admitted a non-resident member to 
membership in violation of its constitution, and having received his fees and 
dues cannot, when he becomes ill, refuse him benefits and declare his mem- 
bership void on account of its illegality. The Lodge cannot take advantage 
of its own violation of law to escape payment of its debts. 

2337. A saloon-keeper, bartender, or professional gambler illegally ad- 
mitted to the Order and hurt in the course of his business is not entitled to 
"benefits for this injury. 

2338. Persons initiated at places remote from their permanent residence, 
in violation of law, cannot be discharged from their membership, as it might 
be construed as releasing those persons from all obligations of secrecy. The body 
acting contrary to law is liable to punishment. The brother is entitled to 
visit on a proper card, although illegally initiated. 

2339. Where a Lodge has illegally admitted a person to membership by 
initiation, neither the Grand Lodge nor the Sovereign Grand Lodge can legally 
direct the Lodge to grant a Withdrawal Card without proper application. 



258 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ILLITERATE. 

2340. An uneducated person who cannot write is not thereby debarred 
from membership. 

2341. There is no law in Pennsylvania making reading a necessary quali- 
fication for a Vice Grand or Noble Grand, a brother who is unable to 
read or write may have, by the assistance of other members, committed the 
entire Ritual, and thus be better qualified to discharge the duties of Vice 
Grand and Noble Grand than many other brothers who can read; he is there- 
fore eligible to these offices, if otherwise qualified. 

IMMORAL CONDUCT. 

2342. Where a member resided in the neighborhood of his Lodge and 
was guilty of immoral conduct ,and the members were as well aware of his 
habits before his death as afterwards, and the Lodge suffered the deceased 
to continue in his immoral conduct until death ensued as a result thereof 
without charges, it is bound to pay the funeral benefits. 

2343. A brother may be refused benefits because of his immoral conduct 
without charge, trial or conviction for the immoral conduct which occasioned 
the disability. The question is, are benefits payable, and the result is readied 
by the usual method of investigation and not by charges and trial; but before 
refusal the applicant should, in all cases, have an opportunity of being heard. 

IMPROPER CONDUCT. 

2344. All members of the Order are duty bound, while in the Lodge, to be 
governed by the well known usages of the Order, and in case of their refusal 
it is proper to prefer charges against them for conduct unbecoming an Odd- 
Fellow. No member can claim indulgence on account of his official position 
in the Order. 

2345. An appellant had been expelled for using abusive language in the 
Lodge room concerning brothers, and in refusing to desist when called to- 
order by the Noble Grand and threatened with a fine, saying, "Fire away; L 
defy you," and continuing his abusive language until the Lodge was closed 
to end the disturbance. Held that he was properly expelled. 

2346. A passionate speech made under great provocation may be justi- 
fiable and create no offense against the laws of the Order. 

2347. A Lodge has the power to expel a member for introducing a woman, 
of bad repute to an Odd Fellows' Festival, he having knowledge of her char- 
acter. 

2348. Taking part in meetings of Odd Fellows for the purpose of con^ 
sidering the questions of organizing a new Lodge, to be composed, in part, of 
members of the Lodge of which the accused is a member, who should take 
Withdrawal Cards for the purpose, is not an offense against the Order. 

2349. A member violates no law or obligation in neglecting to answer 
letters written to him by his Lodge in reference to his claim for benefits, and 
such neglect is no cause for charges. 

2350. A member who shall compose, or write, or print, or sell, or exhibit, 
©r use, or have in his possession, or who shall in any way aid or abet in com- 
posing, or printing, or writing, or exhibiting, or using any publication or 
writing, or other device purporting to be the Unwritten Work of Odd Fellow- 
ship, or any part, abbreviation or memorandum of such Unwritten Work, shall 
be deemed guilty of conduct grossly unbecoming an Odd Fellow, and shall, 
upon conviction, be expelled from the Order. 

2351. A person visiting a Lodge on card, and misbehaving in the meet- 
ings, disturbing the order and harmony thereof, or refusing obedience to the 
Noble Grand, may be excluded from the Lodge, and subsequently denied ad- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 259 

IMPKOPER CONDUCT. 

mission thereto. This simply extends the application of the Eules of Order 
for Subordinate Lodges, to visitors as well as to members of the Lodge ; an appli- 
cation which seems not only natural, but necessary, when visitors behave in a 
disorderly and offensive manner, and permits the only penalty which a Lodge can 
inflict upon visitors, viz. : Denying to them future admission to the Lodge whose 
courtesy they have abused and whose order aud authority they have defied. 

2352. Subordinate Bodies, by existing regulations, possess an inherent 
right to protect themselves from disorder, the want of decorum and viola- 
tions of the ordinary proprieties of life, and where a visitor is so disorderly 
the Lodge may refuse him admission or eject him from the meeting, although 
such visitor is in possession of the proper card and has proved himself, ac- 
cording to established regulations, and entitled to admission into Lodges and 
Encampments of any jurisdiction. 

2353. A brother was charged with "misconduct" in leaving the Lodge 
against the protest of one of the presiding officers during a trial at which 
he was a witness, and pleaded guilty. The fact of leaving the Lodge room 
at the time and under the circumstances mignt be misconduct (or conduct 
unbecoming an Odd Fellow), depending upon the manner and intent of the 
accused. Intent is the gist of every offense, and the accused must have 
known what his conduct and intentions were better than any one else, when 
he pleaded guilty. The conviction was affirmed. The punishment, a fine of 
five dollars, was not excessive. 

INCOME EaiJAL TO THE AMOUNT OF BENEFITS. 

2354. A member in good standing in his Lodge is entitled to pecuniary 
benefits while sick and unable to attend to his ordinary avocation, although 
he may have an income sufficient for his support. 

2355. An aged paralytic, who was utterly unable to do any manual labor, 
but had, from his business, an income equal to the weekly benefits, was en- 
titled to benefits. 

2356. The matter of the incorporation of the several Subordinate Lodges in 
this jurisdiction and the powers, rights and privileges to be thereby granted, so 
long as the same do not change, alter or interfere with the laws, usages and cus- 
toms of the Order, are subjects wholly under the control of the Grand Lodge. 
Sov. G. L. 7822. 

INCORPORATION. 

See Appendix. 

2357. Any Lodge that shall ask for and receive any act of incorporation, 
whether from the Courts or Legislature, or from any source whatever, shall 
be deemed insubordinate to, and shall forfeit all the rights granted it by the 
Grand Lodge. , 

2358. The Grand Master shall reclaim the charter of any Lodge that has 
received and refuses to surrender an Act of Incorporation granted by the 
Legislature or Courts of the Commonwealth. 



INFIRMITIES CONCEALED AT TIME OF INITIATION. 

2359. A brother was sick from a disease he contracted in the army De- 
fore he became a member. He stated at the time of his admission that he 
was not suffering from any disease. An affidavit, upon which he procured 
a pension from the United States Government was produced, in which he 
testified that the disease was contracted in the army during the war. Held 
that this affidavit was sufficient to show that he knew at the time he was 
admitted that he was suffering from such disease, and benefits were denied 
him. 



260 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

INFIRMITIES CONCEALED AT TIME OF INITIATION. 

2360. A brother who served in the late war contracted a chronic disease 
for which he now draws a pension, and who, at tne time of his initiation, did 
not know of the existence of the chronic disease, is entitled to benents. 

2361. When, however, it is found as a fact that the claimant honestly 
thought he was in sound health when he applied for admission, and he tes- 
tified "that he considered his health at the time as good as ever in his life," 
he is entitled to benefits. 

2362. When the physical disability was such at the time of initiation that 
it did not in any way interfere with the candidate following his usual occupa- 
tion and earning a livelihood, it does not debar from membership or prevent 
the obtaining of benents, even for the physical disability which has since 
progressed so as to deprive the brother of the opportunity of earning a living. ' 
But this would not be so if the brother was suffering from an intermittent 
disease, such as epilepsy. 

2363. "This is a claim for weekly benefits, which the Lodge declined to 
pay, for the reason that the brother stated at the time of his admission that 
he was not suffering from any disease, and in a claim for pension he admitted 
that he was suffering from epilepsy at that time and since the war, and 
therefore he would not be entitled to benefits from such sickness. From the 
evidence it appeared that the brother was drawing a pension from the United 
States Government for the same disease, contracted in the army during the 
late war, for which he now claims benefits, and the Lodge nas produced a cer- 
tified copy from the Pension Office of the Government, showing by the 
brother's own affidavit, made in his claim for pension, that such is the truth; 
and further shows that he knew this when he was admitted to the Lodge. 
The affidavit in his pension claim was evidence enough to show that he knew 
at the time of his admission that he was suffering from such disease. Tne 
appeal was dismissed and the action of the Lodge sustained, for the reason 
that the brother's own evidence in the pension case shows that he was suf- 
fering from the disease while in the army. 

INITIATION. 

2364. No person shall be initiated as a non-oeneficial member or a non- 
contributing member. 

2365. To confer the Initiatory Degree upon an applicant there must be a 
quorum present at the meeting, the same as for the transaction of any other 
business. 

2366. A person was regularly proposed and elected to become a member by 
initiation, and a special meeting was called to initiate him, when only four mem- 
bers of the Lodge attended, who, with the assistance of members of other 
Lodges, initiated him. Held that he was a full member of the Initiatory 
Degree, but that the Lodge violated the laws and is liable to discipline for 
conferring the degree with less than a quorum of its members present. 

2367. A candidate cannot be lawfully initiated upon the night of his elec- 
tion, except by dispensation. 

2368. The customs and usages of the Order prohibit the initiation of a 
person whose physical deformity prevents a compliance with the require- 
ments and laws of the Order. The decision of the question as to the applica- 
bility of the general principles to special cases of partial deformity Vests 
with the local authorities, and especially with the Subordinate Lodge to which* 
admission is asked. 

2369. The physical infirmity meant by the preceding section is such as wil* 
make the brother eligible for sick benefits. An applicant may have a physical 
infirmity such as would entitle him to a pension from his government, and 
yet not impair his health or prevent his earning his livelihood. 

2370. The blind, the deaf and the dumb, being incapable of reciprocating 
the signs and language of the Order, are not admissible by initiation. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 261 

INITIATION. 

2371. A candidate who receives a serious injury between the time of his 
election and the time of initiation, is thereby deprived of the right to require 
the Lodge to initiate him. 

2372. Where a person is elected to membership whose physical condition 
undergoes a material change prior to presenting himself for initiation, the 
Lodge cannot then be required to initiate him. 

2373. As the Lodge has the power to order a new ballot on the charge 
that it has been deceived as to the state of health of an applicant for mem- 
bership, he cannot be examined in the ante-room when he presents himself for 
initiation, except in the manner which our Ritual requires. 

2374. A candidate for membership in the Order who has been elected 
in a Lodge where he resides, cannot legally receive the Initiatory Degree in 
a Lodge located where he may have a temporary residence, upon the request 
of the Lodge electing him; but all initiations must take place in the Lodge in 
which the applicant is elected. The other degrees may be conferred in sister 
Lodges, or in Degree Lodges, at the request of the Lodge to which the brother 
belongs. 

2375. The initiation is not completed until after the Noble Grand has in- 
troduced the candidate to the Lodge, the membership is not completed until 
the brother signs* the Constitution. 

2376. Upon receiving the Initiatory Degree, the brother shall sign the 
Constitution, and his dues shall commence from that date. 

2377. While a candidate's application for membership must be received 
and acted upon at a regular meeting, his initiation may take place at a special 
meeting called in accordance with the By-Laws. 

2378. It is not necessary for the officers to be clothed in the working 
regalia of their office during initiation, but only in the regalia prescribed 
for them at initiations, when such regalia is prescribed. 

2379. Officers are not required to wear both paraphernalia and regalia 
during initiations or the conferring of degrees. 

2380. A Lodge working in the language of a particular people possesses 
the right to receive and initiate an applicant who speaks and more thoroughly 
understands another language, and for the purpose of interpretation and to 
convey a more complete knowledge of the ceremony, if it be possible, the 
ritualistic lectures and charges may be delivered in the mother tongue of 
the applicant; provided always, that the Ritual shall have been published 
therein, and that the pass words, etc., shall be communicated in English, the 
universal language for expressing the sounds of such symbolical words. 

2381. It is contrary to law, in conferring the Initiatory Degree, to admit 
to the Lodge room all candidates except one, and after obligating them per- 
mit them to witness the initiation ceremony on the other candidate. 

2382. Not more than one candidate at the same time can be admitted to 
any of the ceremonies of the Order, except where permitted by the express 
terms of the Ritual. 

2383. A Lodge cannot legally obligate a class of candidates and then al- 
low them to be seated while one is being initiated. All of the candidates 
must be given the full ceremony of the Initiatory Degree, which can be con- 
ferred on as many candidates at one time as is convenient. 

2384. As there is no legislation on the subject, it is within the discretion 
of the Subordinate Lodge to permit the candidate to stand or be seated during 
the delivery of the Past Grand's charge. 

2385. There is no law which prevents the delivery of the Past Grand's 
charge by the Noble Grand, although it should be given by a Pa*t Grand if 
present. Under no circumstances, however, should this charge be given by 
a Vice Grand; it cannot be given by a Third Degree member. 



262 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

INITIATION. 

2386. The Warden's position is in front of the R. S. to the Noble 
Grand, and he cannot deliver his charge from any other place without a vio- 
lation of law. 

2387. The Grand Officers as such cannot, after the institution of a Lodge, 
initiate candidates nor confer the degrees. 

2388. An initiation of an unworthy person cannot be declared null and 
void; he can only be expelled after proper trial upon charges duly preferred 
and investigated. 

I^ITIATIOU" FEES. 

2389. The power to fix minimum charges for initiation and degrees is 
a matter of local law, resting, therefore, exclusively in the Grand Lodge. 

2390. Charges were preferred against a Lodge for the offense of charg- 
ing less than the Constitutional Initiation Fee, and the committee to whom 
the charges were referred reported the offense as a "most flagrant viola- 
tion of the sacred obligations, as well as the Rules and Regulations of the 
Order, and setting an example of insubordination that merits the condemna- 
tion of the Grand Lodge." Whereupon the Grand Lodge adopted the follow- 
ing resolution, viz.: 

"Resolved, That from this time forth, should this Lodge, or any other 
in this jurisdiction, be guilty of a similar violation of the Constitution — no 
matter under what plea, or by what resolution the act may be inaugurated — 
the fact, if proven, shall be deemed so grave an offense as to make it ob- 
ligatory on the Grand Officers to reclaim the charter of any Lodge or Lodges 
so offending 1 . 

2391. In all cases the whole Initiation Fee must be paid by the candidate 
out of his own separate funds, and neither the Lodge, nor any combination of 
its members, can unite for the purpose of raising a fund, out of which 
donations may be made to aid candidates in being admitted without payment 
of the full fee themselves. 

2392. Should a Lodge, in a direct or indirect manner, or by any evasive 
measures initiate candidates without requiring from them the full payment 
of the initiation fee prescribed by the Constitution, or shall it return any 
portion thereof to the candidate, it is good cause to declare the charter of the 
Lodge forfeited. 

2393. The Lodges are admonished that this provision of the law, so 
essential to the harmony of the Lodges, must be rigidly enforced. Honest 
rivalry and fair competition in the race for increased membership must not 
be permitted to degenerate into an undignified cheapening of the privileges 
of Odd Fellowship, or to violation of the laws and solemn obligations. 

2394. A Lodge adopted the following resolution: "Any person becoming 
a member of this Lodge, whether by initiation, card or otherwise, shall, at 
the time of making application, cause to be paid into the hands of the Sec- 
retary, the following sums in cash: If under 40 years of age, $1.50; between 
40 and 45 years of age, the sum of $3.00, this money to be considered a part 
of his initiation fee, and as security for the remainder, he shall, at the time 
he signs the Constitution and By-Laws, give to the Secretary a due bill for 
the difference between the cash payment and the full amount of the fee as 
prescribed by the By-Laws; this due bill will become payable at the time, 
when, by reason of his first sickness or disability, he has a claim upon the 
Lodge for benefits; or should a brother so admitted to the Lodge desire to 
withdraw by card, his due bill must then be paid in cash before the card can 
be granted." It was held that this brought the Lodge within the terms of the 
law which provides "That any Lodge in this jurisdiction proven guilty of such 
violation of the Constitution, no matter under what plea, or by what resolu- 
tion, the act may be inaugurated, the fact, if proven, shall be deemed so 
grave an offense as to make it obligatory on the Grand Officers to reclaim the 
charter of any Lodge or Lodges so offending." 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 263 

INITIATION FEES. 

2395. A brother who misrepresents the amount of the initiation fee to 
be paid by an applicant makes himself liable to charges and discipline. 

2396. A brother was reinstated on July 8th by a vote of the Lodge, but 
did not pay his reinstatement fee until September 16th. His membership 
dates from the time he paid his reinstatement fee, September 16th. 

2397. Every one who joins the Order must pay at least the minimum 
initiation fee, and when the By-Laws of a Lodge fixes a greater sum, then 
he must pay this sum, any agreement or representation to> the contrary not- 
withstanding, or either his membership will not be complete, or he will not 
be in good standing. A Lodge which encourages or aids such violations of the 
law is subject to charges and discipline. 

2398. An initiate has necessarily and witnout mental reservation obli- 
gated himself to abide by the laws, rules and regulations of the Lodge to 
which he has been admitted, as well as of the Grand Lodge to which his 
Lodge is subordinate, and in pursuance of this he signed the Constitution, 
which, together with the By-Laws passed in accordance therewith, have 
thereby become the contract between him and the Lodge. If, therefore, he 
expects performance by the Lodge of its part of the contract, he must not 
evade any of its plain requirements, among which are the provisions relative 
to the payment of the initiation fee. 

2399. A Lodge cannot legally charge for the fractional part of a year 
where the By-Law provides that when the applicant for initiation is between 
the ages of thirty and forty years, fifty cents additional shall be charged for 
each year between those ages. 

2400. The question was asked, that when a By-Law provides that the fee 
for initiation between thirty-five and forty years shall be ten dollars, and be- 
tween forty and forty-five years fifty cents additional shall be charged for each 
year, shall the fifty cents be charged when the applicant is forty or forty-one 
years of age? It was decided that the fifty cents additional should be charged 
if the applicant is forty years of age, for he is then no longer between thirty- 
five and forty. 

2401. A Lodge initiated a man forty-eight years old. The initiation fee 
was $19.75. By an error of the Secretary the candidate was charged only $11. 
The candidate gave his age correctly, and it was through no fault of his 
that the mistake was made. Two years elapsed before the error was 
discovered. The Lodge cannot charge him at this time with the balance of 
the initiation fee; the error being made by the Secretary and through no fault 
of the member, his membership cannot be afterwards disturbed on account 
of such error. 

2402. The payment of a reinstatement fee need not precede the ballot; 
but after a favorable ballot the payment of the fee is necessary to con- 
summate the reinstatement. 

2403. Any person residing in one jurisdiction and joining a Lodge m 
another jurisdiction, whose fee for admission to membership, either by initi- 
ation or deposit by card, are less than the minimum fees charged in his own 
jurisdiction, shall pay to the Lodge he so joins the amount of the minimum 
fee charged in his own jurisdiction, and the Lodge which he joins shall pay 
the excess thus collected over to the Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction in 
which he resides. "When permission is given for non-residents to join the 
Lodge out of his jurisdiction, he must pay the fee required by the Lodge 
nearest his residence, if it be greater than that of the Lodge he joins, and 
such Lodge shall pay the difference to the Grand Jurisdiction where he 
resides. 

2404. Whether the proposition fee shall be turned in with the receipts 
of the Lodge for the evening to the Treasurer, or be held by the Secretary 
until the applicant is elected or rejected, is a subject for local legislation. 



264 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1507. 

INITIATION FEES. 

2405. A Past Grand makes application to be admitted as an Ancient Odd 
Fellow; he does not deposit the admission fee at that time. At the next 
meeting night, at which he was elected, he paid a fee of two dollars, which 
amount the Secretary stated was, in his opinion, the amount provided by 
the By-Laws, while, in fact, the amount was two and one-half dollars. The 
question was asked, Is the Past Grand a member of the Lodge, and is he 
entitled to vote for Grand Officers, he being qualified in all other respects, 
unless the mistake as to the fee disqualified him? Held that the brother 
having been admitted to the Lodge, without fraud or unfairness on his part, 
his membership cannot be disturbed by reason of the cited error of the Sec- 
retary. Being a member, the Past Grand has a right, if otherwise qualified, 
to cast his ballot for Grand Officers. 

2406. It may be justly asked, why should an Odd Fellow who has once paid 
his initiation and degree fees, because of change of residence, be compelled to 
pay another admission fee if he wishes to remain what he has been solemnly 
declared to be, one of a great brotherhood? When once a man has joined our 
Order and been admitted to its charmed circle, that admittance should, as 
long as he obeys the laws and commands of the Order, be a passport, with- 
out additional fees, to the whole world of Odd Fellowship. The sooner this 
principle is recognized in our membership laws, and every Odd Fellow given 
be understood that once an Odd Fellow means always an Odd Fellow, that 
around him has been thrown the sacred influences of our fraternity, not only 
in spirit, but in law, just so soon will a mighty stride have been made to- 
ward that period so eloquently set forth in the Ritual of the Order. 

2407. Graded initiation fees are permissible, provided, they, in no case, 
are less than the minimum required by law. 

2408. A Lodge is not authorized to fix different rates of fees for de- 
grees for members of the same age possessing different privileges, and en- 
titled to different rates of*benefits where they have attained the same de- 
grees, except in case of non-beneficial membership, as provided by the law of 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2409. There is no general law that prohibits a Grand Lodge from dis- 
criminating as to the amount applicants in the State or out shall pay for admission 
to a subordinate. 

2410. It is legal for a Lodge to fix a sliding scale of initiation fees; that 
is to say, applicants under thirty-five years of age paying $5.00, with an in- 
creasing price as the applicant's age increases, until at say sixty-four, he 
would be charged $26, in addition to the fixed initiation fee of $5.00. The 
subject is within the control of the Grand Lodge, and can be regulated by 
its legislation, and also by provisions accordingly in the Constitution for 
Subordinate Lodges. The Grand Lodge may provide that the fees shall be 
uniform, if deemed desirable. 

INITIATE. 

2411. The present standing of an initiate, or a member of a Degree lower 
than the third, is that of an Odd Fellow entitled to admission in his Lodge 
when open in a degree to which he has attained. 

2412. It may happen that a Lodge may initiate a brother who has not 
the necessary qualification for membership; or it may be discovered that 
he has concealed some infirmities which will make him a charge upon the 
Lodge, or that his character is not such as would, if known, have secured his 
initiation into the Order. In either of such cases the Lodge may refuse to 
confer any additonal degrees upon him, pending the hearing and determina- 
tion of the charges presented against him. 

2413. A brother unlawfully initiated is a member of the Order, and en- 
titled to all rights and privileges until his membership is terminated in a law- 
ful manner. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 265 

INITIATE. 

2414. If he lias been guilty of fraud in gaining admission to the Order, 
his initiation cannot be declared void, as it might be construed as releasing 
him from his obligation, which, perhaps, would also be considered void, ir 
the whole initiation was; but in such case he can be expelled, after proper 
trial. 

2415. A Lodge cannot add any qualification to those required by the gen- 
eral laws of the Order as a requisite for membership, nor enact that persons 
cannot be initiated or reinstated after a certain age. 

2416. No peculiarities of religious belief or practice are requisite to ad- 
mission into the Order, and none disqualify, except a disbelief in a Supreme 
Intelligent Being, the Creator and Preserver of the Universe. 

2417. Should a saloon-keeper, bartender, or professional gambler be in- 
advertently initiated, charges should be preferred against him and he be 
expelled. 

2418. The officers of a Lodge have no right to initiate a person whom 
they know to be diseased; but if they do so, they have no right to make any 
other conditions than tho.se provided for by the general laws of the Order; 
consequently, if a Lodge initiates a person, knowing him to be unhealthy, 
the Lodge is liable for the payment of weekly benefits to the initiate when 
sick. 

2419. The Blind, the deaf and the dumb, being incapable of reciprocating 
the signs and language of the Order, are not admissible to initiation. 

2420. A candidate who receives a serious injury between the time of his 
election and the time of initiation, is ithereby deprived of the right to re- 
quire the Lodge to initiate him; provided, two-thirds of the members present 
at a meeting of the Lodge shall have voted to declare void the ballot which 
elected the applicant. 

2421. A person elected to membership, but whose physical condition 
undergoes a material change for the worse prior to presenting himself for 
initiation, the Lodge cannot then be required to initiate him. 

INMATE OF HOME, 

See Supported at Public Expense. Homes, Orphans. 

2422. The Grand Lodge may provide, by appropriate legislation, that 
in this jurisdiction, any member of the Order who is now, or may here- 
after become an inmate of any Home for aged and indigent Odd Fellows, 
shall thereby relinquish all claim to weekly benefits from such member's 
Lodge during the time he shall continue to be an inmate of such Home, and 
such Home shall continue to receive in its workings and operations the 
sanction and approval of the Grand Lodge. 

2423. If an inmate of a Home shall be a member of a Lodge, which, by the 
laws and regulations of such Home is not entitled to place therein any of its aged 
or indigent members; or, if having been, such Lodge shall cease of its own default 
to be so entitled, then all such relinquishment for weekly benefits authorized by 
the Grand Lodge as stated in the preceding section, as to that Lodge shall be in 
favor of such Home, and such Lodge shall pay such weekly benefits to such Home 
instead of to such member. 

2424. In the absence of such legislation, if the brother becomes beneficially 
sick the Lodge must pay the benefits that have thereby accrued ; if the benefits 
are not due to the brother they are due to the Home, depending upon the legisla- 
tion of the Grand Lodge on the subject Under no circumstances do they belong 
to the Lodge. 

2425. The Grand Lodge may also provide that if any inmate of such 
Home shall be a member of a Lodge which, by the laws and regulations of 
the Home is not entitled to place therein any of its aged or indigent mem- 

17 



266 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

INMATE OF HOME. 

bers, or if having been, such Lodge shall cease, of its own fault, to be so 
entitled, then all such relinquishment of weekly benefits as to that Lodge 
shall be in favor of such Home, and any such Lodge shall pay such weekly 
benefits to such Home, instead of to such member. 

2426. The Grand Lodge is authorized to legislate to permit Lodges to is- 
sue orders for pass words to inmates of Homes of the Order who are en- 
titled to such pass words. 

2427. A Lodge is bound to give attentive and sick benefits to its mem- 
bers in accordance with the laws of its Grand Lodge, even though such 
members are offered shelter in a Home of the Order and decline to enter it. 

2428. A member of the Order having been duly admitted as an inmate 
of an Odd Fellows' Home, as such an inmate, in case of sickness he is cared 
for by the Home, and by the provisions of the-general law, the Grand Lodge 
having so enacted, his Lodge is not liable for payment of benefits on account 
of his sickness. While an inmate of the Home, after a judicial investiga- 
tion, he is legally declared insane and committed as such to one of the 
State Hospitals for the insane. As an inmate of such hospital, the expense 
of his care and treatment is paid by the town or city in which he has a legal 
settlement. Being a duly accredited inmate of the Home at the time, it 
became necessary to transfer him to the hospital for the insane, when his 
mental condition is restored; his return to the Home follows. The Home 
is not legally liable for the expense incurred while an inmate of the hospital. 
On the contrary, while he is an inmate of the hospital for the insane, the 
relation and liability of the Lodge toward the brother is the same as to its 
other members under like circumstances. It is liable to pay him sick 
benefits. 

2429. Where a brother is admitted to an Odd Fellows' Home by the 
request of his Lodge, his income being sufficient to pay the amount per week 
the Home requires, and the brother voluntarily pays that amount, should the 
brother be sick and require night care, his Lodge is bound to furnish such 
care, and if his Lodge pays his board at said Home, his Lodge is under obli- 
gations to furnish night care. This answer is based upon the assumption 
that the brother admitted to the Home was at the time of his admission 
thereto in good standing, and that the local law authorized the payment of 
night service, or, in other words, for what is known as attentive benefits; 
and under such circumstances the Lodge cannot absolve itself from the pay- 
ment of either pecuniary or attentive benefits. The Lodge is liable to the 
extent of its legal obligations. 



INMATE OF INSTITUTION. 

See Supported at Public Expense. 

INQUIRIES 

See Questions. 

2430. An inquiry takes the form of a question to the Grand Master, pre- 
sented in a proper manner by a Subordinate Lodge, and his reply thereto 
is a decision. 

2431. A communication from a Subordinate Lodge to the Grand Sire as 
to the construction of a given law is but an inquiry as to what the law is on 
the subject, and therefore against the provisions of the general law, and can- 
not be considered by the Grand Sire. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 267 

IFSAETE. 

2432. It is the bounden duty of a body to extend to its insane brother 
the same benefits as are given to those who suffer from bodily infirmities. 

2433. An insane brother is not entitled to the term pass word or to the 
Annual Traveling Pass Word. 

2434. An insane brother cannot become in arrears, or be suspended for 
non-payment of dues which accrued after he became insane. 

2435. Any notice, whatsoever, concerning benefits, whether required by 
the By-Laws of the Lodge or by the general or local laws of the Order, can- 
not be demanded of an insane brother or one suffering from mental sickness. 

2436. An insane brother incapable of performing an intelligent act, can- 
not be expelled for an infraction of the rules of the Order. 

2437. A Lodge is bound to grant a Visiting Card to an insane brother, 
if in good standing. A brother insane cannot visit a Lodge, and therefore 
does not need the word; but he requires the good offices of the Order as a 
sick brother, and these can only be had by a card certifying him to a, Lodge 
where he may temporarily reside. 

2438. The endorsement upon the card of the condition of the brother wiJl 
be sufficient. 

2439. The benefits must be paid, even though the brother is an inmate of 
an institution, and is supported at public expense. 

2440. A Lodge may require from time to time (not so often, however, 
as to be oppressive), but often enough to show that the brother's disability 
continues), some evidence of the continuance of mental unsoundness. 

2441. If a brother has* a wife or children the benefits are payable to her 
or them, to be expended in his behalf, and where the brother has no such 
relations, the Lodge, and not the legal guardian of an insane brother, has the 
right to expend, in his behalf, the benefits due the brother. 

2442. An insane brother without dependents is entitled to benefits, al- 
though he has no family, and the benefits to which he is entitled should be 
held for his use, or expended solely for his benefit; although now insane, he 
may recover and then demand his benefits. The Lodge should, therefore, be 
in a position to show that if not expended for his advantage and comfort, 
the benefits have been retained and would be given to him. The claim of a 
father and sister as dependent relatives are too remote, and will not be 
allowed. 

2443. Weekly benefits due an insane brother should be held for his use, 
or expended solely for his benefit; but any such accrued benefits should, at 
the death of the brother, be paid to his widow, orphans or dependent rela- 
tives, according to the fact. If there be none such, then any such unexpended 
benefits revert to the general funds of the brother's Lodge. 

2444. The Relief Committee of each Lodge shall constitute the Com- 
mittee or Trustee of any member of such Lodge disqualified, by insanity or 
otherwise, from asserting his legal rights, and it shall be their duty to dis- 
burse the benefits to which such member may be entitled for his support, 
maintenance and proper care. The acts of such committee shall be binding 
on the Lodge and member in every respect. Provided, that their account 
shall be at all times subject to the examination of the Lodge and the Grand 
Lodge. And provided further, that before any such Committee shall be em- 
powered to act, they shall procure in writing the assent of the wife, eldest 
child, or next friend of the brother in whose case such action is deemed 
necessary. Provided further, that where there is a wife who was dependent 
upon the brother at the time the insanity occurred, the Lodge shall pay the 
benefits to the wife, unless she tne not personally a proper person to receive 
them. 



268 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

INSANE. 

2445. Where after the initiation it is ascertained that the initiate is on. 
parole from an insane asylum, held that until the fact of the brother's in- 
sanity at the time of his application, election and initiation is legally es- 
tablished under the laws of the Order, his membership must be recognized. 
If in a proceeding for that purpose, and of which he has full notice, it is 
shown that he was insane at the time of his application, election and initia- 
tion, his election could be annulled, and he could be expelled from the Lodge 
on the ground that he was not competent to enter into the contract in- 
volved in the obtaining of membership; or charges could be preferred against 
him for concealing from the Lodge and not divulging the important fact of 
the condition of his mind. The proceedings, of course, would have to be 
in accordance with the provisions of law. 

2446. An insane brother cannot be expelled for improper conduct. 

2447. A Lodge can lawfully refuse a claim for weekly benefits for in- 
sanity, when it appears that the brother was insane prior to and at the time of 
his admission to the Lodge. 

2448. In case of the death of an insane brother, entitled to weekly bene- 
fits, the beneficiary or beneficiaries of his funeral benefits are to be deter- 
mined in the same manner as for any other deceased brother of the Lodge. 

. INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 

(a). The Installing Officer. (d). Effect of Installation, 

(b). The Eights and Duties of Installing (e). Expenses of Installation. 

Officers. (f). Grand Lodge Installation, 
(o). The Installation. 

See Election at Installation. See Public Installation. 

Grand Honors. Precedence. 

Instituting New Lodges. 

(a). The Installing Officer. 

2449. It is one of the duties, as well as one of the privileges, of the 
Grand Master to install, or cause to be installed, the officers of Subordinate 
Lodges. He may therefore attend and officiate at such installations. 

2450. It is one of the most important duties of a District Deputy Grand 
Master to see that the officers of the Lodges in his district are installed into 
their respective positions. 

2451. Any Past Grand may regularly install the officers of a Lodge on 
the first meeting night after the election, unless the Grand Master, a Deputy 
Grand Master, or a Special Deputy of the Grand Master be present for that 
purpose, although the Lodge shall fail to notify the District Deputy Grand 
Master of the election of its officers. 

2452. A Third Degree member cannot install the officers of a Lodge for 
the reason that no one may be appointed to administer an obligation who 
has never received it. 

2453. In this jurisdiction the duty of installing or seeing that the instal- 
lation of the officers elect of Subordinate Lodges is accomplished is placed 
upon the Grand Master, who performs this duty by the aid of the District 
Deputy Grand Masters, and Special Deputies appointed by him for that 
purpose. 

2454. When a District Deputy Grand Master has notified a Dodge that 
he will install the officers personally, or by Deputy, and fails to appear at the 
proper time, or the time appointed, and does not appear at the following 
meeting until "the Good of the Order" is called, any Past Grand whom the 
Lodge may select shall then install the officers. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 269 

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 

(b). Eights and Duties of Installing" Officers. 

2455. A District Deputy Grand Master or a Past Grand, deputized by 
the Grand Master to install the officers of subordinates and his accompanying staff, 
charged with a special duty, clearly prescribed by law, and are entitled to all the 
respect due to the officers whom they represent; but they have no authority to sum- 
marily deprive a Lodge of its charter, nor any right to assume the rank of 
elective Grand Officers and introduce strangers into the Lodge without card or 
pass word. They and suck other members of the Grand Lodge as may as- 
semble to aid in these ceremonies are required before entering the ante- 
room, to give the same pass word that is demanded of other brothers, but 
after the Lodge has been duly informed by the Grand Marshal of the pres- 
ence in the ante-room of the installing officers, no pass word should be 
required of them at the inner door. 

2456. When visiting for installation, the Grand Master or his Deputy 
takes the chair of the Noble Grand; but the Grand Master, or any other 
person, when otherwise visiting, is not entitled to the cnair as of right. 

2457. The installing officers can exercise their personal judgment only 
in the case where the officer fails to appear for installation, as it is for the 
acting Grand Master to say whether the brother's absence is excusable or 
not; and even in this case the wise course to pursue would be to take the 
judgment of the Lodge thereon, and act accordingly; and when the election 
has been effected by irregular or illegal means, then the installing officer 
shall order a new election to take place at that time, which he shall con- 
duct, and the person then elected, if qualified, shall be installed. These di- 
rections apply to all the officers. 

2458. Should an insufficient reason be given to the installing officer for 
the non-attendance of an officer elect upon the installation night, the install- 
ing officer may require the Lodge immediately to elect another to fill such 
office. 

2459. The Grand Master has not the right on the regular installation 
night to refuse to install the officers of a Lodge without giving any reason* 
therefore, as the law gives him power to arrest the installation ceremony 
only when objections are raised at the time, and when these objections are 
of such a nature as he can take cognizance of. ' 

2460. By the general law of the Order the officers of Subordinate 
Lodges shall not be installed nor furnished with the semi-annual pas* 
words unless the reports, returns and moneys due from such Lodges to the 
<Grand Lodge be actually made and placed in the hands of the proper of- 
iicer, or be actually in transit to the proper destination. The Grand Lodge 
has authority to provide that the officers of subordinates cannot be installed 
until the dues of such subordinates are paid. 

2461. The installing officer shall not install the officers, nor furnish the 
Lodge with the semi-annual pass word, unless the reports and returns have 
been made out and forwarded, and the moneys due the Grand Lodge have 
actually been paid to the Grand Secretary. 

2462. The Secretary of the Lodge will exhibit to the Installing officers 
the receipt of the Grand Secretary, which will be the best evidence that the 
per capita tax and the Orphans' Home taxes have been paid. 

2463. If, in reply to his question, the Lodge should reply that they are 
not content with the choice they have made, the acting Grand Master will 
Inquire if the election was effected by irregular or illegal means; if this does 
not appear, he should inform the Lodge that he will install the brother, and 
that the Lodge must take the proper course to declare the election and in- 
stallation illegal, so that the brother will have an opportunity to be heard 
in his own behalf, a proceeding which he, the installing officer, is neither 
competent to, nor is it proper for him, to entertain, hear or decide. 



270 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

INSTALLATION OFJ OFFICES S— Eights and Duties of Installing Officers. 

2464. Where the election held has been regular, the forms of law com- 
plied with, the candidate eligible and free from charges, it is not competent 
for the Lodge, at that or any subsequent meeting, by a mere vote, upon 
motion, to declare such an election void, or for the installing officer to de- 
clare the election void and hold a new election. Every officer or member 
of the Order is, of course, amenable to its laws; and if he offends against 
them the mode prescribed for trial and conviction must be followed, but the 
installing officer is not the proper authority to try the case. 

2465. An installing officer has no right to refuse to install an officer on 
the ground that at the election a member was deprived of his vote on an 
erroneous statement that he was in arrears for dues. The Lodge has the 
power to decide upon the qualifications and rights of its members to vote 
at elections ,and if the brother was denied a vote, it was his personal griev- 
ance, and he could appeal, but the installing officer could not, for that 
reason, refuse to install the brothers who were returned to him as regu- 
larly elected. If any candidate was injured by the refusal of the Lodge to 
allow a brother to vote, the candidate injured might also appeal. 

2466. The installing officer has no right to refuse to install an officer 
elect who is under charges regularly preferred against him, but which the 
Lodge has not finally heard and judgment entered. 

2467. A committee was appointed under the local law preparatory to 
bringing charges against a brother. Before the committee reported he was 
elected and installed into office, objection bfcing taken thereto. Held that 
his election and installation were legal and proper; that even though charges 
had been regularly preferred against him, the installing officer had no right 
to refuse to install. 

2468. The installing officer cannot permit an officer elect to be installed 
by proxy. 

2469. Charges on the books, such as arrears of dues, fines and assess- 
ments are, in case of dispute, capable of determination by the installing office,, 
by a personal examination of the books of the Lodge 

2470. A Lodge complained of the action of a District Deputy Grand 
Master in refusing to install the Noble Grand elect, who was in arrears for 
over thirteen weeks' dues. He had been installed and his chair declared 
vacant by the Lodge. The brother then paid part of his arrearages, but not 
sufficient to place him in good standing. He was again nominated and 
elected to the office of Noble Grand, but upon the night set for installation 
he owed over thirteen weeks' dues. The installing officer refused to install 
him. The action of the installing officer was sustained. 

2471. An officer elect being in good standing is eligible for installation,. 
It is immaterial that he will become in arrears in a few days. 

2472. An officer elect can be installed while an appeal is pending affect- 
ing his eligibility, the decision of the Lodge having been in his favor. 

2473. A District Deputy Grand Master in his own proper person cannot 
lawfully install the officers of two Lodges at one and the same time. 

2474. When the installing officer is present to install the officers elected,, 
and there are not enough Past Grands present to fill all the chairs, the in- 
stalling officer cannot take members who are not Past Grands to help in- 
stall the officers. The Past Grands will divide the work between them, by 
filling more than one position. 

2475. The installation will be deferred if only one qualified installing of- 
ficer be present, and there is no Past Grand present to assist him. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 271 

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 

(c). Installation. 

2476. The installation ceremony in a Lodge must always take place when 
the Lodge is opened in the Third Degree. 

2477. The installing officers having entered the Lodge room, the Grand 
Master or his Deputy takes the chair of the Noble Grand. 

2478. The Grand Master or his Deputy then satisfies himself that the 
per capita taxes have been paid and the reports and returns have been 
forwarded to the Grand Secretary. 

2479. The officers, when they retire for examination in charge of the 
Grand Marshal, retire in form; that is, they address the chairs. 

2480. The officers elect having been examined in the ante-room, when 
they re-enter for installation, they do not address the chairs. 

2481. A member of the Patriarchs Militant has no rignt to wear his 
uniform while installing the officers of the Subordinate Lodge, either in 
connection with a Past Grand's regalia or without it. 

2482. The installing officer being the representative of the Grand Master, 
he must wear the regalia representing that office and that alone. If, however, 
the installing officer is a regularly commissioned District Deputy Grand 
Master, he wears the regalia and jewel of his own' office, as installation is 
one of his duties. 

2483. The Grand Master and his Deputy are, so to speak, civic officers, 
and when performing the functions of that office should be clothed in re- 
galia appropriate to those functions. 

2484. A re-elected officer is subject to the same ceremony of installation 
as when first elected and installed. 

2485. The officers of a Subordinate Lodge may be installed, although 
the Noble Grand elect may be absent. The presiding Noble Graud will con- 
tinue to act until his successor is regularly installed unless the absence of the 
Noble Grand elect has been excused for sickness, when the Vice-Grand will 
assume the Noble Grand's chair pro tern, and the retiring Noble Grand will 
become a Past Grand. 

2486. It is imperative upon Grand and Subordinate Lodges to furnish 
the officers of their respective Lodges with the jewels appertaining to their 
rank and station. 

2487. The Vice Grand being authorized to appoint his own supporters, 
the Noble Grand cannot prevent their installation on the ground that they 
are not acceptable to him. 

2488. When the Noble Grand fails to present himself for installation, 
and no brother is elected to fill the vacancy, the Vice Grand, as the presiding 
officer of the Lodge, may appoint the subordinate officers. 

2489. Should an officer elect absent himself on installation night, unless 
a satisfactory excuse be given for his non-attendance, the installing officer 
may require the Lodge immediately to elect another officer in place of the 
absentee. 

2490. When a new election is ordered by the Grand Master at installa- 
tion, it is his duty to conduct the same, and the Noble Grand has no right to 
attempt to put a question to the Lodge while the Grand Master or his Deputy 
is conducting the election or installing the officers. Any member of the 
Lodge may vote at such election, although a Grand Officer, or acting as such, 
and clothed in his official regalia. 

2491. The proposition that a member under charges, and during the 
investigation thereof by the Lodge, is under a state of suspension and can- 
not participate in the work of his Lodge, is subversive of that well-known 



272 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS-Installation. 

principle that a man is presumed to be innocent until he is proved guilty. 
The only effect of undecided charges is to deprive a member of the right 
to take a Visiting Card, and when the charges bear upon the right to bene- 
fits, to suspend the payment thereof until a final decision. It follows, there- 
fore, if charges against the Noble Grand elect of a Lodge are presented, 
the installing officer has no right to refuse to install him. 

2492. There can be no ceremony of installing into office any other than 
those officers designated by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

{&). Effect of installation. 

2493. One of three conditions precedent and necessary to confer on a 
brother the honors of a term of service in an office is that he shall have been 
regularly and properly installed into the office. 

2494. The installation into office of a member who is disqualified by law 
for such office is. null and void, and should be so declared by the proper 
authority in the jurisdiction, and the vacancy filled according to law. In- 
stallation is not a judicial, but merely an auxiliary proceeding, and cannot 
affect the standing of a regularly elected officer. If the election of any officer 
is regular, installation cannot affect his standing any more than that the 
illegality of elected officers can be cured by a regular installation. 

2495. If an officer be not legally nominated and elected, the act of in- 
stallation becomes void. 

2496. A member over thirteen (13) weeks in arrears when elected to 
office is ineligible, and payment of said arrears on the night of installation 
does not remove the disability. 

2497. A candidate who is ineligible on election night, cannot make him- 
self eligible, so as to be installed on installation night. Tne election being 
illegal, the installation would be void. 

2498. When the officers of a Lodge, being duly elected and qualified, are 
installed by a District Deputy Grand Master or other person authorized by 
the Grand Master, and have taken the obligations of office, such installation 
is valid, although there may be certain irregularities connected with it. 

(ej- Expenses of Installation. 

2499. It is illegal to take from the Treasury of a Lodge the expenses 
of a supper given on the night of installation of officers, or any other time. 

2500. The Grand Lodge cannot entertain a proposition to pay expenses 
incurred by the District Deputy Grand Masters in visiting or installing the 
officers of Subordinate Lodges, unless an appropriation be made for the 
purpose at an Annual Session. 

2501. Subordinate Lodges are required to pay the expenses actually 
and necessarily incurred by District Deputy Grand Masters in installing their 
officers. 

(f). Grand Lodge Installation. 

2502. The installation of officers for the Grand Lodge must be conducted 
by the Grand Master in fulfillment of the duties of his office, or, in his ab- 
sence, by a Past Grand Master. 

2503. In case of the absence of all these officers, a Grand Representa- 
tive or a Past Grand Representative can install the Grand Lodge Officers; 
provided, no objections be made thereto. 

2504. The officers of the Grand Lodge cannot be installed by a Past 
Grand. The obligations of office can only be administered by those upon 
whom they have already been conferred. 

2505. The installation of officers in the Grand Lodge is the order of 
business of the Session, after all the legislation has been disposed of. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 273 

INSTITUTION OF NEW LODGES. 

See Charter. See Election of Officers. 

2506. New Lodges shall be instituted by the Grand Master, an elective 
officer of the Grand Lodge, the District Deputy Grand Master, or by a Past 
Grand, duly authorized by the Grand Master. It shall be the duty of the 
officers instituting a new Lodge to confer the necessary degrees upon the ap- 
plicants, to install its officers, deliver the Dispensation, the Rituals, five copies 
of the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, and give the necessary instructions. 

2507. The Deputy appointed by the Grand Master to institute a Lodge 
fulfills his duty when such Lodge is instituted and he has made report of the 
same. 

2508. The authority of a Special Deputy, appointed by a Grand Master 
to institute a Lodge, terminates at the expiration of the term of the Grand 
Master, and if the Lodge has not been instituted previous to the expiration 
of such term, the Special Deputy has no power to do so afterwards. 

2509. If the instituting officer be not an elective Grand Officer, a commis- 
sion will be issued to him in the following form: 

(a) 
COMMISSION TO INSTITUTE A SJBORDINATE LODGE, 

I, , Grand Master of the State of Pennsylvania, of the 

Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 

To our Brother, Past Grand , Greeting: 

Reposing special confidence in your zeal and ability, I do, by virtue of 
the power and authority in me vested, hereby authorize and empower you to 
call to your assistance a sufficient number of known, approved, and duly 
qualified brothers in good standing, in Lodges in good standing in this juris- 
diction, to open and constitute a new Lodge to be held in . , m 

the County of , State of Pennsylvania, and to proceed to the 

installation of our worthy brother who shall be elected Noble Grand, and 
other the officers of the new Lodge there to be established and constituted 

and to be hailed and known by the title of Lodge, No according 

to the most ancient and honorable customs of our Order, and not contrari- 
wise, and to make report of your proceedings. 

This commission to remain in full force for one month from the date 
hereof, and no longer. 

Given under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 

I. O. O. F., at Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, this day 

of , one thousand nine hundred and , and of our Order 

the 

, Grand Master. 

Attest : 

, Grand Secretary. 

(b) 
ORDER OF CEREMONIES AT THE INSTITUTION OF A LODGE. 

To get through properly an afternoon and evening will be required. Ar- 
range, therefore, to meet early in the afternoon, upon the day fixed, so as to 
enable the instituting officer to institute the Lodge, conduct the election and 
install the officers, as well as to permit of the proposal and election of can- 
didates for membership. The evening session can then be devoted to initia- 
tion and general instructions. 

The Grand Master, or the instituting officer, having taken the Noble 
Grand's chair, and if convenient, supplied all the chairs of the elective 
officers, pro tern., will deliver a short address appropriate to the occasion. 

The officers, at the opening of the Lodge, will have the title of the 



274 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

INSTITUTION OF NEW LODGES. 

Grand Lodge Officers, for the reason that the ceremony at institution ends 
with the installation of the officers elect of the new Lodge. 

1. The instituting officer will direct the officers to take their respective 
stations and the Grand Guardian to secure the door. 

2. He will direct the Grand Marshal to examine the brethren in the 
Lodge room. 

3. The Grand Marshal having reported the brethren all present entitled 
to remain, the instituting officer will then close tic Opening Ceremony, as 
laid down in the Ritual. 

4! The instituting officer will be careful to appoint some competent 
brother to act as Grand Secretary, in order that the minutes of the institu- 
tion of the Lodge may be accurately recorded and the records of the Lodge 
properly started. 

5. He will direct the Grand Conductor to introduce those petitioners wiio 
are not in possession of the Third Degree. The instituting officer will obli- 
gate and instruct them in the required degrees. 

6. He will then proceed to institute the Lodge in accordance with the 
form prescribed in the Ritual. 

7. The Lodge will proceed to an election for officers. The instituting 
officer will appoint two of the [acting] Grand Officers to act as tellers. Xominations 
will then be made for Noble Grand, and he will be elected. After the Noble 
Grand has been elected, nominations will be made for Vice Grand, and he will 
be elected; and so on in regular succession, until the elective officers are 
elected. Where there is no opposition, one ticket or ballot will be sufficient. 

8. The instituting officer will proceed to install the officers in the manner 
prescribed in the Ritual. 

9. The officers having been installed into their respective positions, the 
instituting officer, in making the proclamation which closes the Ceremony 
of Installation, will add the following: "And by virtue of the authority- 
vested in me as (by) the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction 

of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F., I do declare the first session of 

Lodge, No , duly opened." 

10. The instituting officer will announce that according to law, at the in- 
stitution of the Lodge, candidates may be proposed, reported upon, and bal- 
loted for, elected and initiated during the course of the afternoon and even- 
ing of the day of institution, but that he would impress upon the Lodge that 
care must be taken that by reason of this haste, no saloon-keeper, bartender, 
or professional gambler shall be admitted, as the membership thus obtained 
would not be allowed to be retained; also, that by no possibility can any can- 
didate be initiated into this Order as a non-beneficial member, and that the 
minimum initiation or admission fee of five dollars must be actually paid in 
cash by each applicant, whether admitted by initiation, or card, or certificate. 

11. The instituting officer will ca.ution the Lodge that the authority to 
propose, report upon, ballot for, elect and initiate candidates, all at the 
same meeting, can only be exercised by a Lodge at the date of its institution, 
that at the next and all subsequent meetings of the Lodge, it must conform 
to the requirements of the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, and that the 
officers and members of the Lodge should at once familiarize themselves with 
all the requirements of the Constitution, in order that their acts may all be 
performed according to law, and they may avoid a conflict with the higher 
authorities. 

12. The Lodge will fix its regular night of meeting, the admission or initia- 
tion fee, the salaries to be paid its^officers, the dues, assessments and benefits ; these 
figures to be binding upon the Lodge until it has adopted its regular code of 
By-Laws, and the same has been approved by the Committee on By-Laws of the 
Grand Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 275 

INSTITUTION OF NEW LODGES. 

13. The Lodge will adopt for its temporary government, other than for 
the subjects mentioned in the preceding sections, the By-Laws of a sister 
Lodge, with such modifications as are proper, and excepting the section re- 
lating to amendments thereto. 

14. The Lodge will appoint a committee to prepare and present a Code 
of By-Laws to the Lodge for its action and adoption. The instituting officer 
will present the committee with copies of the Revised Form of By-Laws to 
assist them in the performance of their duties. 

15. Report of Investigating Committee and balloting on candidates. 

16. Candidates may be proposed and referred to an Investigating Com- 
mittee to report at the next or some subsequent meeting. 

17. The instituting officer will require a report to be made from the 
temporary officers elected by the petitioners, particularly requiring that the 
Treasurer shall make a report showing that each petitioner has paid into 
the treasury the sum of five dollars, with which sum, in the aggregate, the 
Treasurer, pro tern., has charged himself, and after deducting the neces- 
sary costs and expenses incident to the institution of the Lodge, the balance 
will remain as stated in his report, which sum immediately upon the approval 
of his report by the Lodge, he will hand to the Secretary as part of the re- 
ceipts of the evening. The report of the Treasurer and the action of the 
Lodge thereon must be set out in full on the first minutes of the Lodge. 

18. The instituting officer will give such instructions and make such re- 
marks as he may deem proper. 

19. He may call upon his associates and visitors for remarks. 

20. The Lodge will close in regular form. 

21. The Minutes of this meeting must be kept by the (acting) Grand 
Secretary, according to a skeleton form that will be furnished, and signed 
by him and handed to the Secretary of the Lodge at the close of the in- 
stallation of Officers. From this point in the proceedings of the meeting the 
Secretary of the Lodge will keep the minutes 

22. The Special Deputy appointed to institute a Lodge, fulfils his duty 
when such Lodge is instituted and he has made report of the same. If the 
Special Deputy appointed to institute does not perform this duty during the 
term of the Grand Master whose Deputy he is, he will return the certificate 
of his appointment, as upon the installation of the succeeding Grand Master 
the Special Deputy's authority ceases. The Special Deputy must be a Past 
Grand, in good standing in a Dodge in good standing in this jurisdiction. 

(c) 

The following is the form of dispensation to be issued by the Grand Master to 
institute a Lodge : 

Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F. 

To all whom it may concern, Greeting : 

Whereas 

have formally applied for a charter for a Lodge 

to be located at in the County of 

Pennsylvania, and believing it to be for the benefit and 

welfare of the Order, We, Therefore, by the powers in us vested, do grant this our 

Special Dispensation. 
whereby the above-mentioned Brothers are constituted a Lodge, under the name of 

i Lodge, Xo with power and 

authority to initiate members, to grant certificates for the three Subordinate De- 
grees, and to confer the same on duly qualified members, and to do and perform 



276 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

INSTITUTION OF NEW LODGES. 

all that a duly chartered Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows may of 
right do : Provided, That it conforms to the charges and regulations of the Order, 
and to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge and the Constitution of 
Subordinate Lodges. 

This dispensation to continue in force until the next annual communication 
of the said Grand Lodge, and until its pleasure in the premises shall have been 
made known to you. 

Given under my hand and the seal of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the 

I. 0. O. F. at the : of one thousand 

nine hundred and , and of our Order the 

[Seal.] 

Attest : Grand Master. 

Grand Secretary. 

(d) 

The Special Deputy having instituted the Lodge, will report accord- 
ing to the following form, and transmit the same, with his commission, to 
the Grand Secretary, immediately after the institution. 

RETURN OF INSTITUTION. 

To , Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- 
vania, I. O. O. F.: 

Dear Sir and Brother: — 

Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the within commission, I pro- 
ceeded to /in the County of , State of 

Pennsylvania, and assisted by a sufficient number of duly qualified brothers. 

on the day of , 19. ., instituted Lodge, 

No , and installed the duly elected and appointed officers thereof as per 

the accompanying list. 

, Special Deputy Grand Master. 

2510. Where in the matter of the organization of new Lodges the charter 
members meet and organize by electing a chairman and Secretary, and a 
sufficient number of members in good standing in their Lodge decide to 
procure a charter for a new Lodge and authorize the Secretary of the meet- 
ing in writing to procure for each of theai a Withdrawal Card from their Lodge, 
and deposit with him their official receipt, showing dues paid up beyond the 
date of presentation of their receipt, such members are required to pay for 
admission as charter members under the above conditions, the minimum fee 
of $5.00; they cannot become charter members under the provisions of tne 
law passed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, which took effect January 1, 1905. 
The said resolution passed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge in 1904, on the question 
of transfer of membership by Withdrawal Card on change of residence, has 
no application whatever to the case stated above. The law as it existed 
before the passage of that resolution governs the case. Each charter mem- 
ber must pay into the Treasury of the Lodge before it is instituted, at least 
the sum of five dollars as an admission fee. 

2511. In instituting a Lodge the Grand Master, or the instituting officer, 
opens, with assisting brothers, a temporary Subordinate Lodge in the Third 
Degree which, as the ceremony proceeds, becomes the newly instituted 
Lodge, which the general law says must be opened by the instituting officer 
in the Third Degree, And as the ceremony ends with the installation of 
officers, when the instituting officer places in the hands of the Noble Grand 
the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and general regulations of the Grand 
Lodge, and the dispensation under which the Lodge exists to follow the 
Ritual, the titles of the officers in the temporary Lodge will be those cor- 
responding with the like positions in the Grand Lodge. 

2512. A Grand Master admitted a brother as a charter member of a new 
Lodge, and waived the production of his Withdrawal Card on his promise 
to procure and file it with the Grand Secretary, which he afterwards did, 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 277 

INSTITUTION OF NEW LODGES. 

but it bore date subsequent to the time of his admission to the new Lodge. 
This was illegal, but, as it did not appear to be the fault of the brother, his 
membership should not be disturbed. It is now declared to be a funda- 
mental principle of the Order, fixed by general 'law, that the requirement 
of a card or certificate from a brother joining a Lodge upon its institution 
cannot be waived by the instituting officer. 

2513. On Augnist 4> a brother, while a member in good standing in a 
Lodge, was admitted as a charter member of a Lodge that day instituted. 
He did not have a card, but the Grand Master waived the presence of the 
card upon the brother's promise to subsequently file it witn the Grand 
Secretary, which was done August 9th. Held that, according to the laws of 
the Order, a brother cannot be a member of two Subordinate Lodges at the 
same time, and the Grand Master erred in waiving the presence of the card 
and permitting the brother to be admitted without it. 

2514. At the institution of a Lodge, October 12,1900, a brother gave the in- 
stituting officer the price of his Withdrawal Card and the Grand Marshal 
vouched for his good standing. Subsequently the brother became sick and 
an examination of the books developed that the brother had paid his dues, etc. 
and was in good standing, but the Lodge had never received his card. The 
certificate was then procured and accepted by the Lodge, November 23, 
1901. Held that the brother's membership dates from November 23, 1901, 
when his certificate was deposited in the Lodge, and could not date back 
to October 12, 1900. There is no such thing in Odd Fellowship as vouching 
for a brother's standing. If the brother intrusted his ?1.00 to a brother to 
procure his certificate, that brother became his agent, and for any failure 
on his part the Lodge is not to be held responsible, nor can it be held that 
the Lodge is bound by having received the brother on the Grand Marshal's 
vouching for him. It is a fundamental principle of the Order to require the 
card or certificate of a brother on the institution of a new Lodge, which can- 
not be waived. 

2515. Where a Lodge had been instituted with nine charter members, 
the granting of a charter to the Lodge by the Grand Lodge was objected to 
because at the time of institution all but one of the nine charter members 
were members of their old Lodge, their Withdrawal Cards not being granted 
until fifteen days after the institution of said Lodge. Held that these 
brothers could not become members of the new Lodge until they had severed 
their connection with their old Lodge; and as the Withdrawal Cards were 
not issued to them until fifteen days after the institution of said Lodge, it 
was illegally instituted, and the Grand Lodge erred in granting a charter to 
said Lodge, and the same should be recalled. 

2516. A new Lodge cannot legally be instituted on Sunday. 

2517. The Grand Officers, as such, cannot, after the institution of a 
Lodge, initiate candidates nor confer the degrees. 

2518. Upon the organization of a new Lodge, when it may be necessary 
to confer any of the three degrees upon any of the petitioners, the fee for the 
dispensation to confer the degrees in such cases is covered by the charter 
fee, as the granting of the charter carries with it the institution and organ- 
ization of the Lodge. 

2519. The instituting officer of a new Lodge can only appoint officers to 
fill the chairs temporarily for the institution, after which the Lodge must 
elect and install its officers. 

2520. Only those who are petitioners for the charter may participate in 
the election of officers at the institution of a Lodge. Charter members in- 
itiated at the first meeting, but after the institution of the Lodge, are not 
qualified to vote for the first officers of the Lodge. 



278 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

INSTITUTION OF NEW LODGES. 

2521. The first election for ofiicers of a Subordinate Lodge shall be held 
at the time of its institution; and in case the same be within fourteen weeks 
of the succeeding semi-annual election, the officers so elected will serve dur- 
ing the current and the whole of the following term. 

2522. Any Scarlet Degree member in good standing in a Subordinate 
Lodge may be elected as the first Noble Grand or Vice Grand of a new or 
revived Lodge. 

2523. A Lodge on the night of its institution may, if no local law forbids 
it, receive applications, refer the same, receive the report of the committee 
thereon, ballot, elect and confer the initiatory and other degrees on the 
elected applicants. 

2524. A Lodge cannot ballot collectively on a number of applications for 
membership. A ballot must be taken separately on each application. 

2525. On the institution of a new Lodge, the Special Deputy obligated 
those charter members only who were Odd Fellows and held cards; the 
Special Deputy then appointed the officers, after which the charter members 
who were not Odd Fellows were initiated. It was held that the instituting 
officer of a new Lodge has no right to appoint officers, except to fill chairs 
temporarily for the institution. Those who are obligated as provided in the 
institution of the Lodges should, immediately after the institution, elect and 
install officers, but if this was omitted, the Lodge can now do so, and the of- 
ficers appointed by a Special Deputy will vacate. While the appointment of 
ofiicers by the Special Deputy was an irregularity, it will not vitiate the in- 

• stitution of the Lodge, as the officers so appointed were such de facto while 
serving. 

DJSTKUCTIOltfS. 

2526. While the Grand Lodge or a Subordinate Lodge may instruct its 
Representatives in matters of legislation pertaining particularly to said 
Grand Lodge or Subordinate Lodge, nevertheless instructions are not ex- 
pedient or proper for the Grand Lodge to instruct in matters of interest to 
the entire Order, or the Lodge to instruct in matters of interest to the en- 
tire jurisdiction. 

INSURANCE. 

2527. It is the duty of Lodges or Trustees, or brethren holding Lodge 
property, to have it insured against loss by fire, and in case of neglect of 
this wise precaution, they have no claim upon the Order to make good their 
loss of property, as the Order is not a fire insurance company. 

2528. An erroneous opinion to the effect that the Order is liable 
for losses by fire seems to be gaining ground, notwithstanding the emphatic 
resolves of the Grand Lodge to the contrary. To such an extent does this 
error exist, that many members fail to have their property insured, as they 
believe that Odd Fellowship will indemnify them in case of loss by fire. The 
Order certainly never intended to encourage negligence, nor countenance 
carelessness. Upon the other hand, we believe that it teaches vigilance, and 
admonishes its members to guard against the uncertainties, and provide for 
the contingencies of the future. If, under our system of providing a revenue 
by small weekly contributions, we should assume fire risks, the Lodges 
would soon become bankrupt, and the usefulness of the Order utterly de- 
stroyed. It is therefore emphasized, as already laid down, "that the only 
safeguard against personal loss by fire is insurance in a safe, reliable com- 
pany." 

2529. All legislation heretofore enacted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge in 
any way recognizing or authorizing life or accident insurance in the name 
of Odd Fellowship is repealed. 

2530. All certificates issued to life or accident insurance companies, 
authorizing such companies to do business in the name of the Order, are 
revoked. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 279 

INSTANCE. 

2531. An Odd Fellow cannot act as agent for an insurance company or 
association using the emblems of the Order. 

2532. It is not illegal for a member to solicit for an insurance associa- 
tion not using the name or emblems of the Order, but it is improper to do so 
in Lodge session. 

2533. An association conducting life insurance business without using 
the name or emblems of the Order, but which does print upon its cards "For 
I. O. O. F. only," does not violate the law. 

2534. There is no law of the Order which authorizes a Grand Lodge to 
form an indemnity company to protect Lodges from losses by tire, or from 
infidelity of officers. Nor is it legal for a subordinate Grand Body to provide fire 
insurance for the property of the subordinate bodies under its jurisdiction, tne 
matter of carrying insurance being entirely voluntary with the subordinate 
bodies, and the expenses being met by pro rata assessments upon those 
carrying such insurance. 

INTEMPERANCE. 

2535. Our laws consider drunkenness as the vilest and most pernicious 
of all vices. The drunkard, deprived of the reason given him by God, lowers 
himself to the condition of the brutes. ' He contracts ruinous engagements, 
negiects his business, squanders his property, abuses his health, fills his 
house with troubles, and if not cut off by premature death, is doomed to an 
old age, comfortless and diseased. 

2536. The intemperate, from drink, is not a fit person to remain a mem- 
ber of the Order. » 

2537. Being intoxicated in a public place while drawing benefits is an 
offense punishable by charges, trial and the infliction of a penalty of expul- 
sion. 

2538. Where a brother affected with intemperance is in the neighborhood 
of his Lodge and it is known to the members thereof, the Lodge cannot, by 
permitting this intemperance to continue, wait until after the brother's death 
and then set up the intemperance as a defence to the payment of a funeral 
benefit. It was bound to prefer charges during the life of the brother, and 
expell him or pay the benefits. 

2539. Where the intemperance was not known to the Lodge during the 
brother's life time, it may be possible that it can be investigated after his 
death. 

2540. While temperance is a cardinal principle of the Order, and must 
be observed, it will not attempt to enforce total abstinence, a principle never 
intended by the framers to be ingrafted upon the Order. 

2541. A brother was in the habit of becoming intoxicated and the Lodge 
appointed a committee to talk with him. He promised to do better, but again 
went on a spree. After a few days pneumonia developed and caused his death. 
During the sickness charges were preferred against him, but trial had not taken 
place at the time of his death. The Lodge must pay his funeral benefit. 

INTERMITTENT SICKNESS. 

See Infirmity Concealed at Admission. Reduced Benefits. 

2542. When a brother has been for several years afflicted with such 
disease as epilepsy, occasional and unpremonitory attacks of which render 
him at times, for short periods, unable to follow his usual or other occupa- 
tion, the fact that he was in arrears and not beneficial during one of tnese 
attacks will not disqualify him from receiving benefits at the time of a sub- 
sequent attack, if he is not in arrears, and otherwise in good standing. 



280 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

INTERMITTENT SICKNESS. 

2543. A brother who at the time of his admission was afflicted with an 
intermittent disease, such as epilepsy, attacks of which did not prevent 
him, in between, from following his usual occupation whereby he earns a 
livelihood, is guilty of concealing an infirmity at the time of his initiation, 
if he does not disclose the same to the Investigating Committee. 

2544. A brother advanced in life is taken sick; he is not beneficial; he 
gets so much better that he resumes his usual occupation and pays his 
arrears ; he subsequently reported again; and, because the sickness is, in the 
opinion of the Lodge, the same kind of sickness, he is not thereby debarred 
from receiving benefits. 

2545. A brother was taken sick in July; exactly what was the cause of 
complaint is not clear. At this time the brother was not beneficial, for 
weekly benefits by reason of not having paid up his dues. From this sickness 
he was declared off in two or three weeks and paid his arrears. During 
September and October following, the brother was at work, doing his best 
towards making a living. Subsequently, in November, the brother was again 
reported as sick; and, as claimed by the Lodge, with the same sickness as that 
under which he suffered in July. And, as they further claim, it was a con- 
tinuous sickness, they, therefore refused to pay .him benefits, on the ground that 
having been taken sick when in arrears, he could not, during that sickness be- 
come beneficial. He was entitled to benefits. 

INTERPRETER. 

See Language. Degrees, Trial. 

2546. A Lodge working in the language of a particular people, possesses 
the right to receive and initiate an applicant who speaks and more thoroughly 
understands another language, and for the purpose of interpretation and to 
convey a more complete knowledge of the ceremony. If it be possible the 
Ritualistic lectures and cnarges may be delivered in the mother tongue of 
the applicant; provided, always, that the Ritual shall have been published 
therein and the Pass Words shall be communicated in English, the universal 
language for expressing the sounds of such symbolical words. 

2547. Where, in case of a trial for charges or hearing before a commis- 
sioner, the party accused or claiming benefits, as the case may be, or any 
witness is unable to speak the English language, an interpreter may be used, 
so that the proceeding's may be clearly understood by all the parties. 

2548. Where the proceedings are in a Lodge where all the members 
speak the language of a particular people, the proceedings and records may 
be in their own language, but the papers and testimony must be translated 
into English, and certified to by the Lodge, and the translations forwarded, 
with the original papers, in an appeal to the Grand Lodge from the action of 
the Lodge. 

2549. In every case the interpreter must be one qualified to be present. 

INTOXICATING LIQUOR. 

See Liquor. See Regalia. 

Permission to use the nama of the Order, Wear, Regalia, etc. 

INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. 

2550. Where the By-Laws of a Lodge prescribe that the Noble Grand 
appoints a majority of all committees, and a Noble Grand proposes the name 
of a candidate for membership, he cannot authorize the Vice Grand to appoint 
all of the Committee on Investigation. The Noble Grand, if in the chair, 
must appoint the majority of the committee. 



1907.]. THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 281 

INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. 

2551. A Lodge should have a Proposition Book, in which the names of 
candidates should be entered; and the Investigating Committee should sign 
the report in the proposition book. A member of the committee may au- 
thorize one iof his colleagues to sign the report in his behalf. The committee 
cannot report upon the night of its appointment. 

2552. In all cases, a report of two of the three members of a Committee 
is a sufficient report upon which to base a ballot. A report of an Investi- 
gating Committee must be signed by a majority of the committee. Two so-called 
reports, one in favor of the applicant, and one against, each signed by a single 
member of the committee, are not proper reports to be received and acted upon 
by the Lodge. 

2553. The Investigating Committee is the direct creature of the Lodge, 
possessing no power further than that of inquiry and recommendation, or 
disapproval, etc. One of the first principles of parliamentary law is that a 
committee is the creature of the appointing body, and must report its acts 
to the body creating it, unless otherwise authorized by such body. 

2554. The committee cannot consent to the withdrawal of the applica- 
tion; it must perform its duty to investigate and report, even though the 
application may be withdrawn before its report may be read to the Lodge. 

2555. The Constitution for Subordinate Lodges in a jurisdiction provided 
that applications for membership should be referred to a committee of three, 
"who shall report upon the application upon the next succeeding regular meet- 
ing (unless unavoidable circumstances prevent), when the candidate 
shall be balloted for, etc." The By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge provided, 
"When the report shall have been submitted to the Lodge, action shall be de- 
ferred until the next regular session, or from time to time, until any doubt as 
to the fitness of the candidate may be determined." Held that there was no 
conflict between the Constitution and the By-Laws, and that the Lodge had 
a right to postpone the consideration of the report of a committee to any 
subsequent meeting. 

2556. When the Investigating Committee makes a report on the applica- 
tion of a citizen who desires to join the Lodge by initiation, or by a brother 
by deposit of card, or by deposit of certificate, or as Ancient Odd Fellow re- 
signed from the Order, respectively, the report should be received, and then 
action must be taken on the application for membership by ball ballot vote 
under the law. 

2557. When the report is received, it stands as any other report made 
by a special committee to the Lodge, and may, if desired, be discussed and 
recommitted with instructions, if such is the will of the Lodge, or the appli- 
cation may be referred to the Lodge itself as a "Committee of the Whole." 
The Lodge possesses the inherent right to investigate the standing of the 
applicant, through a special committee, or as a committee of the whole, but in 
either instance the report of the committee must be made to tne Lodge in 
regular meeting. 

2558. An Ancient Odd Fellow who became such by written resignation 
from the Order, may be re-admitted; provided, he can pass a satisfactory 
examination in the work by the Investigating Committee, and if he fails to 
pass an examination satisfactory to the committee and the Lodge accept the 
report of the committee, he can only be readmitted by initiation. An Ancient 
Odd Fellow's rank and standing, when admitted in the Order will be deter- 
mined by the Lodge upon the report of the Investigating Committee. 

2559. There is no committee more important than this, especially in new 
Lodges, where there is a strong desire to increase the membership rapidly; 
or in large towns and cities, where men are not personally so well-known to 
each other, and where, therefore, the Lodge must rely wholly on the report 
made to it respecting a candidate. If this committee is careless in the per- 
formance of its duty, or lax in its standard of social and moral qualifications, . 
in but a single instance a grievous if not irreparable injury may be inflicted 

18 



282 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. 

on many brethren, on the Lodge and on the Order. Years may elapse before 
the evil can be arrested; certainly before its consequences can be repaired. 
The Sovereign Grand Lodge sounds a note of warning, which it hopes may 
echo in every locality wnere Odd Fellowship has an abiding place. That 
caution to every Lodge and to every member of our Order should be: never 
sacrifice a high standard of excellence in the personnel of membership in 
this fraternity in order to receive a large acquisition to your ranks. Always 
maintain that quality is of far greater importance than quantity. Emphasize 
strongly and at every opportunity the importance of properly investigating 
each application for membership. 'Remember that no Committee is charged 
with a more important duty, no subject brought before a Lodge for action 
requires more careful consideration than in passing upon an application for 
membership. Let us seek to improve and elevate the character of man, but 
let us insist that before an applicant is made an Odd Fellow his habits and 
moral standing must be such that we shall be glad to welcome him to our 
homes and introduce him to our wives and daughters. Guard the sanctity of 
your Lodge as though it were your own home! Discourage the thought that 
Odd Fellowship is a mere beneficial society. Inform the applicant that the 
great mission of our Order is to make the world purer and better, and tnat in 
becoming an Odd Fellow he pledges himself to practice in his daily life and 
with his Brother man, the principles of eternal Friendship, Love and Truth. 
Even a man esteemed to sustain a good moral character, may be socially such 
that his admission will be worse than that of an outright bad man. The latter 
would be rejected at once, easily and lawfully; but the former may foment 
disturbances and strifes, and get up factions and divisions, and introduce 
annoyances in the shape of unpleasant words and looks, so cunningly, that 
charges and specifications cannot easily be preferred, or conviction procured. 
But before this can be produced the injured, the peaceably disposed and the 
honorable will have left, disgusted and aggrieved, and the Lodge is not only 
weakened, but its character almost ruined in public estimation. And all this 
merely because an Investigating Committee was in an easy humor, or too in- 
dolent or careless to make the necessary inquiry. 

2560. Let every member of this committee feel responsible, as if he were 
the committee, as if the character, funds and welfare of the Lodge rested on 
his decision. Let him, in making inquiry, insist on having sufficient time to 
write abroad, if the candidate is not an old resident. Demand at least as 
careful inquiry as you would concerning an individual to whom you are about 
to lend a large sum of money. Reflect that 6ur Lodge is our family, and that 
admission into it, frequently almost necessarily, admits into our domestic 
circles also. Does this question go too far? Consider a few consequences of 
admission into our Order: 

1st. If laid on the bed of sickness, the candidate (if become a member) 
may be the visitor to call on you freely, mingtle with your family, and impart 
to them the benefits allowed by your Lodge. Is he such a one as you would 
allow in this intimacy when you are, perhaps, unconscious of his doings, and 
at all events unable closely to observe his conduct? Is he a man of principle, 
of honor, of goodness of heart? If not, why report in his favor? 

2d. When you are sick or dying, he, if a member, may be detailed to sit 
at your bedside during the silent watches of the night. He will mingle with 
your loved ones when they most need sympathy and support, and when this 
want will render them most open and confiding. He will administer the 
medicines on which your life depends, when your family sleep under the 
double influence of deep grief and great weariness, and he is required to at- 
tend you with all a nurse's prudence and a brother's tenderness. And should 
death invade the citadel of life, he will be amid your mourning family; per- 
haps at midnight; their aider, consoler and friend. Is he the man of kindly 
feelings and purity of life to be thus deeply, confidingly trusted in the craving 
want of sympathy, in the unguarded hours of mourning agony? If not, how 
•can you, in justice to your own and your brethren's family, refrain from doing 
your utmost to keep him out of your Lodge? 

3d. When your moral life has been dissolved by the chemistry of death 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 283 

INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. 

your widow and orphans may become the charge of your "brethren of the 
mystic tie." Then the proposed candidate, if a member, may be brought into 
a peculiar nearness to them as an official guardian and adviser. These duties 
may pave the way to many opportunities to pervert the tender principles of 
youthful gratitude and confidence, and abuse the trust of the widow and her 
orphans. Though a majority of the Lodge guard carefully their interest in 
its funds, his injuries may reach deeper, far deeper than they can guard 
against. Has he, then, that humanity which will make him truly fraternal 
in watching over their interests and welfare? Will he often "visit the widow 
and the fatherless in their afflictions," and yet prevent his visits from being 
a blighting curse, by keeping "himself unspotted from the world? ' Can you 
answer positively in the affirmative? If not, how can you report favorably? 

2561. If the Investigating Committee is satisfied from an examination of 
the candidate's life, and especially his conduct in his family or among his 
intimate associates, that, notwithstanding the frailties common to our nature, 
he is still a man of humanity and sound principle, and worthy a seat in "our 
family," it should report in his favor at once. The influences of Odd Fellow- 
ship cannot render such a one worse, but will certainly make him a better 
man. But if doubtful, merely DOUBTFUL, report it, and give the Lodge 
the benefit of your doubt. Rejection is but for a few months, not for all 
time. It does not decide that he is positively unworthy, but only that he is 
not known to be worthy. 

I. 0. 0. F. 

2562. The word "of" should not be used in connection with the initials 
I. O. O. F. 

JEWELS. 

See Regalia, Emblems. Appendix. 

2563. In the ordinary acceptation of the word, a jewel is an ornament of 
precious stones or metal, worn as a decoration, or as the badge or emblem 
of an honorary order. An emblem is a representation of an object intended 
to signify or indicate to the understanding something else than that which it 
directly represents to the eye. The meaning of the emblem rests upon its 
secondary, not its primary signification. It is often used in a sense synony- 
mous with symbol. A symbol is that which specially distinguishes one re- 
garded as occupying a particular office; as, for example, a crown is the 
peculiar symbol of a king. In Odd Fellowship the term jewel is the name 
applied to the emblems or symbols worn by officers as distinctive badges of 
their offices, as well as to the emblems or symbols worn by the members as 
decorations, to evidence their honorable connection with the Order. 

2564. The right to wear an Official Badge, Jewel or Emblem of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows is necessarily dependent upon active mem- 
bership therein. A member suspended for non-payment of dues cannot wear 
an Official Badge, Jewel or Emblem of the Order, and thus hold himself out 
to the world as an Odd Fellow, without violating the laws of the Order. 

2565. In 1903 the Committee on Printing Supplies in the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge reported that the records of the Sovereign Grand Lodge had 
been carefully examined in search of all the enactments providing for and 
prescribing the jewels of the Order. In some cases, jewels are simply de- 
scribed, and reference made to "ancient usage" as authority for their use. 
In many instances the jewels are authorized by legislation, but they are 
imperfectly described. The various enactments of laws authorizing many of 
the jewels of the Order, and the descriptions of others, are so difficult to 
find in the journals of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, that they deemed it wise 
to embrace in their report a complete list of all the jewels authorized here- 
tofore by legislative enactments of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, or described 
in its journals. In presenting the list, in all cases where anything is want- 
ing to complete the description of any jewel or jewels, it has been added. 
Believing that they had embodied proper descriptions of those jewels not 



284 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907, 

JEWELS. 

fully described in the legislation referred to, and that the adoption of their 
report and the accompanying resolution will not only cure any and all defects 
in previous enactments on the subject of jewels of the Order, but will put in 
concise form, in one report, a list of all the jewels, they therefore offered 
the following resolution, which was adopted, viz.: 

Resolved, That the described jeweis be, and they are hereby, declared 
to be the authorized jewels of the Order. 

2566. Grand Sire: — A medal, three inches in diameter, of yellow metal, 
on one side of which shall be the coat of arms of the United States of 
America, surrounded by an ornamental silver edging. 

2567. Deputy Grand Sire: — Similar to the jewel of the Grand Sire in ali 
respects, except that it shall be two inches in diameter. 

2568. District Deputy Grand Sire: — A medal similar in all respects to the 
jewel for the Grand Sire, except that it shall be two inches in diameter. 

2569. Grand Representatives and Past Grand Representatives: — A medal, 
the size and style of the Grand Sire's, with the coat of arms of the State 
represented. 

2570. Past Grand Master: — The sun, with hand and heart, of white metal, 
two and one-half inches in diameter. 

2571. Grand Master: — The sun, with scales of Justice, of white metal, 
two and one-half inches in diameter. 

2572. Deputy Grand Master: — A half moon, of white ineiai, two and one- 
half inches in length. 

2573. District Deputy Grand Master: — A shield of Sterling, silver, one 
inch and three-quarters wide and two inches long (greatest measurements) ; 
the upper part covered with white enamel, with letters D. D. G. M. in blue 
enamel, the lower part covered with scarlet enamel, bearing the following, 
in white enamel: A crescent supporting a five-pointed star, with the letters 
I. O. O. F. below the crescent. 

2574. Past District Deputy Grand Master: — The same jewel used for the 
D. D. G. M., with the letter P. in blue enamel, in the centre above the letters 
D. D. G. M. 

2575. Grand Warden: — Two cross gavels, of white metal, two and one- 
half inches in length. 

2576. Grand Secretary: — Two crossed pens, of white metal, two and one- 
half inches in length. 

2577. Grand Treasurer: — Two crossed keys, of white metal, two and one- 
half inches in length. 

2578. Grand Conductor: — A Roman sword, of white metal, two and one- 
half inches in length. 

2579. Grand Guardian: — Two crossed swords, of white metal, two and 
one-half inches in length. 

2580. Grand Marshal: — A baton, of white metal, two and one-nalt 
inches in length. 

2581. Grand Herald of a Grand Dodge: — A trumpet, of white metal, two 
and one-half inches in length. 

2582. Past Grand: — A five-pointed star, of white metal, two and one-half 
inches wide from tip to tip. 

2583. Noble Grand: — Two crossed gavels, of white metal, two inches 
wide, and three and one-half inches long. 

2584. Vice Grand: — An hour glass, of white metal, two inches wide, and 
three and one-half inches long. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 285 

JEWELS. 

2585. 'Recording, or Financial Secretary: — Two crossed pens, of white 
metal, two inches wide, and three and one-half inches long. 

2586. Treasurer: — Two crossed keys, of white metal, two inches wide, and 
three and one-half inches long. 

2587. Warden: — Two crossed axes, of white metal, two inches wide and 
three and one-half inches long. 

2588. Conductor: — Two crossed wands, of white metal, two inches wide, 
and three and one-half inches long. 

2589. Guardian: — Two crossed swords, of white metal, two inches wide, 
and three and one-half inches long. 

2590. Supporters of the Noble Grand: — A Wand, of white metal, with 
two circular arms, connected by three links, and encompassing a gavel, two 
inches wide and three and one-half inches long. 

2591. Supporters of the Vice Grand: — Same, encompassing an hour 
glass. 

2592. Scene Supporters :^-Same, encompassing a burning torch. 

2593. Chaplain: — Same, encompassing a Bible. 

2594. Veteran Jewels: — The design is patented, and the jewels can be 
purchased from the Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Dodge, on an 
order from the Grand Secretary of Pennsylvania. 

2595. Honorable Veteran Jewel: — Made in two qualities: one of standard 
metal, and the other of 14-karat gold; on the back of the bar are hinged 
pin and catch, for fastening. An Honorable Veteran Jewel is sold by the Grand 
Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge on an order from the Grand Sec- 
retary of Pennsylvania 

2596. Lodge Street Uniform Jewel: — A jewelled collar, two and one-half 
inches wide, uniting in a point in front, made of light blue Italian cloth, or 
other material, except velvet, edged with silver lace or braid, one-fourth of 
an inch wide, and without embroidery of any kind whatever. A medal to be 
suspended from the collar, of white metal, one and three-fourth inches in 
diameter, having on the obverse side, in raised work, the All-Seeing Eye, 
encircled with rays of light, and on the reverse, also in raised work, three 
links of the Order, surrounded by the legend, "In God we Trust. Friend- 
ship, Love and Truth." 

2597. When the law requires that officers wear jewels, it is not a com- 
pliance therewith to have them wrought in the regalia. 

2598. It is as imperative upon all Grand and Subordinate Lodges to fur- 
nish the officers of their respective Lodges with the jewels appertaining to 
their rank and station, as it is for the members thereof to be clothed in suit- 
able regalia. 

2599. It is compulsory for officers of Subordinate Lodges to wear cheir 
jewels in connection with their regalia. They must wear jewels. All officers 
of Subordinate Lodges shall wear the jewels of their office during the trans- 
action of business. 

2600. Unless prohibited by local law, the funds of a Lodge may be used 
to purchase Veteran and Honorable Veteran Jewels for members entitled to 
wear them. 

JUNIOE PAST GRAND. 

2601. The Junior Past Grand is not strictly an officer of the Lodge, but it 
is his privilege to occupy the seat of the Past Grand for one term, and 
deliver the Past Grand's charge at initiations. 

2602. The retiring Noble Grand may be elected Secretary of his Lodge, 
for the ensuing term, but if he is he cannot be compelled to give the Past 
Grand's charge at an initiation. 



286 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

JUNIOR PAST GRAND. 

2603. He is relieved of the duty of giving die Past Grand's charge at 
initiations by the Lodge having elected and installed him as Secretary. He 
would be competent to give the charge, and could do so, voluntarily, if not in 
conflict with his immediate duties in the Lodge as Secretary; but could not 
claim the right, and could not be required to do so. 

2604. The Junior Past Grand is not strictly an Officer of a Lodge; it is 
rather a privilege, as it is an honor to have the right to deliver the Past 
Grand's charge at initiation. 

2605. A Junior Past Grand is not an officer of a Lodge, and cannot be 
fined as such for absence from Lodge meetings. 

2606. A Subordinate Lodge has no right to enact a law making it obliga- 
tory upon the Junior Past Grand of a Lodge to perform the duty of Chaplain 
of said Lodge; nor, if declining to perform said duty, is it competent for said 
Lodge to fine him for non-performance of duty. 

2607. A Subordinate Lodge has not the right to enact a By-Law making 
it obligatory upon the sitting Past Grand to be a member of the Relief Com- 
mittee and perform the duties thereof. His is a position of honor for past 
services rendered, and such sitting Past Grand cannot be fined for non-attend- 
ance, nor can any duties be imposed by law upon him outside of those belong- 
ing to the position. 

KEYS. 

See Cipher Keys. 

2608. No officer, excepting the Noble Grand, or in his absence, the Vice 
Grand, shall be entrusted with the key of the receptacle of the Rituals and 
any other officer or member opening the same with other keys, or breaking it 
open, subjects himself to charges and is liable to expulsion. 



LANGUAGE. 

See Interpreter, Trials, Password, Degrees, Initiation. 

2609. In the trial of charges where either party or his counsel does not 
understand the language in which the proceedings are conducted, such party 
or counsel cannot be denied the time necessary for the interpretation to him 
of the proceedings as had by interpreters qualified to be present. A member 
entitled to address remarks or a communication to any body of the Order, 
if he be unable to speak or write the language in which such body conducts 
its work, cannot be denied the right to make such address in English. The 
Sovereign Grand Lodge refused to repeal the above, as the law was both 
necessary and proper, and should not be left to local legislation. 

2610. The pass words of the Order must all be spoken as written in 
the English language. The different nations must learn to give them the 
one universal sound, as nearly as possible, so that the sound of the word 
will be as familiar to the ear as the signs are to the eye, or the grip to the 
touch of the hand. 

2611. The language used in describing and explaining the use, meaning 
and manner of performing the signs, grips, etc., may be in the tongue of the 
people in which the lodges are working; provided always, that the Ritual 
shall have been published therein. 

2612. The Ritual has been translated into the German, French, Spanish, 
Italian, Norwegian, Bohemian and Swedish languages. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 287 



LECTURES. 

2613. No brother shall deliver any public lecture or discourse relative to 
Odd Fellowship without permission of the Grand Lodge Officers. 

3614. Members of a Lodge, may, by appointment of the Noble '-rand, 
when the Lodge is opened under the head of the Good of the Order, deliver 
addresses on Odd Fellowship, or read essays on Odd Fellowship. 

2615. The delivery of addresses, or the reading of essays on Odd Fellow- 
ship by members of a Lodge (by appointment of the Noble Grand), when the 
Lodge is opened under the head of "Good of the Order," is not unlawful. 

2616. By proper permission, lectures and essays confined exclusively to 
the subject of Odd Fellowship may be delivered in Subordinate Lodges of 
the Order. 

2617. It is illegal to take the funds of a Lodge to pay for lectures not 
having for their object the instruction of the public or the members on the 
subject of Odd Fellowship. 

2618. The right to print or publish the lectures, charges or odes adopted 
by the Sovereign Grand Lodge for the use of Grand and Subordinate Lodges 
and Encampments under its jurisdiction, or any portion thereof, or any form 
of diploma now used by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, is exclusively the prop- 
erty of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and any violation of this right by Grand 
or Subordinate Lodges, or individuals, is in opposition £o the laws, rights 
and privileges of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. The Grand Masters and Grand 
Patriarchs of the several Grand Bodies are directed to cause the law of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge in this respect to be enforced in their respective 
jurisdictions. 

[Note.— " The word Lectures" in the above law is used in the sense as denned by 
Mackey, "A course of instruction in which the ceremonies traditions and moral instruc- 
tions appertaining to the degree are set forth." In this sense the Past Grand's charge is a 
lecture and all official Instructors are in their functions lecturers, hence came the law 
to regulate them. The word has no reference to what is popularly called " a lecture," and 
hence this law has no effect whatever on the preceding section under this heading.] 



LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES. 
See Funeral Benefits, Orphans, Widow- 

2619. The laws of the Order do not in any way recognize any claim 
by legal representatives, as such, for benefits due upon the death of a mem- 
ber. The right to these benefits were never vested in the deceased brother, 
and consequently they cannot become part of his estate. 

2620. The funeral benefits are designed for the comfort of a brother and 
his family, and to relieve and administer to their personal and present need. 
If there are dependent relatives, on his decease, the amount due should be 
paid directly to such relatives, and in no case to his executors or admin- 
istrators, as in case there were debts, the executors or administrators must 
apply these funds with others to the payment of debts. It is no part of the 
design of our Order to pay such debts. 

2621. Benefits are rights personal to the member, his family and de- 
pendent relatives, and are not payable to the legal representatives of a mem- 
ber's estate; and in case of the death of a brother entitled to such benefits 
leaving no family or dependent relations, and no other provision is made 
by the law of the Order for their payment, then the Lodge is not bound to 
pay the money to any person. 



288 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

LENGTH OF MEMBERSHIP. 

See Graded Benefits. 

2622. Lodges may provide by By-Law that an initiate shall receive no 
benefits until six months after he has received the Third Degree; provided, 
the same is permitted by the uniform Constitution of the jurisdiction, and the 
same provision may apply to card members. It is not legal for a Lodge to 
pass a By-Law making a part of its membership beneficial after three months' 
membership, and another part non-beneficial until after six months' member- 
ship. The six months' clause is null and void. 

2623. A Lodge cannot grade its benefits according to length of member- 
ship; as, for example, allowing $5.00 per week to members of ten years' 
standing and $3.00 per week to members of three years' standing. 

\ LIBEL. 

2624. A Lodge condemns the action of one of its members by sending 
out a circular letter stating that such member has misrepresented the facts 
relating to the selection of a Superintendent for an Orphans' Home, and as such 
charges against the member are false, the Lodge or those officers or members 
responsible for the false statements would be amenable to charges. 

LIBRARIES. 

2625. Lodge libraries are a necessity to the Order, and should, by all 
means, be encouraged; funds of Lodges may be appropriated for that pur- 
pose. The manner and measure of such appropriation are proper subjects 
of local legislation, but members cannot be taxed to support them. 

LIMITATION OF ACTION, CLAIM OR APPEAL. 

2626. The Lodges and members of the Order are particularly enjoined 
to carefully note the several limitations of action, claim and appeal noted in 
the laws, particularly in the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, as a failure to act 
within the prescribed period will be a bar to further action, claim or appeal. 

2627. Unless fixed by some local law, there is no limitation to the time 
within which benefits must be claimed; if, therefore, the Lodge desires to 
limit applications for benefits to a less period than is provided by the Grand 
Lodge By-Laws, they must severally so provide in their By-Laws. 

2628. A brother who fails to notify a Lodge of his claim for benefits 
within the period fixed by the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, loses his right t 
the benefits by the operation of the law of limitation. 

2629. It is proper for a Lodge to require notice to be given it for a de- 
mand for sick benefits, and a Lodge has the right to impose a penalty for 
neglect by a member claiming such benefits to inform the Lodge of his sick- 
ness and claim for benefits, the penalty to consist of the forfeiture of such 
part of the benefits claimed prior to notice as the Lodge may fix in its 
By-Laws. 

2630. Where the Lodge sets up the defence to a claim for benefits that 
the brother did not file his complaint within the limit allowed by the laws 
of the Order, the Lodge must show by competent testimony, before the com- 
missioner, that it officially and legally notified the brother of the reason why 
it refused to pay the benefits, and the date of this notification. 

2631. The law of a jurisdiction provides that "no appeal relative to the 
non-payment of benefits which may be due or claimed from a Lodge shall 
be acted on when the Brother being absent from the jurisdiction, it appears that 
more than six months has elapsed from the time the benefits have accrued, 
or claimed to have accrued, and the filing of the appeal." A brother claimed 
benefits, which were refused him, and he appealed therefrom; the appeal 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 289 

LIMITATION OF ACTION, CLAIM OK APPEAL. 

was pending for over a year, and in the meantime, although, he claimed to 
have been continuously disabled and entitled to benefits, he negilected to 
appeal again from the refusal of the Lodge to pay the benefits. Held that 
the statute of limitations operated to cut off all benefits six months prior to 
any appeal, and that in all cases of continued sickness or disability under 
the law, when the brother intends to claim benefits while his appeal is pend- 
ing, he should, at the end of the limited time, make a new demand, and upon 
his Lodge again refusing payment, he must again appeal. 

2632. A certain case was complicated by a previous appeal, which was 
not decided for over a year, the appellant claiming that he was entitled to 
benefits by reason of a continued disability, and^ that he should not be 
required to make a second appeal, pending the first one, in order to recover 
such benefits as may accrue during the pendency of the first appeal. This 
would certainly leave the affairs of any Lodge in a precarious and unsettled 
state, and the statute of limitations is intended to have exactly the opposite 
effect, and it should be the policy of the Order to give it the fullest and 
widest scope. The very fact of a Lodge refusing to pay a brother benefits, 
if not prima facie evidence that he is not entitled to receive them, should, 
at least, be sufficient notice to him that he was under suspicion, which his 
own welfare and the good of the Order require should be settled without any 
unnecessary delay. Therefore, in all cases of continued sickness, or alleged 
continued sickness or disability, under the laws of the Jurisdiction of Penn- 
sylvania, when the brother intends to claim benefits while his appeal is pend 
ing, he should, at the end of the limited time, make a new demand, and upon 
Ms Lodge refusing payment, he must again appeal. 

2633. Where a claim for funeral benefits was not presented to the Lodge 
for more than six years after the decease of the brother, the claim cannot 
be considered, the claimant having slept too long on her rights. 

2634. A brother was regularly tried and convicted, and the penalty of a 
reprimand imposed and executed. At a subsequent meeting of the Lodge 
(on the alleged grounds that the Lodge had voted by ball ballot, instead ol 
viva voce, or written ballot), the matter was reopened, another ballot had, 
and the brother expelled. Held that the Lodge was clearly estopped from re- 
opening the case, and could not take advantage of its own wrong; (if in 
error as to the method of voting), that it could not punish twice, and with 
different penalty for the same offense, and the execution of the first sen- 
tence exhausted the jurisdiction of the Lodge. Held, further, that the second 
proceeding was void, and that it could be so declared whenever attacked 
with notice to the Lodge. Held, further, that the brother having had no 
notice of the second proceeding of the Lodge, as required by local law, did 
not, by three years' neglect, waive his right of appeal therefrom. 

2635. A brother was declared off the sick list, but made no complaint 
of the action of the Lodge until some ten months thereafter, when he ap- 
pealed to the Grand Lodge. There was a provision in the Lodge By-Laws 
that if any member believed a brother applying for benefits was not so sick 
as to be entitled to them, the question should be referred to one or more 
physicians, whose decision should be final. Immediately upon the appeal the 
Lodge directed the medical investigation required by law, and this was ad- 
Terse to the claimant. Held that this decision was final. 

2636. The record of a former trial for the same offense effectually bars 
all further charges and proceedings thereon for the same offense. 

2637. The decision in an appeal case by the adjournment of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge becomes a final, conclusive, and binding judgment 
which this Sovereign Grand Body at no subsequent session could set aside 
or annul, except in a case of gross fraud or mistake, in which the appellant 
used due diligence and took the proper steps to have corrected. This rule 
rests upon the most firmly settled principles of law and justice and is the only 
rule by which all courts are compelled to protect themselves and parties from 
■endless litigation. 



290 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

LIMITATION OF ACTION, CLAIM OR APPEAL. 

2638. A Lodge appealed to the Sovereign Grand Lodge on the ground 
that the appeal to the Grand Lodge was not taken within the time allowed 
by the By-Laws. Appeals were required to be taken within twelve months, 
whereas the appeal was not taken until after the lapse or two and one-halt 
years. In the opinion sustaining the appeal and reversing the action of the 
Grand Lodge, the Sovereign Grand Lodge said: "Your committee cannot 
recognize the right of the Grand Lodge to disregard its own By-Laws as in 
this case. To do so would be to open the doors to all latent claims, thereby 
involving Lodges in difficulties and probable ruin." 

2639. Only strict law can amount to a waiver of a brother's rights, and 
when it is sought to establish such against him, it is but reasonable and fair 
to require that the Lodge invoking the rule against him shall have conformed 
Btrictly to its laws and procedure relating to the subject. 

2640. The By-Laws of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania provide the fol- 
lowing limitation to appeal cases. No appeal where more than thirty days 
have elapsed from the time of notice of the judgment of the District Com- 
mittee on Appeals until the appeal was filed. Whenever this appears, the 
committee hearing the case shall dismiss the appeal and reaffirm the judg- 
ment appealed from. 

Liauoits. 

Sec Application to Use Name of Order, Eegalia, etc., Holidays. 

2641. The habit of drinking intoxicating liquors, or of advertising in- 
toxicating liquors as an attraction upon any picnic or excursion with which 
the name of the Order is connected, either directly or indirectly, is in viola- 
tion of existing laws. 

2642. All spirituous, vinous and malt liquors shall be excluded from the 
lodge rooms and ante-rooms, or halls connected with or adjoining thereto 
under the control of any Subordinate Lodge or Degree Lodge or Encampment 
of the Order. 

2643. Permission to hold, or to manage, or to make arrangements for any 
entertainment or public demonstration of any kind is always predicated upon 
the direct promise, through the officers of the Lodge seeking the permission, 
that no intoxicating beverages of any kind shall be offered to the members 
or guests present on the occasion. 

2644. When the Grand Lodge by a general resolution .permits such of the 
Lodges as desire to do so, to appear in public, or to hold any public dem- 
onstration, meeting, entertainment, or the like, and to use the name of the 
Order or wear regalia, the prohibition above stated concerning intoxicating 
liquors applies without any express promise having been made by a Lodge 
or the members thereof. 

2645. In the definition of intoxicating liquors, relating to the law of the 
Order on the subject, reference should be had to the ordinary meaning of 
the English language, but it is appropriate also to consider the expressions 
of the highest courts of states in regard to the same subject where it was the 
question involved in the decision. As our Order conforms to law we should 
give proper force and respect to the judgment of the courts of last resort 
where an important question which concerns our Order was judicially de- 
termined. 

2646. Drunkenness is an offense against the Order at all times and in all 
places. 

2647. The property in which a Subordinate Lodge was held should be a 
place where all gentlemen could attend without the necessity of passing 
through a saloon, and if possible to permit no property in the possession of 
a Lodge to be connected with a saloon, and that under no circumstances 
should intoxicating liquors be dispensed in or about a Lodge room. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 291 

LIQUORS. 

2648. The Order believes in a Lodge owning its own property, but under 
no circumstances should they be permitted to rent or lease said property 
owned by them for saloon purposes. 

2649. A Lodge may not legally lease any part of its Lodge property, or 
property in its control, directly or indirectly, to any person or persons to be 
used as a saloon or place to dispense intoxicants and beverages to be drunk 
there and then on the premises. 

LOA^S. 

See Fundi. See Appropriations. 

2650. Lodge funds cannot be loaned either to members in good standing 
nor to suspended members. Odd Fellows cannot become security for money 
loaned from the Treasury of a Lodge. 

2651. A Subordinate Lodge is not responsible for money loaned to one 
of its members by a sister Lodge. 

2652. A Lodge cannot loan its funds to a member of another Lodge. The 
prohibition of loans to members is applicable in such case. 

2653. A Lodge cannot loan its funds to members; nor can a member 
be. received as security for any other person to whom its funds may be 
loaned. Lodge moneys are " trust iunds," and should be invested on mortgage 
or public bonds. 

2654. A Lodge having, contrary to law, loaned money to a member, can- 
not afterwards consider it as weekly dues and suspend the brother from 
membership for non-payment of the loan. Should the brother neglect or re- 
fuse to return the money at the proper time, and his conduct and circum- 
stances warrant it, he may be proceeded against by having charges preferred 
in regular form for improper conduct, with specifications of the wrong. 

2655. The prohibition applies with equal force to loans made to the wife 
of a member. 

2656. A Lodge cannot legally loan money to a canton for ten years, with- 
out interest, and take as security chattel mortgage on its regalia. 

2657. A Lodge cannot legally divert its fund from the uses for which tney 
were paid in, nor loan the same at any time without ample security being 
given and a reasonable interest being paid. 

2658. A Lodge can loan its funds and make the terms of investment to 
suit itself, subject to provisions of the laws of the Order restricting the char- 
acter of such investments. 

2659. A Lodge cannot loan any part of its funds upon a note which Is 
Joint and several, reading upon its face, "we or either of us" promise or agree 
to pay. If either of the signers be a member, it may be as between them- 
selves that one is a principal and the other or others sureties, and equity will 
interpose and reform the instrument, if necessary, for the relief of either; 
but as to third parties, the signers are all principals, and the Lodge cannot 
interwrite words that are not found in the instrument itself. The signers 
being in law all principals, to loan to them is illegal. 

LOCAL LAW. 
See General Law. See Conflict of Laws. 

2660. The term local law, as used in the legislation, Ritual, general laws 
and regulations promulgated by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, so far as the 
Lodges in this jurisdiction are concerned, means some legislative enactment 
or decision by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, including the Constitution 
and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge and the Constitution for Subordinate 
Lodges, as well as the approved decisions of the Grand Master upon matters 



292 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

LOCAL LAW. 

not covered by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, or the 
Constitution for Subordinate Lodges. A Subordinate Lodge does not possess 
legislative powers, except to make its own By-Laws. 

2661. When the Sovereign Grand Lodge confers authority upon the Grand 
Lodge to make a local regulation upon any subject, it does not thereby oust 
its own jurisdiction over the subject, but merely confers upon the Grand 
Lodge a permissive authority which it may or may not exercise to enact 
regulations upon this particular subject for the guidance of its own subor- 
dinates who would otherwise be governed therein by the general law; pro- 
vided, of course, that the subject is one which the general laws of the Order 
require shall be accomplished either according to the requirements of the 
general law, or in accordance with the special regulations of the Grand 
Lodge. For example, the Sovereign Grand Lodge has said that the payment of 
weekly benefits of some stipulated amount by Subordinate Lodges to sick 
members is the distinguishing characteristic of our Order, and may be re- 
garded as the fundamental principle of Odd Fellowship; and it has also said 
that "the laws of the Order contemplate the payment of benefits to all mem- 
bers in good standing, but they also leave it with State authorities, or if they 
do not act, with subordinates to prescribe when the benefits are to be given." 
Notwithstanding this broad delegation of powers to the Grand Lodge on this sub- 
ject, the Sovereign Grand Lodge has a code of laws, regulations and decisions 
on this matter, covering over two hundred separate main propositions, with 
subdivisions, amounting to probabably six hundred separate, distinct regula- 
tions, among which are many which, like the Minimum Benefit Law, are ab- 
solutely binding upon the Grand Lodge and its subordinates, as the fol- 
lowing will show : The Sovereign Grand Lodge has declared that the Grand Lodge 
cannot vary the definition of sickness given by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, nor 
is any other rule recognized by the general law than that benefits are payable 
weekly. When local legislation provides for the payment of benefits for fractions 
of a week, the right to enjoy the benefits accrues at the end of the week of which 
the fraction is a part, not at the end of the sickness. 

2662. Nor does the grant to the Grand Lodge by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge of power to make local laws mean that thereby the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge has declared its own legislation ineffective concerning the particular 
subject referred to, soi far as this jurisdiction is concerned, for unless the 
Grand Lodge has covered, by its legislation, every possible phase of the sub- 
ject, the general laws will necessarily supplement and complete the local 
laws upon this particular subject. For example, the Sovereign Grand Lodge has 
declared that Grand Bodies do not have an exclusive right to adopt laws regu- 
lating the manner in which final cards shall be annulled, but they do possess the 
right to enact laws relative thereto ; provided, they do not conflict with the legis- 
lation and decisions of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2663. When the Sovereign Grand Lodge confers authority upon the Grand 
Lodge to make local regulations concerning a particular subject the accomp- 
lishment of which is not required by general law, it is illegal for Subordinate 
Lodges to act on this grant of power to the Grand Lodge until it has ac- 
cepted and legislated upon the power as granted by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge and thus made the subject matter a part of the local laws. For ex- 
ample, while the Sovereign Grand Lodge has said that the Grand Lodge may, 
by legislation, give its subordinates the right to use their funds to pay a 
physician who shall be at the service of all the members of his Lodge, never- 
theless a Ledge cannot legally employ a physician to attend members in 
good standing, and pay a certain sum per year out of the general fund, unless 
authorised by local law to do so. 

2664. After declaring that a certain subject is a matter of local legisla- 
tion. and thereby permitting the Grand Lodge to build up a complete code of 
lav/s upon the subject, the Sovereign Grand Lodge may make some enact- 
ment which will govern and override all local legislation on this particular 
subject, and completely defeat the local laws, so far as they may be con- 
trary to this general legislation. For example, the Minimum Benefit Law com- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 293 

LOCAL LAW. 

pletely modified and repealed all local laws contrary thereto, although the 
regulation of weekly benefits was and is a subject peculiarly of local law. 

2665. All the decisions of the Grand Master made during the recess of the 
Grand Lodge, whether made on subjects declared to be matters of local 
legislation, or on subjects regulated entirely by the general law, are, in a 
certain sense, local laws until declared otherwise by the Grand Lodge or by 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge, or by the Grand Sire during recess, as the appeal 
is from the Grand Master to the Grand Lodge, and from the Grand Lodge to 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge, before the wrong complained of can be cor- 
rected by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, even if it be caused by the non- 
enforcement of a general law, and whether it be to a Lodge or to an in- 
dividual. 

2666. But any construction placed upon the enactments of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge by the Grand Lodge, whether by judicial or legislative action, 
does not thereby become a mandatory local law, binding upon ail the Lodges 
and members of this jurisdiction, but affects and binds only those parties 
actually before the Grand Lodge on appeal, the determination of whose con- 
troversy demanded a finding by the Grand Lodge on this point. And any 
law, regulation, or mandate requiring that this action shall be final and con- 
clusive for the government of the members and Subordinate Lodges in this 
jurisdiction, until reversed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge on appeal there- 
from, is absolutely illegal, is not in accordance with the fundamental law, or 
with the practices of the Order, and its authorization by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge would be detrimental to the best interests of our organization. 

2667. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has made ample provision for the im- 
mediate authoritative determination of all questions arising under the gen- 
eral law in that the Grand Sire can be communicated with by the Grand 
Master (but not by a Subordinate Lodge, or a member of the Order), and sub- 
mit the question which has arisen, to which the Grand Sire must give an an- 
swer, which will be binding upon the Grand Master, and hence upon the Grand 
Jurisdiction, until it has been reported to and approved by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge when it becomes a general law. 

2668. The local code of laws, particularly the Constitution for Subor- 
dinate Lodges, has been made such a compendium of general law that it 
would seem to be the better rule in interpreting it or them, not to assume that be- 
cause a certain requirement appears therein that it is necessarily a local 
law, but to give careful attention to the general laws of the Order, if any, 
upon the same subject, and to see whether or not the subject is one declared 
to be one of local law or of general law exclusively. 

2669. When a construction or interpretation of local law is required by 
any individual member or Subordinate Lodge, the Grand Lodge is the proper 
tribunal to pronounce on the question, subject to appeal to the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, or the Grand Master passes on the same, during the recess 
of the Grand Lodge, subject to review by the Grand Lodge at its session, 
and appeal to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, as aforesaid. 

2670. The Grand Lodge has jurisdiction to construe its own laws, and 
having done so, its decision is and should be final. 

2671. All Grand Bodies working under charters granted by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge are supreme for local legislation and appellate jurisdiction 
within their respective limits, except as provided in the Constitution of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

2672. All powers and authority in the Order not reserved to the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge by its Constitution is vested in the various State, District and 
Territorial Grand Bodies. 

2673. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has no power to direct the Grand 
Lodge how to frame the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, except that 
such Constitution shall not be in conflict with the general law as estab- 
lished by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 



294 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

LOCAL LAW. 

2674. It is the duty of a Grand or Subordinate Lodge to obey and enforce the 
laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, anything in the Constitution or By-Laws of 
Grand or Subordinate Lodges to the contrary notwithstanding. 

2675. Where the Sovereign Grand Lodge passes any law or makes any 
decision providing that a Subordinate Lodge shall have power to do certain 
things which are denied to the subordinate by a clause in its Constitution, 
framed years since, the Lodge may disregard such prohibitory clause and 
do those things expressly allowed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, without 
becoming amenable to the laws of its Grand Lodge. The Constitution and 
laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge are paramount to ail laws of a Grand 
Body, and the latter, so far as they conflict with the former, must yield to 
them; but this can only be construed to mean that where a Subordinate 
Lodge disregards the law of its own Grand Lodge, or a provision of its own 
Constitution, and yet acts in accordance with the laws of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, it is not subject to punishment by its Grand Body. But such 
subordinate would violate a law of its Grand Body at its peril, and its 
Grand Lodge would be the proper tribunal to judge of such violation; but 
if such subordinate had acted in accordance with the laws of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge the Sovereign Grand Lodge would, on appeal being regularly 
taken, protect such subordinate. 

2676. The Grand Lodge is the legislative head of the Order in this juris- 
diction, and its laws not in conflict with the Sovereign Grand Lodge must 
be obeyed. \ 

2677. There can be no retroactive law passed, or retroactive interpreta- 
tion on construction made of any law, except it be remedial in character and 
in no way affect vested rights. 

2678. Subordinates have no legislative power, except to make By-Laws 
for their own internal government, which By-Laws must be made in accord- 
ance with the requirements of the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges. 

2679. Whereas, The Sovereign Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F., possessing orig- 
inal and exclusive jurisdiction, the source of all true and legitimate authority 
in Odd Fellowship, did, by its warrant bearing date the 15th day of June, 
A: D. 1823, grant authority to certain Past Grands of the Order, resident 
in the State of Pennsylvania, to form a Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F., of 
Pennsylvania, giving and granting to them and their successors by the name, 
style, and title aforesaid, full power and authority to grant warrants for 
opening Lodges subordinate to it, for the propagation of the established 
principles of the Order, with power and authority also to cause all honorary 
and the first three degrees of the Order to be conferred on deserving mem- 
bers, according to the laws and customs of the I. O. O. F.; and as the grand 
legislative head of the Order in the State of Pennsylvania, to have and ex- 
ercise full power and authority to enforce upon its subordinates a strict ad- 
herence to the laws of the Order, and to make and establish such rules for 
their government as, in the opinion of said Grand Lodge, may be for the ad- 
vancement of the Order, and in conformity to the directions of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge. Therefore the whole subject of conflict between local and 
general laws resolves itself into this, namely: Absolute implicit obedience to 
the decisions and commands of the Grand Lodge, which thereby assumes 
entire responsibility therefor to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. To obtain this 
immunity and to be entirely loyal and subordinate to the Grand Lodge, the 
Lodge or individual member must not depend upon its or his own construc- 
tion of the law in any case of doubt, but upon such an interpretation as has 
been made by proper and competent authority, to wit, the Grand Master, 
during recess, or the Grand Lodge in Annual Session assembled. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 295 



LOTTERIES. 

2680. No Lodge, nor any of the members thereof, shall, in the name of 
the Order, resort to any scheme or raffles, lotteries, or gift enterprises or 
schemes of hazard or chance of any kind, as a means to raise funds for any 
purpose of relief or assistance to such subordinates or to individual members. 

MANCHESTER UNITY. 

See Other Societies. 

2681. Members of the I. O. O. F. may unite with any lawful society or 
association, whatsoever, without severing their connection with the Order. 

2682. There is no agreement or recognition for intervisitaiion between 
the Manchester Unity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows under the 
jurisdiction of the Sovereign Grand Lodge; therefore it is not admissible 
for a Grand Master of the latter to visit a Lodge of the former, either as an 
officer or member of the I. O. O. F. 

2683. A Lodge may admit by initiation a member of the Manchester 
Unity who retains membership in that organization. 

2684. There is no communion with the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows 
and our Order. We know nothing of their clearance cards, and hence per- 
sons holding such cards can only come into our Order by initiation, precisely 
as other initiates. 

MANDATE. 

See Grand Master, Decisions. See Mistake of Lodge. 

2685. A Mandate is an official command addressed by the Grand Master 
to a Subordinate Lodge, to control its conduct in a specific manner. No 
action can be taken by a Subordinate Lodge on a Mandate of the Grand 
Master, except such action as is necessary to fulfil the Mandate. The Mandate 
must be complied with before an appeal can be entertained by the Grand Lodge. 

2686. The Grand Master, as the executive officer of the Grand Lodge, 
must see that the laws and practice of the Order are observed throughout his 
jurisdiction. In correcting errors or giving instructions he may employ 
such means to accomplish his purposes as in his judgment may seem to be neces- 
sary and safe and for which he is willing to be responsible. 

2687. A Lodge -must obey the Mandate of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, 
and it is the duty of the Grand Master to see that it does so, using, if 
necessary, all the powers and remedial authority vested in him as Grand 
Master. But the Grand Sire has no authority to issue a Mandate to a Subor- 
dinate Lodge, or to exercise any of the supervisory power vested in the 
Grand Master. 

2688. The Grand Master's official relations are entirely with the Lodge, 
not with the officers; in case an officer disobeys the law, or refuses to 
follow the instructions of the Grand Master, he has no power to summarily 
remove the officer, but it is his duty to inform the Lodge that unless.it shall 
require its officers to conform to the directions as given by the Grand Master, 
it will be dealt with for insubordination. 

2689. The Lodge has no choice in the matter, it must obey the Mandate 
of the Grand Master, when, if it is aggrieved, it may appeal to the Grand 
Lodge. 

2690. If a Lodge to which the Grand Master has issued his Mandate per- 
sists in disobedience, he may suspend the Lodge and demand its charter for 
insubordination. 

2691. No change in the administration of the office of Grand Master can 
be taken advantage of. If a Lodge does not perform its duty by obeying a 
Mandate of the Grand Master before the end of his term, it is the right and 
duty of his successor to enforce all the Mandate of his predecessor, and to 
issue such further order as will carry the same into effect. 



. 296 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

MEETING PLACE. 

See Halls. See Building Associations. 

Investment. Trustees. 

Liquors. 

2692. The Grand Lodge cannot compel a Lodge to meet in any particular 
room against the consent of such Lodge. 

2693. The Grand Lodge has authority to prohibit meetings from being- 
held at places that may not be deemed sufficiently private and secure from 
intrusion. 

2694. An order of the Grand Lodge which prohibits a Lodge from meeting 
in a suitable room is erroneous. 

2695. The Grand Lodge disapproves of Lodge meetings in taverns. Un- 
der no circumstances should a Lodge be instituted in any portion of a tavern, 
and those who meet in taverns should as speedily as possible remove there- 
from. 

2696. Under the general laws of the Order all spirituous, vinous and 
malt liquors are excluded from Lodge rooms and ante-rooms and halls and con- 
nected with or adjoining 1 thereto. 

2697. The property in which a Subordinate Lodge is held should be a 
place where all gentlemen could attend without the necessity of passing 
through a saloon, and if possible to permit no property in the possession of a 
Lodge to be connected with a saloon, and that under no circumstances should 
intoxicating liquors be dispensed in or about a Lodge room. 

2698. A Lodge is bound to see to it that no person is permitted to gain 
a knowledge of what is going on in the Lodge room by approaching it too 

closely. ' 

2699. The meeting place must be situated within the territory over which 
this Grand Lodge has jurisdiction. It cannot be situated outside of the 
State. 

2700. A Lodge can only have one meeting place; it cannot by dispen- 
sation or otherwise meet alternately in two separate towns. 

2701. A removal or change of meeting place is unlike a surrender of a 
charter, in that it cannot be defeated by five members who desire to remain 
at the old meeting place; if the requirements of the Constitution are carried 
out, the requisite number of votes are cast in favor and the Grand Master ap 1 - 
proves, the removal shall be made. 

2702. A Lodge is not entitled to receive permission to remove, or change 
its place of meeting from one Lodge room to another, in the same town or 
city, without first fully complying with the requirements of the Constitution 
for Subordinate Lodges, 

2703. In the absence of Constitutional authority or legislation, it is not 
within the power of a Grand Master to authorize the removal of a Lodge 
from one town or city to another. 

MEETINGS. 

(a). Grand Lodge. (b). Subordinate Lodge. 

See Meeting Place, See Entering and Retiring. 

Quorum. Degrees. 

Initiation. Special Meeting. 

Degree Staff. Noble Grand. 

(a). Grand Lodge. 

2704. The place designated in the charter is the seat of a Grand Lodge 
until properly changed. It is, however, the legal right of a Grand Lodge to 
hold its sessions from time to time at such place within its own jurisdic- 
tion as may be determined upon at any preceding meeting. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 297 

JtEETINGS-Grand Lodge. 

2705. Grand Bodies shall have the power and privilege to determine in 
their Constitution and By-Laws where their sessions shall be held. 

2706. When the place for the holding of the sessions of the Grand 
Lodge is fixed by Constitutional provision or by By-Law, the only manner of 
removing the body is by alteration of the Constitution or of the By-Law which 
fixes the location, in conformity to the rules laid down in its Constitution for 
such change. In the absence of such Constitutional provision, and where 
the only designated place of meeting is in the charter, the charter would 
be but a rule of order, so far as it designates the place of meeting, and is al- 
terable at the will of the Grand Body. 

2707. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has not the power to permit a Grand 
Lodge to meet or hold a session in a place other than that designated in its 
Constitution. The only way is to amend that instrument. 

2708. A Grand Lodge amending its Constitution as to the time of an- 
nual meeting in accordance with its provisions, must meet at the time fixed 
by the amendment. 

2709. Where the By-Laws of a Grand Body provide for an "annual" ses- 
sion and the date of said session is changed so that two sessions would occur 
in the same year, the Grand Body cannot meet in session a second time that 
year, except by a special enactment providing therefor. 

(b). Subordinate Lodge. 

2710. Any dispensation of a Grand Master or Grand Lodge to dispense 
with the regular meetings of a Subordinate Lodge is illegal and cannot be 
exercised. 

2711. Adjourned meetings of a Subordinate Lodge are not recognized 
.as legal. A Lodge may hold special meetings when necessary. 

2712. It shall be lawful for the Subordinate Lodges of this Order, when- 
ever their stated meetings fall upon any national anniversary, Thanksgiving, 
and other legally established or generally recognized holidays, to omit holding 
a meeting 

2713. A meeting held on a general holiday is legal, unless prohibited by 
local law. 

2714. Meetings of all Subordinate Lodges must be held only on a week 
day and on regular specified days in the week. 

2715. No Lodge, or Degree Lodge, shall hold any meeting for work or 
business upon Sunday, except for funeral purposes. 

2716. It is a fundamental requirement that all Lodges working under the 
immediate jurisdiction of the Sovereign Grand Lodge must meet once a week, and 
twenty-six of these constitute a term of six months, and this rule holds good in 
all cases where a different rule has not been prescribed by Grand Lodges as author- 
ized by law. 

2717. The Grand Master has no authority to grant a dispensation to tem- 
porarily change the meeting night of a Lodge. 

2718. A meeting of a Lodge was called informally and not in accord- 
ance with its By-Laws to receive the Grand Master and listen to his instruc- 
tions. Held that the Lodge could not vote money to pay the Grand Master's 
expenses or do any legal business at this meeting. 

2719. When for any reason no meeting is held by a Lodge upon its regular 
meeting night, it is nevertheless the duty of the Lodge to have its Secretary pres- 
ent to receive the members' dues so that they may be given the opportunity pro- 
vided for in the Constitution for the payment of dues. 

19 



298 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [iy07. 

MEETINGS— Subordinate Lodge. 

2720.' A subordinate cannot change its night of meeting without altering 
its By-Laws, and approval by the Grand Master. 

2721. Where several subordinates meet in the same hall, in the absence 
of any agreement giving to any one of said subordinates any superior right 
of control to the hall, neither one of said subordinates has power to change 
its night of meeting in the same hall so as to interfere with the meeting of 
either one of the other subordinates. 

2722. The subject of opening a Lodge at the time of its regular meeting, 
in the absence of all Past Grands and the Noble Grand and Vice Grand, is 
regulated to a certain extent by the obligations and charges of the officers 
of Subordinate Lodges. Beyond this, it is within the custody of the legisla- 
tion of the Grand Lodges and by the By-Laws of Subordinate Lodges. 

2723. A Lodge may hold a meeting when there is no Noble Grand or Vice 
Grand present. If there is a quorum of Third Degree members present they 
can select one to preside for a temporary organization, then enter the facts in 
the minutes. 

2724. The members and officers must be clothed in proper regalia, ac- 
cording to their rank and station, in order to legally hold a Lodge meeting. 

2725. To hold or continue a Lodge meeting, there must be a quorum 
present. 

2726. In the absence of a quorum, no meeting can begin, while on the 
failure, at any time during the session, of a quorum, the Lodge is closed with- 
out form. A Lodge cannot, however, close until it has disposed of the claims of 
the sick brothers, as reported by the Relief Committee. 

2727. The fact that a member is present during a meeting of a Lodge is 
not prima facie evidence of his right to participate in the proceedings of the 
meetings, because the qualifications required to entitle a brother to be pres- 
ent at a meeting are not identical with the qualifications required to entitle 
a brother to participate in the proceedings of a meeting. 

2728. A Lodge cannot change its night of meeting by a motion; this 
must be done in the manner prescribed by the Constitution for Subordinate 
Lodges. 

2729. A Lodge was peremptorily obliged to remove from the room oc- 
occupied by it, it being about to be torn down, and no place of meeting could be 
found, until a new room that was in process of erection could be completed. 
While the Grand Master regarded the granting of such permission as the 
extreme limit of official authority, he had no alternative but either to grant 
the dispensation asked for, or know that the Lodge, by compulsion of circum- 
stances, would do what he refused to sanction. He therefore granted per- 
mission to dispense with the ordinary stated meetings of said Lodge, ex- 
acting, however, that the officers should meet to receive and act on re- 
ports of the sick, and to receive the dues of members. The Grand Lodge decided 
that the Grand Master was right in granting the dispensation, and that he had 
the power to do so under like circumstances when a Lodge can secure no imme- 
diate place of meeting, that would properly guard the secrets of the Order. 

2730. The Holy Bible is an integral part of Odd Fellowship, and it is 
necessary that it shall be present in every Lodge while open for business 

2731. To hold a legal meeting the charter must be present in the Lodge 
room while the Lodge is open for business. 

2732. The odes shall bear the imprint of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and 
they constitute an integral part of the opening and closing ceremonies of a 
Subordinate Lodge. 

2733. All the business of the Subordinate Lodge must he transacted in 
the Third Degree, or the Degree of Truth. The Lodge shall open in each 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 299 

MEETINGS— Subordinate Lodge. 

degree, for the purpose of conferring the degrees, and each degree shall be 
conferred when it is opened in that degree. Ever/ Subordinate Lodge must 
open in the Third Degree, and no other form of opening is recognized by our 
laws. When reduced to the Initiatory, the First or Second Degree, it is the 
same Lodge, but open for specific purposes only in a lower degree. The 
Subordinate Degree Lodge opened at the beginning is not closed in any 
eense except to confer degrees, until formally closed at the end of the 
session. 

2734. The order of business contained in the printed work of subordinates 
is to be considered in the light of a recommendation merely; it is no part of 
the work of the Order properly so called. If they can conveniently adhere 
to the form in the ritual, it is only proper that they should do so ; if they cannot, 
they may regulate the order of business to suit their particular necessities. 



MEMBERSHIP IN THE GRAND LODGE. 

See Degrees— Past Grands. See Degrees— Grand Lodge. 

2735. A Past Grand cannot, under any circumstances, be admitted to 
membership in the Grand Lodge without presenting a regular Past Grand's 
Certificate. A Past Grand cannot be admitted upon a Representative's Cer- 
tificate, nor upon the Semi-Annual Report of his Lodge, nor upon any voucher, 
except the certificate prescribed in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge. 
Neither the Grand Officers nor the Grand Lodge can override the Constitution. 

2736. The Grand Lodge Degree can only be given when a Past Grand be- 
comes a member of the Grand Lodge. 

2737. When a Past Grand presents a proper Certificate of qualification, 
the Grand Lodge has no* authority to reject him upon alleged improprieties 
of conduct. If he came properly accredited he should be received. [y 
grees for the form of certificate required.] 

2738. District Deputies have no power to confer the Grand Lodge Degree ; 
it must be conferred by the Grand Body, and can regularly be given only 
during the session, and in the room in which the Grand Body is assembled; 
Dut by special permission it may be conferred in some contiguous room. 

2739. The first Noble Grand of a new or revived Lodge who has served 
the necessary time is entitled to the Past Official Degree, and is therefore eligible 
to membership in the Grand Lodge the same as though he had performed actual 
service as Vice Grand, and in an appointive Subordinate Lodge office. 

2740. In this jurisdiction the continued exercise by a member of the 
Grand Lodge of his right of visitation to the Grand Lodge, voting for Grand 
Lodge Officers, holding office in the Grand Lodge and acting as Represent- 
ative therein for his Lodge, depends upon his good standing in his Subordinate 
Lodge. He cannot be admitted to the Grand Lodge without the term pass word. 



300 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



MEMBERSHIP IN SUBORDINATE LODGE AND IN THEIORDER. 

See Qualifications for Membership. See Suspension. 

Application for Membership. Expulsion. 

Proposition. Visiting Card. 

Investigating Committee. Withdrawal Card. 

Ballot. Dismissal Certificate- 

Initiation. Defunct Lodges. 

Initiation Fee. Certificate to Member of Defunct Lodge. 

Admission of Members of the Order. Rank. 

Illegal Election and Admission. Honors of Office. 

Eejection. Eligibility to Oflioe. 

Residence. Renunciation. 

Transfer of Membership. When Complete. 

2741. Membership in a Subordinate Lodge, and therefore in the Order, 
may, after a favorable ballot, be obtained by: 

Initiation , 

or it may be obtained by admission by 
Deposit of Visiting Card, 

Deposit of Withdrawal Card before one year, 
Deposit of Dismissal Certificate, 
Deposit of Official Certificate 
Deposit of Defunct Dodge Certificate, 
Reinstatement 
Restoration after expulsion or suspension, 

or it may be obtained as an Ancient Odd Fellow, after 
Resignation or 
Withdrawal from the Order after one year. 

2742. Active membership in the Order and in its several branches de- 
pends upon continued membership in a Subordinate Lodge. 

2743. For example, a charter cannot be granted to petitioners, all of 
whom are holders of Dismissal Certificates, but they and holders of expired 
Withdrawal Cards may join in a petition for a charter with ten Third De- 
gree members in good standing in a Subordinate Lodge, or ten holders ot 
unexpired Withdrawal Cards, and thus become charter members. Resig- 
nation severs membership instantly and totally, and Dismissal Certificate 
is simply evidence of resignation. Holders of unexpired Withdrawal Cards, 
although not members in the strict sense of that term, are, to a certain ex- 
tent, subject to the jurisdiction of the Order, as these cards may be an- 
nulled within one year froni their date, but after that time they have no force 
or validity, and cannot be annulled. Hence, it follows that holders of 
expired cards are not members of the Order, nor are they brother Odd Fel- 
lows, and the same is true of holders of Dismissal Certificates. 

2744. To acquire and retain membership in an Encampment subject to 
certain temporary exceptions, full membership and good standing in a Subor- 
dinate Lodge in good standing is indispensably necessary. 

2745. In the case of brothers, membership in a Rebekah Lodge is de- 
pendent on continuous good standing in a Subordinate Lodge, except that if 
a brother shall take a Withdrawal Card from the Subordinate Lodge of which 
he may be a member, his membership in his Rebekah Lodge shall not be 
affected thereby for one year from the date of said Withdrawal Card, if dur- 
ing that time he shall keep his dues paid up in the Rebekah Lodge; and if he 
shall, during said year, become a member of another Lodge, by deposit of 
said card, his membership in the Rebekah Lodge shall not be affected by the 
taking of the card. 

2746. A brother desirous of availing himself of the provisions of the 
laws, relating to the transfer of membership, shall send with his application for a 
Withdrawal Card the sum of 25 cents (cost price of such card), and an additional 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 301 

MEMBERSHIP IN SUBORDINATE LODGE AND IN THE ORDER. 

amount equal to four weeks' or one month's dues, which shall entitle the brother 
to the protection of the Lodge from which he proposes to withdraw, as far as 
benefits are concerned, for the period of four weeks or one month, or such less 
time as may be necessary to complete the transfer of his membership. 

2747. No one can hold membership in more than one Subordinate Lodge 
at the same time. 

2748. It is a settled rule of the Order that a brother suspended by his 
Lodge is still a member of that Lodge, and subject to its rules and discipline; 
therefore a brother suspended for non-payment of dues by one Lodge cannot 
be admitted to membership in another without being reinstated in the Lodge 
from which he was suspended, and obtaining a regular Withdrawal Card 
after reinstatement, except by receiving a Dismissal Certificate, or if the 
Lodge be defunct, receiving a Dismissal Card from the Grand Secretary. 

2749. Where a brother who was under suspension for non-payment of dues 
applied to and was initiated into another Lodge, replying to the question 
asked of every initiate that he had never been an Odd Fellow, and did not 
stand under sentence of suspension or expulsion from any Lodge of the Order, 
and on subsequently becoming sick informed the Relief Committee of the 
Lodge that he was a suspended member of his old Lodge, and exniblted to tne 
members of that committee his Odd Fellow's mark, on whicn was engraved tne 
name and number of said Lodge. The Lodge thereupon refused to pay him 
any more benefits. It was held that the brother being a member of one Lodge 
cannot apply for membership in another while the suspension in the first 
named Lodge exists. He must regain active membership in or be dismissed from 
the Lodge to which he still belongs. The brother has neither been reinstated in 
nor had taken a Dismissal Certificate from his Lodge when he applied for admis- 
sion and was admitted into the second Lodge. The brother must be pre- 
sumed to know the law of the Order, and that his membership in his old 
Lodge still continued. Therefore the brother was never legally admitted 
to the second Lodge, and this Lodge is not liable to him for sick or funeral 
benefits. 

2750. Membership in the Order may be lost by: 
Death. 

Withdrawal, after one year. 
Resignation. 
Renunciation. 
Dismissal. 

Expulsion for cause after charges preferred. 

Or by the expulsion of the Lodge to which the brother belongs. 
And membership in the Order may be in abeyance through: 
Suspension for non-payment of dues. 
Suspension for cause, after charges preferred. 
Suspension of the Lodge to which the brother belongs. 
Or by the voluntary surrender of the charter of his Lodge. 

2751. An initiate, immediately upon his admission to the Third Degree, 
becomes entitled to all the privileges of Subordinate Lodge membership, 
among which is the right to speak and vote on any question before the 
Lodge; before that he is an initiate contributing member; that is, he has tne 
right to visit the Lodge when open in the degree ne has taken, and to pay 
dues. 

2752. The Scarlet Degree is the highest degree in a Subordinate Lodge, 
and one of that degree is the peer of any member of the Lodge and qualified 
to enter into and take part in the transaction of the business of the Lodge, 
and is qualified to sit on any trial committee selected by the Lodge. 

2753. By the general laws of the Order, all contributing members of a 
Lodge are of necessity and of right possessed of beneficial membership therein 
which they can only lose, while their membership continues, through their 



302 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

MEMBERSHIP IN SUBORDINATE LODGE AND IN THE ORDER. 

own neglect in becoming in arrears, or which privilege can only become in 
abej^ance through punishment by suspension for charges. 

2754. The exceptions to this general rule are such non-affiliated Odd Fel- 
lows and aged members of defunct Lodges who have been admitted as non- 
beneficial members, and aged members of the Lodge who, being liable to sus- 
pension for non-payment of dues, and who, being within the terms of the law, 
have voluntarily gone on to the non-contributing list, and those who are sus- 
pended for cause for a temporary period; but non-beneficial membership can- 
not be obtained by initiation or in any way but by the exceptions above 
stated. 

MEMORIAL DAY. 

See Appropriation. See Permission to use name of the Order. 
Liquor. Dispensations. 

Special Meetings, Music. 

Holidays. 

2755. Subordinate Lodges are requested to regard the second Tuesday 
in June as Memorial Day, upon which they can assemble and engage in ap- 
propriate memorial exercises respecting their deceased members; provided, 
however, that if a different day be more convenient for this jurisdiction to 
hold such Memorial Service, the Grand Lodge may select the aay to com- 
memorate its honored dead, and the Grand Master may issue his proclamation 
accordingly. 

2756. It is lawful to hold memorial services on Sunday. 

2757. It is not necessary that each Lodge should act separately;' several 
Lodges may hold joint exercises at a selected Lodge room or suitable hail. 

2758. The placing of some symbol or flag over the grave of Odd Fellows 
when decorating on Memorial Day is recommended. 

2759. General permission has been given by the Grand Lodge to parade 
in the regalia on Memorial Day until further ordered by the Grand Lodge, 
subject to the rules and regulations of the Order. 

2760. A Subordinate Lodge may expend a reasonable amount of its fumds 
to defray the necessary expenses incident to Memorial Day in such a man- 
ner as shall tend to promulgate and illustrate its principles or to elevate it 
or dignify it in the eyes of the community, such as hiring halls, paying for 
printing, procuring orators, etc., but not for those things which contribute 
merely to the pleasure or gratification of the individual member, such as par- 
ties, balls, picnics, excursions, banquets and the like, and within these 
limits the question is one for the subordinate or its immediate Grand Jurisdic- 
tion. 

MILEAGE. 

See Representative. See Credentials, 

2761. Mileage cannot be paid to Past Grands other than officers and rep- 
resentatives in attendance at a session of the Grand Lodge. 

2762. Where the Constitution provides that the business of the Grand 
Lodge shall be transacted by the elective officers of the Grand Lodge, Past 
Grand Masters in good standing, and representatives, the Grand Lodge has 
authority to adopt a resolution that Past Grand Masters be paid mileage the 
same as Grand Officers and Representatives. 

2763. A Representative who does not attend the session is not entitled to 
mileage. 

2764. A Representative shall not be entitled to mileage unless he be 
present at the opening of the Grand Lodge on the second day of the session 
and answers at roll call. 

2765. Fines imposed upon Representatives for absence during the session 
without leave shall be deducted from their mileage. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 303 

MILEAGE. 

2766. A Past Grand must have been acknowledged as a Representative, and 
must answer roll call or be excused by the Grand Lodge before he is entitled to 
receive his mileage. 

2767. A Representative who attended Grand Lodge and missed roll call 
is not entitled to mileage. 

MINIMUM BENEFITS. 

2768. By the general law it is made obligatory upon each Subordinate 
Lodge of the Order to pay from its funds during the continuance of the dis- 
ability a weekly benefit of not less than two dollars to every member en- 
titled to sick benefits by the Constitution or By-Laws of his Lodge, who shall 
be disabled by sickness or bodily injury from following his usual occupation 
or otherwise earning a livelihood for himself; provided, such disability be 
not the result of his own vice or immorality; provided, however, that Grand 
Lodges may provide that when a member shall have received one full year's 
benefits, the weekly benefits thereafter to such member may be fixed at not 
less than one dollar per week. 

2769. The Minimum Benefit Law takes precedence over all existing laws, 
In so far as it is in conflict with them. 

2770. The term "every member" used in the Minimum Benefit Law, 
means "every member entitled to sick benefits by the Constitution or By-Laws 
of his Lodge." 

2771. The Minimum Benefit Law of 1892 being practically a repeal of 
the law of 1891, revives the powers of Grand Bodies which were abrogated 
by the latter. On and after January 1, 1893, the powers that were withdrawn 
from subordinates in the matter of benefits by the legislation of 1891, may 
be exercised by them to the same extent as prior to January, 1892, except in so 
far as they may conflict with the requirements of the Minimum Benefit Law ; that 
is to say, the payment of not less than two dollars per week for the first year of 
continuous sickness, and not less than one dollar per week during the further 
continuance of the same sickness. 

2772. That intent was not to repeal the various laws giving Subordinate 
Grand Bodies power to define when and how a member becomes beneficial. 
It was not to inaugurate any new law, but simply to enforce the old law, 
"that substantial benefits must be paid to members in sickness," by defin- 
ing the smallest sum that could be considered a sick benefit. The Minimum 
Benefit Law does not conflict with, or repeal, any of the limitations, or dis- 
abilities, previously imposed by general law, or left to the control of Sub- 
ordinate Jurisdictions; but it requires simply that wherever, under general 
or local law, a member is beneficial, he shall receive not less than the amount 
specified in the resolution of 1892. 

2773. By the General Law any system of reducing or fixing a scale of benefits 
always includes previous sickness in the calculation unless expressly stated 
otherwise. In calculating the "year," such time as the member may have been 

sick or disabled prior to the law going into effect, must be taken into ac- 
count, for example, if a member has been sick and receiving benefits under 
the laws of his Lodge for one year prior te> January, 1893, then the law as en- 
acted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, only makes it incumbent on the Lodge 
to pay him at least one dollar per week during the remaining period of his 
sickness or disability. If the Lodge has been paying such benefits for srx 
months prior to January, 1893, then the law requires that benefits for gix 
months after January 1st, 1893, shall be at least two dollars per week, and 
thereafter, one dollar per week. 

2774. The law does not necessarily mean absolute continuity of sickness ; there- 
fore if the By-Laws of a Lodge so provide, the benefits may be reduced to one 
dollar per week, after he has received one full year's benefits, or any like 
fair proposition which may be approved by the Grand Lodge. 

2775. An amendment to a By-Law of a Lodge, reducing the amount of sick 
benefits upon continuous sickness or disability, which is general in its 



304 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

MINIMUM BENEFITS. 

terms and does not specifically except any of its members from its opera- 
tion, is binding upon all the members of such Lodge when approved by the 
Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction, and according to the general law would in- 
clude previous sickness in determining a brother's right to the benefits fixed 
by the scale. 

2776. A Lodge may provide in its By-Laws for the payment of a larger 
sum per week for benefits than the minimum required by law; provided, o£ 
course, that it increase its weekly dues accordingly. 

2777. The Grand Lodge may reduce the minimum benefits to one dollar 
after the first year by a general law, or by approving the By-Laws of a Lodge 
so fixing them. But the approval by the Grand Lodge of a .tsy-Law of one of 
its Subordinate Lodges fixing the benefits to be paid at one dollar after the 
first year, does not make it a general law. 

MINOR. 

See Orphans. See Funeral Benefits. 

2778. A Lodge may receive an application from, but cannot initiate a 
candidate under the age of twenty-one years. 

MINUTES. 
See Protest. See Entering and Eetiring. 

Appeals. Charges. 

Claims for Benefits. 

2779. The Grand Lodge has the undoubted right to omit recording such 
of its proceedings as in its judgment should not appear upon the record. 

2780. The Grand Master does not possess the right or power to cause a 
mutilation of the records of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, either before or 
after their publication. 

2781. The Grand Secretary is bound to report, a correct transcript of the 
proceedings of the body, and the body itself possesses the sole right to judge 
of and act upon a disputed fact of record. 

2782. The minutes of a Lodge must be a true record of its proceedings, 
whether those proceedings have been legal or illegal; and when the minutes 
of a previous meeting have been read, the only question shall be as to the cor- 
rectness of the record. 

2783. After the time for correcting and approving the minutes of a Lodge 
have gone by, and a mistake or error is discovered, it can be corrected. 

2784. It is not competent for a Lodge to expunge, or efface by drawing 
black lines around any portion of its minutes. If the Lodge is dissatisfied 
with any action of a former meeting, they may rescind or reconsider in the 
proper mode, but it cannot be expunged. 

2785. A Grand Lodge cannot require a Lodge to mutilate its proceedings. 

MISTAKE OF LODGE. 

See Arrears. 

2786. A Lodge notified its members that two dollars would be placed to 
the credit of every member who appeared in parade, but failed to notify them 
of the mandate of the Grand Master forbidding this act. A member who 
believed himself to be in good standing from this credit was taken sick. A 
Lodge cannot take advantage of its failure to notify its members of the man- 
date of the Grand Master. The brother is entitled to benefits if these fact* 
are established. 



1907.1 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 305 



MOTIONS. 

2787. Upon a motion having been regularly made, the presiding officer 
may, if he deem proper, silently second it by saying it had been moved and 
seconded, without waiting for the motion to be formally seconded. 

2788. The Noble Grand has no right to, refuse to put any legitimate mo- 
tion to his Lodge; his differing from the Lodge has nothing to do with the 
matter. 

2789. The same rule holds with reference to the Grand Master when pre- 
siding at the session of the Grand Lodge. 

2790. Should a motion be clearly illegal, it is his duty to declare it out 
of order, and should his decision be reversed by the Lodge, and the motion 
prevail, it is his duty to immediately appeal to the Grand Master, so that the 
Lodge's action out of deference to the Grand Master and the supersedeas 
caused by the appeal, will be in abeyance until his decision is obtained. 

2791. By parliamentary law no motion can be reconsidered but once. If 
the motion is made and indefinitely postponed, and the rales of the Lodge 
provide that indefinite postponement* cannot be reconsidered, that ends the 
power of the body to reconsider. 

MUSIC. 

See Anniversary. See Memorial Day. 

Meetings. . Appropriations. 

Funeral. Processions. 

Special Five Per Cent. Fund. 

2792. A Lodge, Degree Staff or Team may use such appropriate music 
as it may deem advisable; but the publication by any person of music for 
use in degree work, unless authorized by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, would 
be a violation of the laws prohibiting the use of the name or emblems of the 
Order in private enterprises. 

2793. The expenditure of Lodge funds, for music to accompany a parade 
or as an attractive feature in connection with and as part of the prescribed 
ceremonies for the celebration of the Anniversary of the Order, is authorized, 
subject to such limitations as may be made by local legislation, as a part of 
the legitimate expenses incident to the celebration of the Anniversary of 
American Odd Fellowship on April 26, and Memorial Day, but for no other 
days. 

2794. It is not lawful for a Lodge to appropriate money from its regular 
funds for music at the funeral of a brother. 

2795. The special five per cent fund authorized by law may lawfully be 
appropriated for music at the funeral of a member. 

NAME. 

• (a). Of Lodge. (b). Of a Member. 

See Emblems and name of Order. See Charter. 

(a). Of Lodge. 

2796. No Lodge hereafter instituted shall be allowed to be named after 
any person living at the time of its institution. 

2797. The law which prevents the name of any person while living to 
be used as the chartered name of a Lodge cannot be evaded by dropping tae 
given name of the person. 

2798. A Lodge cannot adopt the Christian or surname of a living indi- 
Tidual when it is adopted as an honor to such living individual. 



306 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

If AME-Of Lodge. 

2799. The name of no living person shall he used as the chartered name 
or title for any Lodge or Encampment, to be instituted under the immedi- 
ate jurisdiction of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, or under that of any jurisdic- 
tion subordinate thereto. 

2800. The Grand Lodge has the authority to grant a charter for a new 
Lodge with the name and number of a defunct Lodge. 

2801. By the general law a Lodge cannot adopt any other name than, or 
add any other qualifying word or words to the name designated in its charter. 

2802. By the general law, if a Lodge desires to change its name it must 
follow the regulations prescribed by the Grand Lodge to govern such applica- 
tions and changes. 

note.- The Board of Grand Officers have adopted the following Rules for the Change 
of Name of a Subordinate Lodge : Resolved. That whenever a Subordinate Lodge shall 
for any purpose desire to change its name a resolution shall be presented to the Lodge 
setting forth all the reasons why the change should be made, and thereupon the action of 
the Lod^e upon the resolution shall be the same as is prescribed by the Constitution for 
Subordinate Lodges for the change of meeting place, and if the action on said resolution 
be favorable and the same shall be so certified as required by said Constitution, the Grand 
Master shall present the same to a meeting of the Board of Grand Officers, when if ap- 
proved by them the proper endorsement shall be made by the Grand Master, and at- 
tested by the Grand Secretary over the seal of the Grand Lodge on the Charter of the Lodge 
certifying to the change of name whereupon the Lodge shall be known by the name, style 
and title which it has adopted in accordance with these rules. Provided, nevertheless, 
that this change of name shall in no way affect the rights and liabilities of the Lodge 
or its members as acquired or incurred under the old name. 

2803. While several Lodges in this jurisdiction have changed their name, 
nevertheless it does not appear that the Grand Lodge has ever prescribed 
any regulations governing such application and changes, nor is the record 
clear as to the procedure followed in any particular case where the name of 
& Lodge has been changed. 

2804. Before a Lodge regularly instituted by competent authority, which 
authority approved the name and location, as well as the character of the 
brothers to compose the Lodge, and nothing since its institution having oc- 
curred to deprive it of any rights or privileges thereby granted, and its growth 
having been phenomenal, should be required to change its name, the best 
of reasons should be assigned. 

(b). Of a Member. 

2805. The name given by a member at initiation when he signs the Con- 
stitution, is the one he is to be. known by in all his future dealings with the 
Lodge and the Order. The fact that this was an assumed name makes no 
difference. 

2806. Where a person, who had been admitted a member of the Order 
under an assumed name, adopted when a boy to conceal from his parents the 
knowledge of the fact that he had enlisted in the United States Army, pe- 
titioned the Sovereign Grand Lodge for leave to re-enter the Order under his 
right name. Held that the subject was a proper one for local legislation. 

2807. If a brother desire to change his name to his correct one, he must pre- 
sent a petition to his Lodge, setting forth the facts, when, if the Lodge grants 
him permission, he must again sign the Constitution, using this time his cor- 
rect name, whereupon his name will be changed on the other books of the 
Lodge, and he will be known accordingly and continue his membership under 
the new name. 

2808. When, at a regular stated meeting of a Lodge, Brother Past Grand 
Nathan 'Rollins requested to have his name changed from Rollins to Rolle, 
it being a custom of his religious faith when marrying they have the priv- 
ilege of choosing either his or her name, the question is, is it legal, under 
the law of the Order, to change a member's name on the books of the Lodge 



1907. J THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 307 

UAME— Of a Member. 

from the name lie was initiated under. It was held that the Lodge might 
grant the request, and when the brother signed the Constitution he would 
be known in the Lodge by his new name. 

NEW TRIAL. 
See Trial. See Charges. See Claims for Benefits. 

2809. A new trial necessarily vacates the former judgment, but it can 
only be obtained by appeal to the Grand Lodge, or from it to the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge. The Lodge exhausted its jurisdiction when it entered its 
judgment. 

2810. The action of the Grand Lodge on an appeal by a brother expelled 
by his Lodge is final and conclusive, no appeal being taken to the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge cannot, at a subsequent session, reopen the 
case and again hear and determine it. 

2811. In such case, when an appeal is taken to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, which appeal is sustained and the Grand Lodge directed to restore the 
appellant to membership, the Sovereign Grand Lodge cannot, at a subse- 
quent session, reopen and again consider the case. 

2812. A brother was convicted upon charges and a penalty of reprimand 
imposed and inflicted; at a subsequent meeting the Lodge voted to set aside 
the penalty, because of an alleged irregularity in voting, and thereupon ex- 
pelled the brother. Held that such expulsion was void. The Lodge was es- 
topped from reopening the case, as its jurisdiction was exhausted, even if 
there had been an irregularity in the balloting, as the Lodge could not take 
advantage of its own wrong. 

2813. The Grand Lodge, or the Sovereign Grand Lodge, on appeal, may 
reverse absolutely, without granting a new trial. 

2814. Where a brother is convicted of an offense and sentenced, which 
conviction and sentence, on appeal, are reversed, as well on the law as on 
the facts, it amounts to an acquittal, and it is, under these circumstances, 
against all justice and all precedent to order a new trial upon the same 
charges and for the same offense. 

NOBLE GRAND. 

(a). Eligibilty to. (c). Absence of Hoble Grand. 

(b). Powers and Duties. 

See Degrees— Past Oflicial. See Good Standing. 

s Degrees— Grand Lodge- Term. 

Honors of Office. Dispensation. 

Nomination. Appeals. 

Election. 

(a). Eligibility to Noble Grand. 

2815. To be eligible to the office of Noble Grand, a member must be in 
good standing, and have served a term in the office of Vice Grand of a 
Subordinate Lodge. 

2816. It is legal to nominate a Vice Grand for Noble Grand, as his term 
of office will have expired previous to the time of his installation into tne 
office of Noble Grand. The law is satisfied if the officer elect is found eligible 
at the time of his induction into office. 

2817. A brother is eligible as Noble Grand if he is a Past Vice Grand of 
any Subordinate Lodge. It is not necessary that he should be a Past Vice 
<Jrand of his own Lodge on its electing him Noble Grand. 



308 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

NOBLE GEAND— Eligibility to Noble Grand. 

2818. No failure to be installed or to serve on the part of a Noble Grand 
elect, or vacation of office after he has assumed his place and performance 
of the duties of the Noble Grand can entitle a Vice Grand to the office, unless 
he has been lawfully elected thereto. 

2819. The Vice Grand is not eligible to election as Noble Grand unless he 
has served a majority of nights in his office, and to the end of the term or is 
otherwise competent by reason of all the exceptions to the law. 

2820. A Vice Grand may be elected to fill a vacancy in the office of Noble 
Grand if all the qualified brothers decline, and a dispensation is obtained 
for a term of service. 

2821. The law does not mean that every Past Grand belonging to the 
Lodge must decline to accept, after they are elected. It is sufficient if on 
the night .of election, all present decline an election, and that the dispensa- 
tion to elect a Third Degree member thereto was obtained before the election 
was held. 

' 2822. A Vice Grand who has served a majority of the nights of the term 
is not eligible to the office of Noble Grand in the case of the latter's resignation 
before the end of the term without a dispensation for a term of service. 

2823. Any brother of a Subordinate Lodge having the requisite degrees 
is eligible for office in his Lodge. Therefore a brother is qualified and eli- 
gible for the chair of Noble Grand who has lost a right hand, or whose right 
hand has been so injured that its natural use has been seriously impaired. 

2824. A Noble Grand in arrears for dues cannot hold the office, but he 
can become qualified by paying his dues before action is taken on his case. 

2825. There is no law in Pennsylvania making reading a necessary quali- 
fication for Vice Grand or Noble Grand, and as a brother who is unable to 
read or write may have, with the assistance of other members, committed 
the entire 'Ritual and thus be better qualified to discharge the duties of Vice 
Grand and Noble Grand than many other brothers who can read, he is there- 
fore eligible to those offices, if otherwise qualified. 

2826. The election and installation into office of a member who is dis- 
qualified by law for such office is null and void, and should be so declared 
by the proper authority in the jurisdiction and the vacancy filled according to 
law. 

(b). Powers and Duties of Noble Grand. 

2827. The Noble Grand appoints all the appointive officers, except the 
Supporters of the Vice Grand. 

2828. Should a Noble Grand elect fail to present himself for installation, 
and no brother is elected to fill the vacancy, the Vice Grand, as the presid- 
ing officer of the Lodge, could appoint the Subordinate officers. 

2829. In the absence of the Noble Grand, a Past Grand or the Vice 
Grand filling his #hair during his absence can appoint Subordinate officers. 
But the immediate filling of a vacancy in an appointive office during a tem- 
porary absence of the Noble Grand might not be necessary, and would not 
therefore devolve upon the pro tempore occupant of the chair, unless the 
Lodge so instructed him. 

2830. The laws require the Noble Gramd of a Lodge always to preside 
when present at its meetings, and the Vice Grand to act as Noble Grand in 
the absence of that officer; and a Noble Grand or a Vice Grand acting as 
Noble Grand, has not the right or power to waive his right and place a Past 
Grand in the Noble Grand's chair during the presence in the Lodge room of 
either of the first two officers above named; Provided, that this decision is 
not to be considered as applicable to a temporary absence during a portion 
of a Lodge meeting of these officers, in which case the chair must be filled as- 
provided in the Ritual. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 309 

NOBLE GBAND— Powers and Duties of Noble Grand. 

2831. The Noble Grand has the right to invite a Past Grand to occupy tne 
chair during initiation or the conferring of degrees or upon occasions of 
Grand Visitations. 

2832. The Noble Grand of a Lodge has not the right to admit a member 
belonging to another Lodge in his jurisdiction without the term pass word. 

2833. The Noble Grand will admit members of his own Lodge without a 
pass word, until they have been suspended or dropped in accordance witu 
the provisions of the Constitution, as until that time they are contributing 
members, but they are not entitled to vote or receive the pass word if more 
than thirteen weeks in arrears for weekly or funeral dues. 

2834. The Noble Grand may deliver the Past Grand's Charge, although it 
should be more properly given by a Past Grand, if present, but under no 
circumstances may this charge be given by a Vice Grand, even when filling 
the Noble Grand's chair. 

2835. No power resides in a Lodge to deprive the Noble Grand of his 
Constitutional authority or to prevent him from exercising his lawful pre- 
rogative to give instructions to a Degree Staff, or give a Captain of a Degree 
Staff any authority which will deprive him of his obligated duty and right 
to oversee and control initiatory and degree work when the Lodge is in ses- 
sion or when the Degree Staff is drilling. 

2836. The Noble Grand has no powers to set aside any part of the Consti- 
tution for Subordinate Lodges, or of the By-Laws of his Lodge; the objection- 
able section must be repealed or amended in the manner provided in the 
Constitution or the By-Laws, and is binding on him and his Lodge until so 
repealed or amended. 

2837. A Noble Grand has no right to refuse to put any legitimate question 
to his Lodge. His differing from the Lodge has nothing to do with the 
matter. 

2838. Should a motion be made to elect a member to receive a degree in 
violation of the Constitution it is the duty of the Noble Grand to declare it 
out of order, and should the motion prevail, it is his duty to declare the ' same 
void; and in case the Lodge reverses his decision on an appeal therefrom, 
an appeal should then be taken by him to the Grand Master as provided by 
the local law. Such is the general law, but much of it is a subject for local 
legislation. 

2839. Where a Lodge directs an order to be drawn upon its Treasury in 
clear violation of its laws, the Noble Grand has the right to refuse to sign 
the order therefor, although there was no intention on the part of the Lodge 
to do a wrong. It is only in cases where action taken by a Lodge is clearly 
illegal that the Noble Grand of such Lodge is justified, by reason of his ob- 
ligations as such officer, in refusing to carry out its mandates, and in case 
of such refusal it is at his risk and peril of being legally justified, for he can- 
not arbitrarily nullify the action and will of his Lodge. He cannot assume to 
perform functions belonging to the Lodge as such, and yet, because of his 
position and obligation, he is vested with certain rights which, in proper 
cases only, he may exercise under the limitations and conditions herein set 
forth. He should at once bring the matter to the Grand Master's attention 
by an appeal, so that there will be no undue delay in arriving at a decision of 
the legality of the appropriation. 

2840. When a Noble Grand makes a decision upon the meaning of a part 
of the Subordinate Lodge Constitition an appeal therefrom to the Lodge is 
allowable, and the Vice Grand must put the question to the Lodge as to 
whether it will sustain the decision of the Noble Grand. If his decision be 
reversed, then an appeal should be had by the Noble Grand to the Grand 
Master without delay. In our order there are no autocrats. The Lodge is 
superior to the Noble Grand, the Grand Lodge to the Grand Master, and the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge is the superior of the Grand Sire. 



310 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

NOBLE GBAND-Poweri and Duties of Noble Grand. 

2841. When the Vice Grand appeals from the decision of the Noble 
Grand parliamentary decorum requires that he shall call some competent 
brother to the chair to put the question. 

2842. As a rule the Subordinate Lodge has the jurisdiction to decide 
any question that can properly come before it. A subordinate, however, has 
no right to decide any question in reference to the work of the Order, written 
or unwritten. 

2843. A Noble Grand can direct the drawing of an order for the payment 
of benefits to those entitled, when there is no objection. That would be by 
general consent; any objection to such action would necessitate a motion to 
draw the order. 

2844. Service as Noble Grand to the very last moment is a preliminary 
condition to becoming an acting Past Grand, and until a Noble Grand be- 
comes a Past Grand he cannot be elected Representative to the Grand 
Lodge. 

2845. If the Noble Grand elect does not appear at the time for installation, 
the Lodge may instal the other officers, and the preliminary questions may 
be read in their hearing. The law as to Subordinate Lodges is that the 
Noble Grand in office should continue in that office until the installation of 
his successor, if the installation of the Noble grand elect is for any good 
reason postponed. This is preferable to allowing an indefinite interregnum 
in the office of the Noble Grand, with the Vice Grand occupying his chair. 
In a later decision this was modified as follows : If the Noble Grand elect 
shall be excused by the Lodge, on account of sickness or disability, from at- 
tendance at the time when he should have presented himself for installa- 
tion, and if the Lodge shall continue to excuse him on account of such sick- 
ness or disability, up to the time when he shall present himself for installation 
during the term for which he was elected, then upon his so presenting, him- 
self, he is entitled to be installed and, if he serves until the expiration or 
his term, will be entitled to the honors thereof. The Junior Past Grand, 
having been inducted into that office at the time the other officers were in- 
stalled, including, the Vice Grand, should have, thereafter, occupied his chair 
as Junior Past Grand, and the Vice Grand, under the general law should 
have occupied the chair and discharged the duties of the Noble Grand. 

2846. The Noble Grand does not become a Past Grand until his succes- 
sor has been installed (except under the circumstance mentioned in the ex- 
ception made to the previous section). 

2847. A brother is entitled to the Past Official Degree upon the expiration 
of his term in the office of Noble Grand, although he may have been re- 
elected and installed Noble Grand. 

2848. The question was asked when does a Noble Grand become a Past Grand ; 
in case of re-election of a Noble Grand, does the re-elected Noble Grand become 
a Past Grand until he ceases to be Noble Grand, and is it essential for the retiring 
Noble Grand to be directed by the installing officer to take the chair of Past 
Grand before he becomes an actual Past Grand, or does he become a Past 
Grand by virtue of his services as Noble Grand? Held that he becomes a 
Past Grand by virtue of his services as Noble Grand, and on the expiration of 
his service as Noble Grand for the term for which he was first elected he is 
entitled to the rank and honor of Past Grand. In case of re-election of the 
Noble Grand he does not thereby lose the honor of Past Grand by virtue of 
his services as Noble Grand the first term. If the Noble Grand is elected to 
succeed himself and is being installed as such successor, it is not necessary 
for him to be directed by the installing officer to take the chair of Past 
Grand in order to become an actual Past Grand. 

2849. The Junior Past Grand is not strictly an officer of the Lodge, there- 
fore the Noble Grand is eligible to re-election as his own successor, especially 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 311 

NOBLE GRAND— Powers and Duties of Noble Grand. 

when such election is held before his term of office expires and before, in 
fact, he becomes a Junior Past Grand in his Lodge. 

2850. The law upon the subject vests the right of re-electing officers in 
the local jurisdictions, and there having been no legislation upon the subject 
in this jurisdiction, the general law prevails, as above stated. The presiding 
Noble Grand, in the absence of any local law, is, by the general law, eligible 
to re-election as his own successor. 

2851. The Noble Grand has no right to sign a Semi-Annual 'Report, which 
certifies that he is a Past Grand, unless he has in a previous term passed the 
Noble Grand's chair, and is occupying it for another term. The reason being 
that the return is to be made of the proceedings of the term then expiring, 
and must be signed by the officers in the capacity then filled. In a separate 
schedule a return is made of the officers elect. These latter officers cannot 
be installed until such return has been forwarded to, and been received by the 
Grand Secretary, or it has been conntersigned by the Installing Officer 

2852. If the Noble Grand votes for officers he cannot, in case of a tie, 
vote again; his right to give the casting vote in case of a tie applies only to 
votes upon legislative questions only. 

2853. The Vice Grand being authorized to appoint his own supporters, 
the Noble Grand cannot object to them or prevent their installation on the 
ground that they are not acceptable to him. 

2854. The Noble Grand alone has the power to call his Lodge together 
for a special meeting or for a special purpose, such as to attend the funeral 
of a deceased member. The Grand Master cannot exercise any such author- 
ity, and the Grand Lodge has no power to confer this right upon him. 

2855. But the Lodge By-Laws may legally provide that in the case of the 
absence of the Noble Grand the Vice Grand may exercise this authority. 

2856. A brother who is a Noble Grand of his Subordinate Lodge cannot 
lawfully wear his Noble Grand's regalia in the Rebekah Lodge or Encamp- 
ment of which he is a member. The regalia of a Noble Grand, Vice Grand, 
or other officer of a Lodge should be worn by the person lawfully occupying 
the office or chair at the time being. The Noble Grand's regalia is not one 
that should be worn by the Noble Grand, except when performing some duty 
of his office. 

2857. Charges having been preferred against the Noble Grand and also 
against another brother of a Lodge, it was held that an officer is not sus- 
pended from the performance of his duties during the pendency of charges 
against him, except in so far as those duties may have relation to the charges, 
such as the appointment of the whole or any part of the committee to try 
them, or in acting upon the committee's report, during which time he will, 
of course, vacate the Noble Grand's chair; when the Noble Grand's chair is 
vacant the Vice Grand should fill the chair. 

2858. A Noble Grand cannot legally vote upon an amendment to the By- 
Laws when the vote is not a tie vote. 

(c). Absence of Noble Grand. 

2859. In the absence of the Noble Grand it is not only the right, but the 
duty of the Vice Grand to take the place of the superior officer and perform 
all his functions. It was the very object in view in the creation of a vice 
officer. In the absence of the Noble Grand, the Vice Grand is de facto Noble 
Grand, and may confer the degrees; but the Vice Grand cannot convene the 
Lodge together in special meeting, unless the Lodge has a By-Law authoriz- 
ing him to do so when the Noble Grand is absent from home. 

2860. During the absence of the Noble Grand from the Lodge room, the 
Vice Grand must take the place of such superior officer and discharge tne 



3J 2 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

NOBLE GRAND— Absence of Noble Grand. 

duties of such executive office. He may assign a properly qualified brother 
to act as Noble Grand during initiation or the conferring of degrees, but be 
possesses the unquestionable right to act as Noble Grand during the absence 
of that officer, whether at a regular, special or called meeting of the Lodge, 
and cannot be deprived of such privilege, which, in fact, is a duty under the 
law. 

2861. On a regular night of meeting when, in the absence of the two prin- 
cipal officers, a Lodge has been opened for business with a Past Grand 
in the Noble Grand's chair and a Tbird Degree member in the Vice Grand's 
chair, the proceedings of said meeting cannot be pronounced illegal on the 
grounds that there was present no Past Grand to occupy the chair, if the act- 
ing Noble Grand had been required temporarily to vacate it, because if the 
chair had been thus temporarily vacated, it would have been the duty of the 
R. S. to occupy it. 

2862. The words "temporary absence," as used in the charge to the R. 
S. of the Noble Grand in the ceremony^ of installation of the officers of 
a Subordinate Lodge, must be taken to* mean the absence of the Nobie 
Grand from his chair merely while he still remains in the Lodge room, or 
ante-room, which, under the law, constitutes a component part of the 
Lodge room. Whenever the Noble Grand leaves the Lodge room, then the 
duty of occupying his chair devolves upon the Vice Grand, and a like con- 
struction of the words "temporary absence" applies to the language of the 
charge to the R. S. to the Vice Grand. 

2863. In the absence of the Noble Grand and Vice Grand any Past 
Grand of the Lodge may preside and serve as Noble Grand. 

2864. In the absence of the Noble Grand and Vice Grand, a brother who 
is District Deputy Grand Master is not thereby disqualified to serve as Noble 
Grand pro tern. 

2865. The subject of opening a Lodge at the time of its regular meet- 
ing in the absence of all Past Grands and Noble Grand is regulated, to a 
certain extent by the obligations and charges of the officers of Subordinate 
Lodges. Beyond this it is within the scope of the legislation by the Grand 
Lodge and the By-Laws of the Lodge. 

2866. The Right Supporter of the Noble Grand, when occupying the Noble 
Grand's chair during the temporary absence of tnat officer, is not thereby 
clothed with the rights and privileges of the presiding officer. His duties are 
rather to preserve order and to permit brothers to enter and retire. For 
example, he cannot perform even so small a function as to authorize the 
giving of the Semi-Annual Pass Word to a brother of his Lodge to enable the 
brother to visit other Lodges. 

2867. The action of a Lodge is not illegal where a Past Grand is called 
to preside by the Noble Grand while the Noble Grand remains in the room, 
there being no objection made at the time or during the occupancy of the 
chair by the Past Grand. 

NOMINATIONS. 

(a). Grand Lodge. (b). Subordinate Lodge. 

See Election. See Good Standing. 

(a). Grand Lodge. 

2868. In nominations for Grand Warden the names may be written on 
cards of equal size, and be deposited in a box, and be drawn therefrom under 
the direction of the Grand Master. The record shall be made by the Grand 
Secretary in the order in which the names are drawn from the box and an- 
nounced by the Grand Master. 

2869. The law of a Grand Lodge provided for the nomination of Grand 
Officers at its annual session and their election at a subsequent time by the 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 313 

NOMINATIONS-Grand Lodge. 

votes of the Past Grands in their various Subordinate Lodges, where a single 
candidate fbr'Grand Treasurer was nominated and died before the day of 
election in the Subordinate Lodges. No person was voted for for Grand 
Treasurer at such election. The election of a Grand Treasurer by the Grand 
Lodge at its next session was illegal and invalid. 

2870. Where a Past Grand nominated for a Grand Lodge office and 
named as belonging to a certain Lodge with which he was then connected, 
subsequently and before election transfers his membership to another Lodge, 
the fact that his name appears on the official ballot as a Past Grand of his 
former Lodge does not vitiate his election. 

(b). Subordinate Lodge, 

2871. Where the By-Laws of a Lodge provide that "nominations for 
elective offices must be made two meetings preceding that of the election," 
and on the night of election the only candidate nominated for an office is de- 
feated, and the Lodge thereupon makes new nominations, the election must 
be postponed two weeks, so as to comply with the provisions of the By-Laws 
concerning nominations. 

2872. When the By-Laws of a Lodge requires nominations to be made 
the night preceding the election, and such nominations have been made, it is 
too late to nominate on the night of election, unless all the other candidates 
for the same office have been withdrawn, or there is no legal nominee from 
some other cause. 

2873. A provision in the By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge, viz.: ".Nor 
can any brother be balloted for, except he has been regularly nominated and 
be present at the time of election, or notify the Lodge of his acceptance of 
the nomination," adds a new qualification, and is therefore not permissible. 

2874. A brother may be nominated for the office of Representative if he 
is in arrears to the amount of over thirteen weeks' dues.' His nomination 
would be legal, but before election he must pay up the arrearages. 

2875. A member who owes more than thirteen weeks' dues may lawfully 
be nominated for an elective office. A member in arrears may be nominated, 
but must put himself in good standing before election to make such election 
legal. 

NON-AFFILIATED ODD FELLOWS. 

See Non-Beneficial Members. 

2876. A non-affiliated Odd Fellow is one who for any cause whatever, 
except expulsion, is not now in association with the Order by being in full 
membership in a Subordinate Lodge or by holding a Withdrawal Card in date 
from the same. 

2877. A non-affiliated Odd Fellow need not of necessity be an aged person; 
in fact, he may be one who but comparatively recently joined the Lodge at a 
young age, and for some reason became out of association with the Order; 
that is to say, non-affiliated. The law permitting Lodges to admit non-affili- 
ated Odd Fellows as non-beneficial members was only intended for the aged 
non-affiliates; as, for example, it is not legal for a Lodge, with or without the 
consent of its Grand Lodge, to have a By-Law providing for the initiation of 
persons over 55 years as "non-beneficial members," or changing the status 
of one already a member of such Lodge from a beneficial to a non-beneiicial 
member on reaching a certain age. Members in good standing are entitled to 
benefits irrespective of age — the only exception permitted by general law 
being in the case of aged Odd Fellows re-admitted to membership. 

2878. The resolution upon which the law relating to non-affiliated Odd 
Fellows was predicated reads as follows: Whereas, We have learned from 
the experience of the past that through inadvertence or other circumstances, 

20 



314 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

NON-AFFILIATED ODD FELLOWS. 

frequently beyond their control, many worthy and deserving members have 
allowed themselves to be dropped from the rolls, or have been suspended for 
non-payment of dues, after they have attained an age so advanced as to 
render it impracticable in some jurisdictions to be restored or reinstated to 
beneficial membership. Resolved, That in the judgment of this Grand Lodge 
it would be advisable, when the character and standing of the applicant war- 
want it, that they be reinstated as non-beneficial members, etc. 

2879. The committee to whom the resolutions were referred in the Sov- 
ereign Grand Lodge reported that the subject of non-beneficial members is 
one of intense interest to a large and increasing class of non-affiliated mem- 
bers, many of whom have spent their best years in the service of the Order, 
and against whom there can be nothing urged except advanced age and consequent 
infirmities, or increased liabilities to sickness, and believing that the heart's 
desire of many worthy brothers may be safely indulged, and the Lodges 
have once more the benefit of their counsel and experience, they enlarged the 
scope of the resolutions so as to include all non-affiliated Odd Fellows, as well 
as those suspended for non-payment of dues. 

2880. Non-affiliated Odd Fellows who have retained membership in the 
Order for at least five consecutive years, who shall be over fifty years of 
age, and who are not under expulsion for cause, may be admitted to mem- 
bership in any Lodge, or reinstated in their own Lodges upon such terms as 
the local laws may prescribe. 

2881. This law is not to be construed as meaning that Subordinate 
Lodges shall not have the right to admit such persons to beneficial member- 
ship if they so desire. 

2882. Where a non-affiliated Odd Fellow who is within the terms of tms 
law, and who, under the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, is admitted 
to membership, paying the admission, fee for a non-beneficial member, al- 
though the record at date of application and date of election does not state 
whether he was admitted as a non-beneficial member or otherwise, he is to be 
classed as a non-beneficial member, as the only provision in the Subordinate 
Constitution on the subject relates to admission of certain non-affiliates as 
non-beneficial members, and being personally possessed of the requisites for 
this class of membership, he is presumed to have had the intention of ac- 
cepting this provision as governing his membership. 

2883. The fact that under the above circumstances he was a charter member 
of a Lodge did not alter the presumption that he was a non-beneficial member. 

2884. Resignation severs membership instantly and totally, and Dis- 
missal Certificate is simply evidence of resignation, in bad standing. Hold- 
ers of expired Withdrawal Cards are not members of the Order, and the 
same is true of holders of Dismissal Certificates. Hence, it follows that 
these, together with those who are suspended for non-payment of dues, form 
the class referred to as non-affiliated, or out of association, Odd Fellows. 

2885. It is competent for a brother in good standing and over fifty years 
of age to change his relation to the Order from that of a beneficial to a non- 
beneficial member, by withdrawing from the Lodge, thus becoming a non- 
affiliated Odd Fellow, and applying for admission as a non-beneficial member. 

2886. Non-affiliated Odd Fellows, when admitted as non-beneficial mem- 
bers, have the same rights as beneficial members, except in the matter of 
benefits. They can vote and hold office. 

2887. A non-affiliated Odd Fellow who desires admission into full mem- 
bership will follow the regular course laid down for the admission of a member of 
the Order, by making a regular application, stating distinctly that he desires 
admission to full contributing, beneficial membership, and paying the full fees 
upon election and admission to the Lodge membership. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 315 

NON-AFFILIATED ODD FELLOWS. 

2888. A non-affiliated Odd Fellow, who has retained membership in a 
Lodge of one jurisdiction for ten consecutive years, and has been suspended 
for non-payment of dues, cannot be admitted as a non-beneficial member in 
a Lodge of another jurisdiction on terms prescribed by the latter jurisdiction 
for the admission of non-beneficial members without action in the Lodge 
in which he has been suspended being first had. 

NON-ATTENDANCE. 

See Vacancy. See Absence- 

Honors of Office. Eligibility to Office. 

Installation. 

2889. An officer cannot be displaced during the term for which he is 
elected for non-attendance, in the absence of any Constitutional provision or 
By-Law on the subject. 

2890. Non-attendance of an officer elect or of an appointed officer at 
installation vests the installing officer with the authority to declare the office 
vacant, if, in his judgment, the excuse for absence is not a good one. And, 
therefore, he may hold an election for the vacancy, if for an elective office, 
or insist on an appointment, if for an appointive office. 

2891. The power to declare anjoffice vacant when an installing officer has 
failed to attend and discharge the duties of his office is left to the control of 
State Jurisdictions. 

2892. When the laws of a jurisdiction define explicitly the terms of good 
standing of members of its Lodges a qualification not recognized by such laws 
cannot be attached to the right to benefits, as when the By-Laws require at- 
tendance once a quarter in order to be entitled to benefits. 

NON-BENEFICIAL MEMBERS. 

(a). Holding Lodge Membership. (b). Holding Membership in Aged Odd Fel- 

lows' Fund. 
See Non-Affiliated Odd Fellows. See Ancient Odd Fellows. 

(a). Holding Lodge Membership. 

2893. A Lodge cannot initiate persons over fifty-five years of age as 
"non-beneficial members," or have a By-Law changing the status of one al- 
ready a member of such Lodge from a beneficial to a non-beneficial member 
upon reaching a certain age. Members in good standing are entitled to 
benefits, irrespective of age. The only exception permitted is in the case 
of aged Odd Fellows readmitted to membership, or Veteran members of the 
Order who, instead of being dropped for the non-payment of dues, are placed 
on a special non-contributing, non-beneficial class. 

2894. A member of the Order wished to join a Lodge on a Withdrawal 
Card. He was past fifty years of age. He can be admitted as a beneficial 
member. There is no age limit for a beneficial member. 

2895. No one can legally be admitted to the Order as a non-beneficial 
.member, except as provided in the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges. 

2896. Aged members of defunct Lodges who were in good standing at 
the time of the dissolution of their respective Lodges, and who, by reason of 
their advanced age are now ineligible to beneficial membership, may be ad- 
mitted to non-beneficial membership. 

2897. Non-affiliated Odd Fellows who are over fifty years of age, who 
have retained their membership in the Order for at least five consecutive 
years, who are not under expulsion for cause, may be admitted to non- 
beneficial membership upon such terms as the local law may prescribe. 



316 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

NON-BENEFICIAL MEMBERS-Holding Lodge Membership 

2898. An aged Odd Fellow who held membership eighteen months and 
was suspended for non-payment of dues, who is over fifty-two years old, and 
has been suspended nineteen years, cannot be admitted to non-beneficial 
membership. 

2899. A brother in good standing in the Lodge who has the necessary 
qualifications of age and continued membership may change from bene- 
ficial to non-beneficial membership by withdrawing from the Lodge and ap- 
plying for admission as a non-beneficial member. 

2900. An Odd Fellow over fifty years of age, who has been in continuous 
membership for twenty-five years or over, and whose Subordinate Lodge has 
surrendered its charter, and who would, under the laws of his Grand Lodge, 
be entitled to receive a Grand Lodge Card, may be admitted to member- 
ship in a Subordinate Lodge under the operations of the provisions of the 
law for the relief of aged Odd Fellows. 

2901. The formalities attendant upon the election and admission, or the re- 
instatement of a ^rother to non-beneficial membership are the same as 
those to beneficial membership. 

2902. Non-beneficial members are entitled to the same rights and priv- 
ileges as beneficial members, except in the matter of benefits. They can 
vote and hold office. 

2903. By the general law non-beneficial members pay dues, which may, 
if the Lodge so provides, be the same as for the regular contributing mem- 
bers. Therefore the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges provides that such 
non-beneficial members, when so admitted, shall have no claim upon the 
Lodge for weekly benefits in case of sickness or disability, nor for funeral 
benefits in the event of death, unless the latter is specially provided for in 
the By-Laws; but in all other respects shall enjoy the same privileges as 
other members. The weekly dues for such non-beneficial members shall be 
fixed by the By-Laws, but shall not be less than four cents per week. 

2904. A brother under sixty years of age, who has been suspended for 
more than five years for non-payment of dues, applied for reinstatement as a 
non-beneficial member. Held that unless the local law provides otherwise, 
he must pay the amount of one year's dues and show in his application that 
he has been a member in the Order for five years, and he must pay dues and the 
Lodge must pay per capita tax on him. 

2905. A non-beneficial member is chargeable with the Orphan's Home 
dues. 

2906. A non-affiliated Odd Fellow who has retained membership in a 
Lodge of one jurisdiction for ten consecutive years, and has been suspended 
for non-payment of dues, cannot be admitted as a non-beneficial member in a 
Lodge of another jurisdiction on terms prescribed by the latter jurisdiction 
for the admission of non-beneficial members without action in the Lodge in 
which he has been suspended being first had. 

2907. Whether a non-beneficial member who makes application for 
transfer of membership, accompanied by his official certificate, on being elected 
and completing his membership becomes a non-beneficial member in his new Lodge, 
or is required to join as a beneficial member, he not being at the time a non- 
affiliate depends entirely upon the local legislation on the subject of ad- 
mission of members of that kind. 

(b). Holding" Membership in Aged Odd Fellows' Fund. 

See Aged Odd Fellows' fund. 

2908. Any Odd Fellow over fifty years of age, who has been in continuous 
membership for twenty-five years or over, and whose Subordinate Lodge has 
surrendered its charter, and who* would, under the laws of the Grand Lodge, 
be entitled to receive a Grand Lodge Card, may petition the Grand Lodge to 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 317 

NON-BENEFICIAL MEMBERS-Holding Membership in Aged Odd Fellows' Fund. 

place his name upon the "Aged Odd Fellows' Register." Said petition 
shall be accompanied by such a certificate of eligibility from such authority 
as the Grand Lodge may prescribe. Upon such petition being granted, the 
Grand Secretary shall place the name of such petitioner upon the "Aged 
Odd Fellows' Register." 

2909. Any Odd Fellow enrolled according to the above provisions may 
apply for admission to any Subordinate Lodge, under the conditions here- 
inafter set forth. 

2910. Any Odd Fellow enrolled upon the "Aged Odd Fellows' Register" 
may be admitted to membership in a Subordinate Lodge. He shall pay 
to the Grand Secretary, through the Lodge to which he has been admitted, 
such admission fee and dues as the Grand Lodge may prescribe, said fee 
and dues to be placed to the credit of the "Aged Odd Fellows' Fund." 

2911. Any Odd Fellow enrolled as above in a Subordinate Lodge as 
herein provided, who becomes sick or disabled so as to be incapable of 
earning a livelihood, shall receive from the Grand Secretary, through the 
Lodge to which he has been admitted, such weekly benefits as the Grand 
Lodge may prescribe, so long as the moneys collected under the provisions 
of the "Aged Odd Fellows' Fund" shall permit the payment of the same. 

2912. Subordinate Lodges shall immediately notify the Grand Secretary 
in all cases of sickness or disability referred to in the preceding section, of 
their commencement and termination, and the Grand Secretary shall 
notify Lodges having members on the "Aged Odd Fellows' Register" when 
the said fund shall be depleted. 

2913. A member of a Subordinate Lodge, admitted under the above pro- 
visions, shall not be entitled to vote or speak on any question involving the 
disposition of the funds or property of the Lodge. 

2914. Upon the death of an aged Odd Fellow, enrolled as above, and who 
shall be entitled to the benefits of this fund, there shall be paid, as funeral 
expenses, such sum as the Grand Lodge may prescribe, so .long as the 
moneys collected under the provisions of the "Aged Odd Fellows' Fund" 
shall permit the payment. 

2915. No Lodge receiving such members as above provided, shall be 
liable for the payment of any sick benefits, or funeral expenses, to or on 
account of such members; nor shall any such member be required to pay 
any dues or assessments to such Subordinate Lodge, except for the benefit 
of the "Aged Odd Fellows' Fund." 

2916. Aged Odd Fellows no longer able to pay the dues required when 
benefits are received, and who* continue their membership as non-contribut- 
ing members, are within the terms of the Aged Odd Fellows' Fund. 

NON-CONTRIBUTIHG MEMBEES. 

See Non-Beneficial Members. See Ancient Odd Fellow. 

Non-Affiliated Odd Fellows. Member of Defunct Lodge. 

2917. All the legislation concerning non-beneficial membership is 
founded upon additions and amendments to the law of 1864, by which local 
jurisdictions were given authority to permit subordinates to receive as non- 
beneficial members such members of defunct Lodges as were in good stand- 
ing at the time of the dissolution of their respective Lodges, and who, by 
reason of advanced age, would not be admitted as beneficial members. 

2918. The law relating to non-contributing members was passed as fol- 
lows: "The law permitting aged Odd Fellows wno were members of de- 
funct Lodges to become non-beneficial members should be broadened to the 
extent that it will permit aged Odd Fellows no longer able to pay the dues 
required when benefits are received to continue their membership as non- 
beneficial members." 



318 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

NON-CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS. 

2919. After a brother has become sixty years of age and has been a 
contributing member for twenty-five consecutive years his name shall not 
be dropped from the roll by virtue of his being more than one year in ar- 
rears for non-payment of dues, but he shall be retained as a non-beneficial 
member, and as such shall be entitled to the pass word and fellowship of 
Lodges. Such non-beneficial member shall have all the privileges of active 
members except benefits, and Subordinate Lodges shall not be compelled to 
pay per capita tax on such non-beneficial members. 

2920. The designation "non-beneficial," as used in the law above quoted 
has been discontinued, and the term "non-contributing" has been substituted 
therefor, so that the designation "non-beneficial" shall apply only to members 
who, by reason of non-payment of dues for the time provided by local law, 
are not entitled to benefits. 

2921. This law makes a change in the laws relating to the payment or 
weekly benefits as a fundamental principle of Odd Fellowship. These laws 
have already been strictly adhered to, with one exception, this exception 
being the law of 1864, when the several local jurisdictions were given author- 
ity to permit subordinates and encampments to receive as non-beneficial 
members such members of defunct Lodges and Encampments as were in 
good standing %t the time of the dissolution of their respective Lodges and 
Encampments, and who, by reason of advanced age, would not be admitted as 
beneficial members. 

2922. When the law of 1864 was adopted the Order was but forty-five 
years old, and it was then apparent that some change in the law was neces- 
sary that old workers and veterans might not have the door of Odd Fellow- 
ship closed against them. The law then enacted to some extent assisted old 
members in retaining membership. To-day our Order is eighty-two years 
old, and with the changes wrought by the years new conditions are coming 
up to be met. The framers of our laws at the beginning of our Order could 
not be expected to see and know the demands that would confront Odd Fel- 
lowship three-quarters of a century after, and while recognizing their wis- 
dom in making laws to meet conditions as they understood them, a progres- 
sive Order must meet progressive conditions, and change and enact laws co 
meet the issues arising from its growth. 

2923. In 1896 a step forward was made in legislation affecting aged Odd 
Fellows when the aged Odd Fellows law was enacted, a departure 
from the fundamental law, which previously required membership in the 
Order to be founded upon direct membership in a Subordinate Lodge. The 
proposition to change the law so that Odd Fellows who have been for 
twenty-five consecutive years members in good standing, and who are in ar- 
rears for more than one year, may not be dropped from the roll of member- 
ship has merit, and the law permitting aged Odd Fellows who were members 
of defunct Lodges to become non-beneficial members will be broadened 
to the extent that it will permit aged Odd Fellows no longer able to pay the 
dues required when benefits are received, to continue their membership as 
non-beneficial members. 

2924. The words "contributing members for twenty-five years" mean 
continuous membership for twenty-five years, including the time an un- 
expired Withdrawal Card may have been held. 

2925. A non-contributing member is entitled to the fellowship of the 
Lodge. 

2926. A non-contributing member is entitled to the Semi-Annual Pass 
Word and to visit in his own jurisdiction. 

2927. A non-contributing member residing in a jurisdiction other than 
that in which his Lodge is located, has the privilege of visiting Lodges at 

his place of residence by means of a special form of Visiting Card, which en- 
titles the holder to the Annual Traveling Pass Word upon proving identity 

in the manner prescribed by the laws of the Order, and which is furnished 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 319 

UON-CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS. 

by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and sold as supplies for the use of such non- 
contributing members. 

2928. Non -contributing members are entitled to the same rights and priv- 
ileges as beneficial members, except in the matter of benefits. They can vote 
and hold office. 

2929. A non-contributing member may become a beneficial member in 
the manner provided for the reinstatement of members suspended for non- 
payment of dues in accordance with the terms of the Constitution for Subordinate 
Lodges and the By-Laws of the Lodge. 

NON-RESIDENT. 

See Residence. See Transfer of Membership. 

Absence. Attentive Benefits. 

2930. No citizen of one State, District or Territory wherein Lodges are 
established, shall be admitted to membership in a Lodge of another State, 
District or Territory, without the previous consent of the Grand Lodge or 
Grand Master of the State, District or Territory whereof such a citizen is a 
resident. The penalty for violating this provision is that the Lodge ad- 
mitting the brother shall forfeit and pay to the Grand Lodge of the jurisdic- 
tion where he resides all initiation and degree charges received from such 
person. 

2931. A person resident of one Grand Jurisdiction may be admitted to 
membership in another Grand Jurisdiction either by initiation or deposit 
of card, if all the following conditions exist: 

1. The jurisdiction must be contiguous or adjacent. 

2. He must have the consent of the Grand Lodge or Grand Master of the 
jurisdiction in which he resides. 

3. The subordinate must be the one nearest his residence. 

4. He must have the consent of the jurisdiction under which the subor- 
dinate exists that he proposes to join. 

5. The necessary consent, legally authenticated, must accompany the 
application for membership, and he must pay the higher initiation fees as 
between those charged by the Lodge he joins and the Lodge nearest his 
residence in the jurisdiction where he resides. 

2932. By the general law no person can be admitted to membership in a 
Lodge in the same Grand Jurisdiction in which he is a resident other than 
the one in whose territorial jurisdiction he resides; provided, nevertheless, 
that whenever a person qualified for membership shall apply for admission 
by initiation or deposit of card in a Lodge in the territorial jurisdiction of 
which he does not reside it shall only be necessary to obtain the permission 
of the Lodge or Lodges nearest to his place of residence in order to make 
his election into the Lodge, in whose territorial jurisdiction he does not 
reside, legal and valid. The penalty to be inflicted upon a Subordinate Lodge 
violating the provisions of the law prohibiting Subordinate Lodges from ad- 
mitting persons as members not residing within their territorial jurisdiction, 
without having secured proper permission, as provided by law, is as follows. 
Said Subordinate Lodge shall, upon conviction of such offense, immediately remit 
to the Subordinate Lodge having such territorial jurisdiction, the initiation 
and degree fees received from the member so admitted to membership, and 
from time to time thereafter, when requested by the Lodge which has received 
the initiation and degree fees, pay to such Lodge all dues received from said 
member so admitted to membership, and shall so continue to pay all such 
dues while he shall retain his membership; provided, nevertheless, that this 
resolution shall not affect the present legislation, or any decisions in respect 
of and in relation to members being admitted by cards under facts here- 
before recited. The penalty for a brother illegally admitted by a card or 
certificate to a Lodge other than the one in the territorial jurisdiction of 



320 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

NON-RESIDENT. 

which he resides is that as the applicant knew, or was bound, to know, what 
the law is, and that his membership was illegal, and as the Lodge knows, 
or was bound to know, the law, therefore, his membership being illegal, he is 
not protected, and his status is that of an Ancient Odd Fellow. (See Ter- 
ritorial Jurisdiction for the form of request to Lodge located nearest to the 
residence of the applicant for permission to initiate or admit him to member- 
ship in the Lodge to which he has made application.) 

tfON-RESIDESTT WITNESS. 
See Witness. 

NOTICE. 

(a). As to Dues and Assessments. (c). As to Charges and Trial Procedure, 

(b). Of Sickness and Benefits. 

(a). As to Dues and Assessment. 

2933. "Where the Lodge has no By-Law upon the subject, it is not re- 
quired by the general law to notify the brother as to his financial standing 
in the Lodge, by reason of the non-payment of dues. Where there is a By-Law 
the rule of notice will be governed entirely by its terms. This principle is 
based on the fact that as the dues are charged weekly, the brother knows 
what the weekly dues are, they being fixed and certain, and can always 
make his own calculation of how he stands. 

2934. There is no law of the Order that requires notice to be given by 
the Lodge to a brother of the death of another brother, or of the death 
of another brother's wife, nor of the assessment of funeral dues; nor can 
any construction of the law except it be a false construction, force such duty 
upon the Lodge or make it liable for neglect in its non-performance, except 
as to the Brother holding a Visiting Card, or when the By-Laws provide 
otherwise. But when a brother pays his dues the Secretary is bound to inform 
him concerning any assessments that have been charged against his account, 
and of which he has not had notice, in order that the brother may then 
and there pay the same, and thus keep from arrearage, for the reason that 
this concerns the very business he is transacting with the Secretary. 

2935. Our law does not require notice of funeral assessment to be given 
members, except a member holding a Visiting Card, even though they may 
be living at so great a distance as to preclude their meeting with their own 
Lodge, and thus be informed of the assessments that accumulate at irregular 
periods generally at long intervals. The Grand Lodge therefore recommends 
and requests that the Lodges in their By-Laws make suitable provision for 
the notification of members of their assessment. 

2936. A claim for funeral benefits was made by a brother upon the death of his 
wife, which the Lodge declined to pay for the reason that the brother was in arrears 
at the time of the death of his wife. It appeared that the brother claimed 
that it was the duty of the Secretary to have notified him when he was 
in arrears, and that he did not do so; while, on the other hand, the Secre- 
tary says that his duty and custom was to notify every brother in arrears, 
and that the brother must have been notified. Held that the Secretary is not bound 
to see that every notice is delivered. If he mails them that is sufficient, as it 
is the duty of every brother to know how he stands, and if he allows himself 
to get in arrears he must bear the consequences. 

29-7. The legislation concerning the official certificate, which is the only 
legal receipt for dues, does not deprive a Lodge of the right to send a 
quarterly notice, a statement, or bill for dues, but it does prevent the Secre- 
tary or any other officer marking on this quarterly notice, statement or bill 
in any manner to show that the dues or any part thereof have been paid. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 321 

NOTICE. 

(b). Of Sickness and Benefits. 

2938. A Lodge has the right by its By-Laws to require notice of a 
brother's sickness to entitle him to benefits, and it may provide that bene- 
fits will not be paid for more than a certain time previous to the notice 
being received by the Lodge. 

2939. It is proper for a Lodge to require notice to be given it for a 
demand for sick benefits, and a Lodge has the right to impose a penalty 
for neglect by a member claiming sick benefits to inform the Lodge of his 
sickness and claim for benefits. 

2940. When the By-Law of a Lodge requires that applications for benefits 
shall be made according to a prescribed form in writing, and a brother in good 
standing is too ill to write, and a friend informs the Lodge or a proper officer 
orally of the brother's sickness, the benefits must be paid. 

2941. A member of the Relief Committee being aware of a member's sick- 
ness at the time of its occurrence, constitutes a legal notice of the same. 

2942. When the By-Laws of a Lodge require a sick brother, residing at a 
distance, to send to his Lodge, as often as once in two weeks, a true statement of 
his case, attested, etc., it should be recognized as a substantial compliance if such 
information as is requisite to give a correct knowledge of the brother's condition, 
is given to the Relief Committee having the brother's case in charge. 

2943. A Lodge may also require notice, from time to time, from an 
absent sick brother during the continuance of the sickness, when the 
brother is not placed in charge of another Lodge or Relief Committee. 

2944. Unless fixed by some local law, there is no limitation to the time 
within which benefits must be claimed, nor does the bar of the statute of 
limitation of the civil law apply in Odd Fellowship. The limitations, if any, 
of notice of sickness and application for benefits depends upon the laws of 
the Grand Lodge and the By-Laws of the Subordinate Lodge. 

2945. In a case where the law required that a member shall notify some 
Lodge of his sickness, and if he shall neglect to do so he shall not be en- 
titled to benefits, a member received his benefits up to the time he left for 
parts unknown, and later presented a claim for benefits during the time 
of his absence. The Lodge in the meantime searched in vain for informa- 
tion of his whereabouts. The question was asked, did the member forfeit 
his right to benefits without notice to either Lodge? To which it was held 
that the provision requiring a member absent from his Lodge to notify an- 
other Lodge where he is of his sickness is a reasonable regulation, and if a 
member does not comply with it, if there was a Lodge near enough to him 
to be reasonably accessible to notice, and if his physical or mental condition 
was not such as to render him incapable of giving notice, then he would not 
be entitled to benefits. There is. however, some doubt as to what notice 
is required. If the brother was required to give notice of his sickness after 
he left the neighborhood of his Lodge, although his Lodge may have paid 
him benefits while at home, he would not be entitled to benefits after leav- 
ing. If the brother is required to give only one notice of his sickness, and 
was taken sick, and his Lodge paid him benefits he would be entitled to bene- 
fits for the same sickness continuing while away without any further notice. 

2496. Notwithstanding the provisions of the general law that a brother 
not in arrears when taken sick cannot become a delinquent while sick or de- 
prived of his benefits, nevertheless if a brother's sickness be not reported to 
the Lodge in accordance with the requirements of the By-Laws, the said 
provision will not apply to, or avail for him. 

2947. The By-Laws of a Lodge require a written notice of sickness and 
application for benefits. The Noble Grand of a Lodge visited the brother 
and found him sick, and said to the brother that he should make his claim 
in writing; the brother not making his claim in writing, was again visited 



322 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

NOTICE— Of Sickness and Benefits. 

and so requested, but he failed to comply. It was held that the By-Law 
does not apply to cases where the Lodge having verbal notice of the brother's 
sickness and the Relief Committee visits him and finds him sick, but the By-Laws 
mean that in cases where they or the Lodge receive notice that a brother is sick, 
such notice must be in writing, as required by the By-Law, before the Kelief Com- 
mittee are obliged to visit him to entitle him to benefits ; and if they should visit 
on a verbal note they are estopped, as that would be a waiver of written notice. 

2948. The requirements of any law of the Order demanding notice ot 
any kind to be given by a member of the Lodge to its officers, does not hold 
when a brother, by reason of insanity or mental sickness, is incapacitated, 
from complying with this requirement. Nor to any case where, by reason 
of his situation, isolation of surroundings, it is impossible for the sick brother 
to comply therewith. 

2949. The law of a Lodge required a sick brother to send to the Lodge 
every four weeks during his absence a certificate of his condition from his- 
attending physician, attested by a Justice of the Peace, or from the officers 
of a Lodge of our Order. We find that he complied with this law up to the 
time of leaving Deland, Florida. That he left Deland upon the advice ot 
his physician, on April 9, stopping, upon said advice, near four weeks at 
Tallapoosa, Ga. That while there he was unable to communicate with any 
Lodge, and was still under the care and advice of his physician at Deland. 
that he arrived home on May 12, and immediately reported to his Lodge. No 
law can require impossibilities of any brother, and from all the facts disclosed 
by the record, it appears that the brother used every effort to comply with 
the law of his Lodge, and should be entitled to the full benefits. 

2950. When a brother who is in the military service cannot procure the 
proofs of sickness or disability required by the By-Laws of the Lodge, it shall be 
sufficient if he shall forward to the Lodge a certificate of the attending surgeon,, 
setting forth the nature and time of contracting the sickness or disability, accom- 
panied by a statement of the officer commanding his regiment or company, certi- 
fying to the character and standing of said surgeon, and the character of said 
sickness or disability. 

2951. By the general law of the Order, any notice by which the knowl- 
edge is brought to the Lodge that a brother is sick is sufficient to have the 
Relief Committee visit him, as he is certainly entitled to attentive benefits, 
and the report of that committee constitutes legal notice of the brother's 
sickness and application for benefits, and estops the Lodge from claiming, 
that a written notice from a brother was required, any law to the contrary 
notwithstanding. 

2952. But the notice of sickness must be brought to the attention of the 
Lodge or its proper officers. Where a sick brother, who was a railroad em- 
ployee, was placed on the company's sick list, and on the same day went to 
a member of his Lodge, holding a minor office in the Lodge, and a frequent 
attendant at Lodge meetings, and informed him of his having been placed on 
such railroad sick list, and that his physical condition seemed such that he 
would not resume work for some weeks, but did not ask him to report his 
sickness to the Lodge — which, in fact, he never did. Held that this was not 
such a reporting of his sickness to the Relief Committee or to the Lodge as 
would entitle the brother to benefits. 

2953. The rights of a brother who fails to promptly report his sickness 
are exactly those of a brother who is taken sick while under a penalty for 
the non-payment of dues, or of one who is suffering his first week's sickness. 
Where the By-Laws provide that no benefits are to be paid for the first 
week's sickness, a member in good standing who becomes in arrears during 
such first week's sickness is not deprived of benefits because of such ar- 
rears. The history of a case shows that when the brother was taken sick 
he was in good standing and beneficial, and the real contention in the case 
was as to the legal effect of the delay in the report of the sickness to the 
Lodge, it appearing that at the date of such report of the sickness the 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 323 

NOTICE— Of Sickness and Benefits. 

brother owed enough to make hiin non-beneficial. The By-Laws of the 
Lodge provided that *' the sickness or disability of members residing within 
the territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge shall be deemed to have commenced not 
more than seven days prior to a notice of such sickness or disability." It was 
decided as follows: We do not consider that a reasonable construction of 
the By-Laws above quoted requires more than the withholding of all bene- 
fits pTior to a member being reported to the Lodge (except for one week's 
benefits prior to such report). We do not believe that it fairly means that 
for a failure to report promptly or immediately, that the penalty of forfeiting 
all benefits from and after such report is made attaches. And the Lodge 
was directed to pay the benefits to the brother, beginning one week prior 
to date of notice of his sickness. 

2954. In all case of continued sickness or disability where an appeal is 
pending, when the brother intends, if his claim is allowed, to ask benefits 
while his appeal is pending, he should, before the end of the period fixed 
by law, give formal notice of claim for benefits, and upon a refusal by the 
Lodge, he must again appeal, or the benefits will be barred by the statute of 
limitations fixed by the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. 

2955. A brother on the sick list and paid benefits cannot be stricken off 
the list without investigation by the Lodge and notice to him. But where a Lodge 
has preferred charges, waiting upon the final determination of which it has withheld 
the benefits and then expelled the brother, should he be reinstated on appeal, he 
is not bound to have given notice and demand for further benefits pending his 
appeal ; it will be time enough to do so when he has been notified of his reinstate- 
ment. 

(c). Of Charges and Trial Procedure. 

2956. In trials for charges, the brother accused must have legal notice of 
each step in the proceedings, as a failure to give him the notice required by 
law vitiates the entire procedure. Where a brother had no notice of the 
trial in the Lodge, it was held that his failure to appeal for three years did 
not waive his right of appeal, as by the failure to give him notice, the 
entire proceedings of the Lodge were void and they would be so declared, 
whenever attacked, with, notice to the Lodge. 

2957. Notice can have only one purpose substantially, and that is to 
give information. Like a summons, it brings the party into court. If the 
party waives his right to notice, and appears without it to action, no advantage 
can afterwards be taken by him of any informalities and errors in it. 

2958. Where more than thirty days have elapsed from the time of notice 
of the judgment of the District Committee on Appeals until the appeal wan 
filed, and this is made to appear, the committee hearing the case shall dis- 
miss the appeal and reaffirm the judgment appealed from. 

2959. A copy of the charges, clearly setting forth the offense, duly at- 
tested, shall be furnished to the accused, together with a like duly attested 
notice of the time and place of hearing, and a summons to the accused 
to be present. 

2960. Notice to appear must be served according to the letter of the law 
prescribed as a general and local requirement for such service, and when 
such notice has not been properly served the accused shall have the benefit 
of the doubt. 

2961. When a party is expelled for contempt in not appearing for trial, 
the record should by some positive evidence show that a copy of the charges 
was served on the accused, as well as sufficient notice of the time and place 
of trial, and a summons to the accused to be present. 



324 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

OBLIGATION. 

See Charges. See Trial. 

2962. The general obligation of secrecy does not prohibit a brother from 
speaking of Lodge business to a member of the Lodge not present at Lodge 
meeting. 

2963. The obligation cannot be used in evidence in a court of law against 
a member in a suit against the Lodge. 

2934. A test O. B. N. is not part of the mode of examining visitors as 
prescribed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and a Lodge would be deserving 
of censure for introducing any such requirement. 

2965. An Ancient Odd Fellow is not required to take the obligation upon 
again uniting with the Order. The obligation once taken is always binding; 
he signs the Constitution, or authorizes it to be signed for him, and then his 
membership is complete. 

OBTAINING CEEDIT. 

See Pecuniary Obligations. See Colle 3ting Debts. 

2966. A member of the Order in good standing, evidenced by holding 
an unexpired Visiting Card, issued in conformity to the laws of the Order Dy 
his Lodge, and having the Annual Traveling Pass Word, being in distress, 
or pretending so to be and needing money, and who, having asked for and 
received from a Lodge, or a member thereof, a sum of money under the as- 
surance and promise that he will return or repay the same within a given 
time, or as soon as he returns home, but who shall neglect to do so after 
a reasonable time thereafter, without a satisfactory excuse being rendered, 
shall be deemed guilty of conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow, and due notice 
of such facts having been officially communicated to his Lodge by the 
Lodge loaning him the money, it shall be the duty of his Lodge to notify 
him of his indebtedness or loan and demand payment thereof, and if he 
then refuse, or neglect to pay the same, his Lodge shall prefer charges 
against him, try him, and if found guilty and without sufficient mitigating 
circumstances, to expel him from the Order. If there be such mitigating 
circumstances, then to impose such penalty as the Lodge may deem best. 

2967. Any brother who' acquires the Semi- Annual Pass word improperly, 
and by making use of said pass word obtains relief from a Lodge of which 
he is not a member, is guilty of a double fraud on the Order, and should be 
required to refund the amount received to the Lodge from which he received 
it, and be punished by his own Lodge for the offense. It would not be proper 
to hold a Lodge responsible for funds obtained under such circumstances. 

2968. The By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge provide that "a member 
who shall obtain credit expressly by reason of being an Odd Fellow, and shall 
violate the terms of such credit, shall be guilty of an offense against the 
laws of the Order." Held, in such case, that to* render a member of a Lodge 
amenable for an offense against the laws of the Order, he must have used 
the fact of his membership in some way for purposes of fraud or imposition. 

OBES. 
See Meetings, Printing and Publishing, Spurious Books. 

2969. The odes prescribed in the ceremonies must be sung. They con- 
stitute an integral part of the opening and closing ceremonies of a Subor- 
dinate Lodge. 

2970. The use of odes, forms or ceremonies authorized by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge other than those issued by it and bearing its imprint, will be 
considered an act of insubordination. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 325 

ODES. 

2971. It is permissible to use the odes of the Order in church on Sunday 
at an Anniversary of a Lodge. 

2972. The right to print or publish the odes for the use of the Order is 
exclusively the property of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

ODD FELLOWS' HOME FOR AGED AND INFIRM 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

2973. Thi^ Home is working under a dispensation granted by the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania. It was publicly dedicated in the name of the Order to 
the uses and purposes for which the Home is intended, and formally recog- 
nized as one of the charities of the Order July 17, 1902. 

2974. Its charter, among other things, reads. 

First — The name of the proposed Corporation is the Odd Fellows' Home 
for Aged and Infirm of Pennsylvania. 

Second — Said Corporation is formed for the purpose of establishing a 
Home for aged Odd Fellows, aged Odd Fellows and their wives, and Odd Fel- 
lows, who have become permanently disabled and incapacitated for earn- 
ing a livelihood for themselves, the same to be supported and maintained 
in such manner as the By-Laws may provide. 

Third — The main office of the Corporation, wherein its business shall be 
transacted, shall be in the city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania,. 

Fourth — Said Corporation shall exist perpetually. 

Fifth — This Corporation shall be composed of 'Representatives of the 
Grand Lodge and Subordinate Lodges and Encampments, and other bodies 
working under the charters from the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania. Each Lodge and Encampment holding 
membership in the Corporation shall elect annually one (1) member thereof 
to represent it in the Corporation. 

2975. The Home is situated at Grove City, Mercer County, Pennsylvania. 

2976. The Home was incorporated November 23, 1901, in Allegheny 
County. 

ODD FELLOWS' HOME OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 

2977. This Home is working under a dispensation granted by the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania. It was publicly dedicated in the name of the Order 
to the uses and purposes for which the Home is intended, and formally recog- 
nized as one of the charities of the Order June 9, 1874. 

2978. Its charter, inter alia, reads: Section 1. Name: — 

Odd Fellows' Home of "Western Pennsylvania, and by that name shall 
have perpetual succession, with power to have a common seal and the same 
to alter and renew at pleasure, and to sue and be sued, plead and be im- 
pleaded, to make By-Laws, rules and regulations for the management of 
said Corporation, with power to alter and amend the same; provided, tnat 
said By-Laws, rules and regulations shall not be repugnant to the Constitu- 
tion of this Commonwealth or the provisions of this act. And the corporate 
powers of said Association shall be vested in and exercised by a Board of Trustees, 
not less than nine, nor more than fifteen, five of whom shall constitute a quorum 
for the transaction of all business not otherwise provided, and the said Trustees 
in said corporate name, style and title, be capable of receiving, taking, purchasing 
and holding by conveyance, devise, bequest, lease or otherwise, any estate, real or 
personal, money or other property for the use of said Corporation, and power to 
■ell, convey, or otherwise dispose of the same for said uses 



326 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ODD FELLOWS' HOME OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 

Section 2. That the estate, real and personal, and all property that shall 
be held by this Corporation, be and the same is hereby exempted from all 
assessment and taxation so long as the same shall continue to be used tor the 
uses and purposes of this Corporation. 

Section 3. That the said Trustees shall elect from their number a 
President, Secretary, and such other officers as they may deem necessary, 
who shall hold their offices for one year, or until their successors are ap- 
pointed; any vacancies in said Board may be filled by the remaining mem- 
bers until the next annual meeting. 

Section 4. That it shall be lawful for the Trustees of this Corporation, 
at their discretion, to take under their control such children of deceased 
members of the said Order as may be placed under their care and manage- 
ment by the guardians or other persons who are entitled to the custody of 
such children; and said Trustees shall have guardianship of all children so 
received by them, and cause them to be educated and properly maintained 
while in said Home, according to the means of the Corporation; and the 
Trustees, or a majority of them, shall have power to bind said children, 
with their consent, as apprentices during their minority, to such person 
or persons, and at such places within this Commonwealth, to learn such 
trades or employment, as in the judgment of the Trustees, or a majority of 
them, will be most conducive to the benefit and advantage of said children; 
but no child or children shall be bound to domestic or any menial service; 
provided, that the charge and power of said Trustees over said children, for 
binding or otherwise, shall not in the case of females, extend beyond the age 
of eighteen years, and in the case of males, beyond the age of twenty-one 
years; any child or children not bound out may, at the discretion of the 
Trustees, be returned to the guardians or other person or persons who may 
have placed such child or children at said Home. 

Section 5. That the building for said Home shall be situated in or near 
the city of Meadville, in the County of Crawford. The first annual meeting 
shall be held on the third Tuesday of October, A. D. 1872, and the other an- 
nual meetings shall be held at such time as the Corporation may determine 
by their By-Laws; all annual meetings shall be held at the city of Meadville 
aforesaid, or at the said Home. 



Section 7. That each Lodge of said Order that may contribute to the 
funds of said Corporation such sum, annually or otherwise, as the said Cor- 
poration may determine (being for the present the sum of 50 cents a year 
flor each of its members), shall have the right to vote by its Representatives 
or otherwise in the election of Trustees. 

Section 8. . That the Trustees shall, at their discretion and according to 
the means of the Corporation, receive and care for the indigent members of 
said Order connected with said Lodges, and also the widows of deceased 
members, but children shall have the preference. 

Section 9. That said Trustees shall have power to employ teachers, 
matrons, stewards, superintendents, and all other persons needed for the 
uses and purposes of the same, and shall have power to elect all necessary 
officers, and to make provisions for their election, and fix all salaries and 
generally all such powers as may or shall be needed for the building and 
furnishing of said Home, and all matters connected with the maintenance 
of the same and good government and management of its affairs. 

Section 10. No gift, grant, conveyance, lease, devise, or bequest to 
said Corporation shall be invalid by reason of any misnomer or informality. 

Section 11. That said Corporation shall have power to accept prop- 
erty, real and personal, in trust for the benefit of any member or members 
of any Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, or for the benefit 
or use of any widow or child, or children of any deceased member of said 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 327 

ODD FELLOWS' HOME OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 

Order, and to render true accounts of such trust property, according to the 
laws of this Commonwealth relating to trustees and trust estates. 

2979. The Home is situated at Meadville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. 

2980. The Home was incorporated by Act of Assembly, approved April 
3, 1872. 

The By-Laws of the Corporation, Article IV., provide that " the Grand Lodge 
Representative to the Home shall be a full voting member of the Board of Trus- 
tees, ex-officio." 

OFFENCES. 

See Improper Conduct. See Immoral Conduct. 

Crimes. Intemperance. 

False Charges. Obtaining Credit. 

Bringing Suit. Libel. 

Embezzlement. Slander. 

Drunkenness. Age. 

Fraud. Feigning. 

2981. The best definition, or rather classification, of offences against the 
Order will be found in the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, which reads 
as follows. If a member of this Lodge violates the obligation he has taken 
at receiving the Initiatory or any other degrees, or office, or knowingly vio- 
lates the established principles, rules, and customs of the Order, or disre- 
gards the requirements of the Constitution or the By-Laws of this Lodge, 
or commences against the Lodge any proceedings, either at law or in 
equity in any court, or is guilty of any other conduct unbecoming an Odd 
Fellow, he shall be amenable to the Lodge therefor, and shall be tried and 
punished by reprimand, fine, suspension or expulsion. 

2982. Offences, considered from the broader standpoint of the general 
law, may be divided into two general classes: 

(a). An offense against the Order may be defined as an act of omission 
or commission which is contrary to some particular law of the Order, mak- 
ing the omission or doing an offense, and fixing a penalty as punishment 
therefor. 

(b). An offense against the Order may be some act of omission or 
commission, either of duty or deportment, either within or without the 
Lodge, that may come within the broad powers vested in all organizations 
to judge or review the conduct of their members, in so far as it relates to 
the society itself, and to the reciprocal obligations between the society and 
all its members, and to determine whether the offense is such as renders the 
member unfit for further association with the society, or merely calls for 
his punishment by suspension, reprimand, warning or fine. For example, a 
Subordinate Lodge has power to try, and upon conviction, expel a member 
for introducing a woman of bad repute to an Odd Fellows' Festival, he hav- 
ing knowledge of her character. 

2983. In any event, it is the intent which is the gist of the offense; was 
it intended to do something offensive, impertinent, unlawful, improper or 
forbidden, or to omit doing something commanded to be done, in a way or 
manner which amounts to a wrong against the Lodge or the Order, and 
which is not a mere private grievance. 

2984. These distinctions are important, for while the general charge 
against a member shall be an averment of '"conduct unbecoming an Odd 
Fellow," followed by a specification or specifications stating the time, place 
and circumstances of the offense, each specification must state an offense 
triable in the Lodge, and each offense shall be the subject of a separate 
specification. 



328 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

OFFICER. 

2985. What extent of penalty can be adjudged upon an officer who 
shall be found guilty of official misconduct, his character as a man and Odd 
Fellow not being impugned, depends upon the Constitution and By-Laws of 
the Subordinate Lodge, or the penalty affixed by the legislation of the Grand 
Lodge for such official misconduct 

2986. The Grand Lodge cannot elect an officer of a Subordinate Lodge. 

OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE. 

See Dues. See Semi-Annual Pass Word. 

Pass Word. Transfer of Membership. 

Annual Traveling Pass Word. 

2987. In 1896 the following preambles and resolutions were adopted by 
The Sovereign »Grand Lodge: 

"Whereas, One of the principal privileges of membership in our great 
Order is the right of intervisitation in a body, or as individuals, indiscrim- 
inately of the jurisdiction to which they may be attached; and 

Whereas, The membership on the borders of contiguous jurisdictions is 
not availing itself of this privilege to such an extent as would be desirable 
and conducive to the prosperity of the Lodges and Encampments so located, 
as well as beneficial to the membership of the same; 

"Whereas, Said privilege is practically made useless and to a certain 
extent inoperative by the irksome and cumbersome formalities required to 
be observed to obtain the same, to wit: the "Visiting Card," without whicn 
it is well known no member can lawfully gain admittance into a Lodge or 
Encampment of another jurisdiction, except when introduced by an elective 
Grand Officer; and 

"Whereas, Numerous Odd Fellows, members of one jurisdiction, live m 
another, closely bordering on their own, seldom or ever visit such Lodges 
or Encampments, because they are not in possession of a Visiting Card, 
and, therefore, cannot legally visit, as such members have obtained a receipt 
for dues paid and decline to pay twenty-five cents or more for another one, 
in the shape of a Visiting Card; and 

"Whereas, Our great, Order claims to be, and is, progressive in its char- 
acter, which feature has raised it to be the first benevolent Organization on 
the face of the globe, it is the opinion of a large majority of the membership 
that the progressive spirit of our century should be applied to this relic of 
the past, and that this Sovereign Grand Lodge should adopt such measures 
as will afford proper relief to the membership. 

'Resolved, That there be prepared the form of a receipt for dues, etc., to 
be recognized as evidence of good standing when the holder desires to make 
visitation in another jurisdiction, in lieu of a Visiting Card. Said form of 
a receipt to be universal throughout all the jurisdictions on this continent, 
and to be used as the only and legal receipt for dues, assessments, fees, etc., 
by all Lodges, Encampments and Rebekah Lodges. The Annual Traveling 
Pass Word to be communicated to every member when paying his dues, and 
the privilege to visit in another jurisdiction to depend upon his receipt, which 
shall bear his signature on the margin, the genuineness of which he must 
prove before the Examining Committee, and the proper pass word. 

"Said receipts to be sold by the Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge to the Grand Secretaries and Grand Scribes of Subordinate Grand 
Bodies, and to the Lodges and Encampments under the immediate juris- 
diction of the Sovereign Grand Lodge on this continent as regular supplies, 
conformable to the rules and regulations governing the sale of all supplies 
by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

"Said form of receipt to be plainly bound in a convenient shape and size, 
with stub attached to each receipt, shall be furnished to Subordinate Grand 
Bodies, and to Lodges and Encampments under the immediate jurisdiction 
of the Sovereign Grand Lodge on this continent, at an advance not to ex- 
ceed per centum, of the actual cost, and by Subordinate Grand Bodies 

to their respective subordinates, at an additional advance of per 

centum, whereby the supposed loss from, the sale of Visiting Cards, in our 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 329 

OFFICIAL CESTIFICATE. 

opinion, will not only be amply covered, but will also largely increase the 
revenue of this Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

"Provided, However, that nothing in these preambles and resolutions 
shall be so construed as to intend to abolish or restrict the present use or 
purposes of the Visiting Card, or to abrogate any of the rights and privileges 
to which its holder is thereby entitled under the present laws of the Order; 
on the contrary, any brother who, by the general laws of the Order is quali- 
fied to apply for tne same, shall be entitled to receive a Visiting Card, as 
heretofore, and the holding of such Visiting Card shall be prima facie 
evidence of good standing in the Order; and it is further. 

"Provided, That upon the presentation of an official receipt only, a Lodge 
or Encampment shall not be required to pay sick or funeral benefits, or 
render other pecuniary aid to a member of another jurisdiction, uniess so 
directed by the Lodge or Encampment of which the brother is a member, 
in which case such benefits or moneys paid shall constitute a legal claim 
against such Lodge or Encampment; and be it further 

"Recommended that the word 'certificate' be substituted for 'receipt,' 
wherever it occurs in the above resolutions. 

"Resolved, That said preambles and resolutions be approved and the 
Committee on Printing Supplies be, and they are hereby, instructed to 
provide the aforementioned certificates, and determine and fix the price for 
which the same are to be sold, and be it further 

"Resolved, That the holder of a certificate, as mentioned above, shall be 
considered to hold a proper card as required under Article XVI., Section 1, 
of the Constitution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge." 

2988. The next year the following supplementary legislation was enacted 
by the Sovereign Grand Lodge: 

The Official Certificate provided for by the legislation of 1896 shall be 
furnished to Subordinate Grand Bodies at and for the rate of eighty cents 
per hundred, and to Subordinate Lodges, Subordinate Encampments and 
Rebekah Lodges at the rate of one dollar per hundred. 

That the said Official Certificate, heretofore engraved, shall hereafter be 
lithographed, thus materially reducing its cost to this Grand Body; and if the 
same can be done, that the right to prepare it and its exclusive use be pro- 
tected by letters patent; otherwise that it be copyrighted. 

That hereafter the Official Receipt (Certificate) shall be designated 
as the "Official Certificate," and shall be issued in all cases where mem- 
bers pay dues and assessments to Subordinate Bodies, and shall request a 
receipt, and that such change be made in the form and matter as to make it 
plain and distinct, with ample space for necessary signatures, and a line 
for the location of the body issuing it and the date. 

That the Official Certificate shall be issued by and signed by the Per- 
manent Secretary of Subordinate Lodge, if there be one, the Financial Scribe, 
if there be one, of Encampments, or the Secretary of a Rebekah Lodge, at- 
tested by the seal of the body issuing the same. If a Lodge has no Per- 
manent Secretary, the certificate shall be signed by the Secretary, and if an 
Encampment has no Financial Scribe, shall be signed by the Scribe. 

That in all other respects than is hereinabove set forth, said Official 
Certificate shall conform to, and carry with it, all the rights and privileges 
provided by the legislation of 1896 relative to the subject matter herein 
above referred to. 

That the Official Certificate and the Visiting Card shall be the only legal 
acknowledgment for dues and assessments paid by a member to the Subor- 
dinate Lodge, Subordinate Encampment, or Rebekah Lodge. 

2989. In 1899 the following supplementary legislation was enacted by 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge on the same subject: 

Resolved, That the possession of a Visiting Card, the date of which ex- 
tends to a date later than when the same is presented, or an Official Cer- 
tificate for dues paid to a date later than that when the same is presented, 
properly signed and sealed be, and the same is hereby, declared sufficient 
proper and legal authority for any Noble Grand, Chief Patriarch, or Noble 

21 



330 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [19U7. 

OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE. 

Grand of a Rebekah Lodge, upon proper identification, to communicate to 
the holder thereof the Annual Traveling Pass Word, or the annual pass 
word of the Rebekah Degree (as the case may be), and if the holder of a 
Visiting Card or -Official Certificate, as above mentioned, is a member of a 
Lodge, Encampment, or Rebekah Lodge in tne same jurisdiction as the 
Lodge, Encampment, or Rebekah Lodge to which the said Visiting Card or 
Official Certificate is presented then, and in that event, the Noble Grand 
Chief Patriarch, or Noble Grand of a Rebekah Lodge is authorized to com- 
municate to the holder of said Visiting Card or Official Certificate the Semi- 
Annual Pass Word, or check word (as the case may require). 

Resolved, That all laws in conflict herewith be and the same are hereby 
repealed. 

2990. Prior to the adoption of said Official Certificate, the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge derived considerable revenue from the sale of the Visiting 
Card, and while it was recognized that the use of this certificate — carrying 
with it the right of inter-state visitation — would lessen the sale of the Visit- 
ing Card, and thus reduce the revenues from that source, it was supposed 
that the sale of the certificate being both a receipt for dues and a Visiting 
Card, would not only make good the loss of revenue caused by the lessened 
sale of tne former card, but would materially augment the total revenues 
of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, but this, for several years did not prove to be 
the case. From the beginning this Official Certificate was declared to be the 
only receipt for dues, and again in 1897, when the subject matter of the 
Official Certificate was thoroughly discussed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, 
it was declared "that the Official Certificate and the Visiting Card shall be 
the only legal acknowledgment for dues and assessments paid by a member 
to the Subordinate Lodge, Subordinate Encampment, or RebeKah Lodge;" 
and at the same time it was resolved "that hereafter the Official Receipt 
(certificate) shall be designated as the 'Official Certificate,' and shall be 
issued in all cases where members pay dues and assessments to Subordinate 
Bodies and shall request a receipt, and that such a change be made in tne 
form and matter as to make it plain and distinct, with ample space for neces- 
sary signatures and a line for the location of the body issuing it and the date." 
The words "and shall request a receipt" were not in the resolution as re- 
ported by the committee on legislation, but were inserted as an amendment 
during the discussion, and this amendment has been a source of trouble 
and a constant cause of loss of revenue, ever since its adoption. While 
many of the jurisdictions appreciate the value of the Official Certificate, 
and recognize the advantages coming from its use — it being at once a receipt 
and Visiting Card, an order for the traveling pass word, and an order for 
the term pass word — and are loyally obeying and enforcing the law of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, both in letter and in spirit,, a great many jurisdic- 
tions (and we regret to say some of the larger ones), taking advantage 
of the amendment above cited, are not using the Official Certificate, except 
to a very limited extent. We are informed that they claim this privilege 
under the guise of the amendment quoted by asserting that they are not 
obliged to use an Official Certificate unless the member asks for a receipt. 
A Lodge that does not compel a receipt to be issued for every cent of money it re- 
ceives is pretty sure to get into trouble, as is the brother who pays money to a 
Lodge without receiving a receipt, and sound business methods demand that a re- 
ceipt should both be demanded and offered, thus securing the brother for the 
money paid, and assuring the Lodge that a correct account is kept between itself 
and its members. The Official Certificate is constantly growing in favor, as has been 
demonstrated by its increased sale, and as its advantages are better and 
more commonly known, and the brothers understand that this receipt is 
also a Visiting Card and an order for all the necessary pass words, they will 
demand it and the jurisdiction will be compelled by the very force of 
opinion to its use. We believe the words " and shall request a receipt" 
should be stricken out of the law, and the use of this certificate should be 
made mandatory in all Subordinate Jurisdictions, and when this is done it 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 331 

OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE. 

cannot truly be said that a few jurisdictions, by loyally obeying the law, are 
contributing largely to our revenues, while other jurisdictions are not bear- 
ing their full share of the Order's burden, and in some instances not con- 
tributing as much as they did under the old system, when they were obliged 
to pay twenty-five cents for every Visiting Card they secured. 

2991. It has been urged, and substantial arguments have been made in 
Jiavor of a general per capita tax to be levied by the Sovereign Grand Lodge; 
and the Sovereign Grand Lodge was urged to make the use of this certificate 
mandatory in all cases and thus by the payment of a very small per capita 
tax enable the body to reap a larger revenue from practically its only source 
of supply, for under existing oonditons the Offical Certificate is practically the 
only source of material revenue open to this body, and as far as possible 
every member of the Order should contribute to it equally. 

2992. The price of the certificate was in 1900 changed to the following 
achedule. When the annual sale of certificates reaches 3,000,000, the price 
thereof to Grand Jurisdictions shall be 60 cents per hundred; when the 
annual sale reaches 4,000,000, the price shall be 55 cents per hundred; and 
when the annual sale reaches 5,000,000, the price thereof shall be 50 cents 
per hundred. This reduction in price would change the cost to Subordinate 
Bodies to 80, 75, or 70 cents, as the case may be, as the annual sales reached 
the quantities herein named. 

2993. As the sales of Official Certificates during the fiscal year (1906) 
just closed amounted to 2,920,700, being an increase of 434,600 over the pre- 
vious year, it is reasonably certain that the reduction to 60 cents will go into 
effect August 1, 1907. With such reduction accomplished it is confidently be- 
lieved that the certificate will become more popular and that the letter and 
for dues that it will then be but a comparatively short time wt?n the next 
spirit of the law will be so' fully complied with, making this the only receipt 
reduction under existing laws will be made, and the price fixed to Grand 

Bodies at 55 cents per hundred when the annual sales aggregate 4,000,000 
certificates. 

2994. The color of the printing on the back of "the Official Certificate is 
varied so as to show at a glance the branch of the Order for which the 
certificate is adapted, viz.; Red for the Subordinate Lodge; Purple for tb« 
Encampment; Green for the Rebekah Lodge. 

2995. The Official Certificate for dues paid to a date later than when the 
same is presented is practically equivalent to an universal pass word, as 
when it is presented, properly signed by the Secretary and Noble Grand of 
his Lodge, with the seal thereof properly attached, it is sufficient and legal 
authority for any Noble Grand, upon proper identification, to communicate 
to the holder thereof the current Annuai Traveling Pass Word of the Order. 

2996. The old "order for the pass word" sent or given to absent brothers 
is practically obsolete, except for a Withdrawal Card in date, as an Official 
Certificate in proper form, and showing dues paid to a date later than when 
the same is presented is of itself an order for the Annual Traveling Pass 
Word. 

2997. The legislation authorizing the Official Certificate and making it 
authority for admission of its holder to Lodges and Encampments and Re- 
bekah Lodges is limited to the continent of North America, and hence such 
Official Certificate would not be authority for any Lodge not on the conti- 
nent of North America to communicate the Annual Traveling Pass Word 
thereon. 

2998. The resolution of 1898, providing that the Official Certificate for 
•dues should, under certain circumstances, entitle the holder thereof to the "cur- 
rent traveling pass word" is mandatory upon all jurisdictions, whether they 
.nave consented thereto or not. 



332 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

OFFICIAL CEETIFICATE. 

2999. While an Official Certificate is the only legal receipt for dues and 
must be given when a receipt is demanded, without regard to the standing 
of the brother, nevertheless, only brothers who pay dues m advance are en- 
titled to the Annual Traveling Pass Word upon obtaining official receipts. 
The authority for communicating the Annual Traveling Pass Word to the holder 
of an Official Certificate for dues paid in advance is found in the resolutions of 
1898 and 1899. 

3000. A Noble Grand has authority i,o communicate the Annual Traveling 
Pass Word to the holder of an Official Certificate or Visiting Card showing 
dues paid in advance, though the holder may have signed the same prior 
to its presentation to the Noble Grand, who should give to the brother with 
a Card or Official Certificate the Annual Traveling Pass Word current at the 
time of presentation; provided, the card covers a period which extends to a 
later date, and the Official Certificate shows dues paid in advance of its pres- 
entation. 

3001. Under the law as set forth in the resolution of 1899, a Visiting Card 
or Official Certificate paid to a date later than when presented, and properly 
executed, is authority for having communicated to the holder from another 
jurisdiction the Annual Traveling Pass Word, if he passes a satisfactory 
examination. If the visiting brother be from tne same jurisdiction and such 
Visiting Card or certificate shows advance payment, and he passes a satisfac- 
tory examination, he is entitled to have communicated to. him the Semi- 
Annual Pass Word of the jurisdiction. 

3002. The presentation of an Official Certificate does not authorize com- 
munication of term pass word by a Lodge other than a Lodge of the jurisdic- 
tion to which the holder belongs. 

3003. A brother who is in possession of an Official Certificate in date, 
and the Annual Traveling Pass Word, may visit a Lodge within his own 
jurisdiction, although he be without the pass word of the current term. 

3004. An Offical Certificate may be used in lieu of a Visiting Card as a 
basis for application for membership in another Lodge than that to which 
the member belonged when the certificate or card was issued, the applicant 
retaining his membership in the first named Lodge pending the result of 
his application to the second. Such official Certificate takes 'the place of the 
Visiting Card required by law for transfer of membership without change of 
residence. 

3005. An Official Certificate is sufficient guarantee of good standing in a 
Lodge to accompany a petition for membership in any branch of the Order 
where membership depends upon membership in good standing in a Subor- 
dinate Lodge. 

3006. The Official Certificate is the only lawful receipt that can be issued 
for the payment of dues and assessments, and Lodges are required to use the 
official form of receipt or certificate for dues to the entire exclusion of all 
other forms of receipts for dues. 

3007. Statement. A brother asks for and receives an Official Certificate 
covering the space of fifteen months. During the time the certificate was 
in force, funeral assessments amounting to three dollars were assessed 
against the brother. After the expiration of time for which the certificate 
was granted, but inside of thirteen weeks the brother was taken sick. The 
funeral assessments against the brother were not paid at the time he was re- 
ported on the sick list. 

Question. Under the above circumstances, is the brother entitled to 
weekly benefits? 

Answer. Yes. Official Certificates confer all the privileges of Visiting 
Cards, except as to relief when away from the jurisdiction of the Lodge, 
without first notifying the Lodge thereof. A member being absent from the 
jurisdiction of his Lodge holding an Official Certificate, is chargeable with 
all funeral and other legal assessments which may fall due during the time 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 333 

OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE. 

for which the certificate was granted, but he cannot be suspended from bene- 
fits until three months after the expiration of the Official Certificate by ac- 
cumulation of funeral dues accruing while the certificate is running. 

3008. The Noble Grand signs, and the Financial Secretary is the proper 
officer to attest the certificates for dues prescribed by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, and the Recording Secretary must place the seal of the Lodge upon an 
Official Certificate. 

3009. When a member pays his dues and demands an Official Certificate 
as a receipt for the payment the Noble Grand has no legal right to refuse 
to sign the Official Certificate until the brother first signs the same on the 
margin. The Noble Grand not only cannot refuse to sign, but must complete 
the card. The receipt is not official until signed by the Noble Grand. If the 
law required that the brother must sign before the Noble Grand signs, then 
brothers at a distance would be, seriously inconvenienced in obtaining their 
receipt for dues by mail. The same rule applying to the Visiting Card ap- 
plies to the Official Certificate. 

3010. When a brother pays his dues the Secretary is not allowed to give 
him a receipt for the same except on the form issued and sold by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, notwithstanding the brother does not desire the Annual Travel- 
ing Pass Word. Should he not desire a receipt, the Secretary is not com- 
pelled to issue him one. 

3011. A Lodge cannot prescribe by By-Law that a small fee shall be paid 
by the brother on the issuance of an official form of receipt for dues, as it has 
no right to charge any price for issuing the official receipt for dues, but must 
furnish same free of charge. 

3012. Neither Grand Lodges nor GraDd Encampments nor Subordinate Lodges 
or Encampments can print the certificate for dues prescribed by the Sov- 
ereign Grand Lodge. They are printed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge ex- 
clusively. 

OPENING. 

See Warden. See Regalia. 

Conductor. Meetings. 

3013. In examination prior to opening, the Warden should receive the 
pass word from the Noble Grand. 

3014. Any brother occupying, either permanently or temporarily, a sub- 
ordinate station in a Lodge, should wear the regalia of the office he thus 
occupies. Thus, if a Past Grand occupies the Vice Grand's chair, he should 
-wear the blue regalia of that office, exactly as a Vice Grand, when acting as 
Noble Grand should wear the scarlet regalia of that chair. The same rule 
applies to other offices. But while thus holding, the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
does not consider a brother justified in refusing to give the pass word to a 
Past Grand acting temporarily as Warden, who had not assumed the proper 
regalia of that chair. If the presiding officer of the Lodge recognized him as 
Warden, and gave him orders accordingly, the brethren of the Lodge should 
follow his example by acknowledging his authority in that office. If they 
desire to question his right to act while improperly clothed, they should raise 
the question in some other way than by refusing to give him the pass word. 

3015. Officers when addressed by the chair in the opening ceremony may re- 
spond "Noble Grand." 

OPENING CHARTER. 

3016. When a Lodge applied for a dispensation to open the charter for 
six months, the initiation fee to be half the usual amount, they were informed 
that there is no such thing known in this Order as the opening of the charter 
of a Lodge. The only way they can reduce their initiation fee is by an 
amendment to their By-Laws, reducing the fee to the minimum ($5.00), or any 
liigher amount. 



334 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ORDER AND DECORUM. 

See Visitation. See Grand Lodge. See Subordinate Lodge. 

3017. The Grand Lodge has the inherent power, as nas every deliberative 
assembly, to maintain its dignity by preserving order and decorum while in 
session, and punish all infractions of them. 

ORGANIST. 

3018. A Lodge has a member who is acting as organist, and whose ser- 
vice is needed in that office, and who wishes to qualify for an elective office. 
Nevertheless the Lodge cannot legally elect him to office by reason of his 
service as organist, although the latter office is considered an appointive 
office of the Lodge by its by laws, for the reason that he is not an appointive 
officer as laid down in the general laws of the Order. 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

See Meetings. See Quorum. 

3019. The Noble Grand may transpose the order of business as laid down 
in the Ritual, when circumstances arise to justify it; but each item of busi- 
ness must he gone through with before the Lodge closes. 

3020. The order of business contained in the printed work of subor- 
dinates is to be considered in the light of a recommendation merely; it is 
no part of the work of the Order, properly so called. What the character 
of the business transacted is to be the laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
of the I. O. O. F. prescribe; but the mode of taking up and going through 
the business, both reason and policy requires should be left to the regulation 
of the subordinates themselves. If they can conveniently adhere to the forms 
in the Ritual, it is only proper they should do so; if they cannot, they may 
regrulate the order of business to suit their particular necessities. 

3021. When the Lodge is closed by a motion to adjourn all the orders of 
business cease, except for the disposition of the cases of sick and distressed 
members, upon the disposition of which the Lodge closes in due form. 

ORPHANS. 

(a). Entitled to Funeral Benefits. (b). Entitled to the Care of the Home. 

(a). Entitled to Funeral Benefits. 

3022. All orphans under the age of twenty-one are entitled to receive 
funeral benefits should the Lodge not have expended the money for funerai 
expenses and there is no widow. 

3023. In the absence of such minor children of the deceased brother, his 
adult children would not be entitled to the funeral benefits, unless they were 
at the time of his death members of his family and were dependent upon him, or 
he was dependent upon them. 

3024. A married daughter having a husband and family, with whom the 
deceased did not live, and who was in no wise dependent upon him, nor he 
upon her, is not entitled to funeral benefits. 

3025. A married daughter, with whom the deceased was living and paying 
board to the husband, though she gave him attention and nursing, he being 
neither dependent upon her nor she upon him, is not entitled to funeral 
benefits, nor to the funeral expenses unexpended by the Lodge. 

3026. Where a brother is divorced from his wife, his minor children 
become the first beneficiaries. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 335 

ORPHAN'S— Entitled to Funeral Benefits. 

3027. The Lodge is' not relieved of the responsibility to care for the 
orphan children of a deceased member of the Lodge by reason of their 
having been removed a distance from the Lodge by their mother an unworthy 
woman. 

(b). Entitled to the Care of the Home. 

3028. The rules and regulations of the Order only provide for orphans 
of deceased Odd Fellows, and then only under certain restrictions, to be ad- 
mitted to the Orphans' Homes. 

3029. The uniform age of admission to all Homes shall be three to 
twelve years ,and the age of dismissal shall be eighteen years. 

3030. A Home retaining children over this age is not entitled to any 
compensation for the care of said children from the funds apportioned by the 
Grand Lodge for the support of the Homes. 

3031. The question was asked, What Is understood by the law adopted 
by the Grand Lodge in session in 1904, regarding the age limit which chil- 
dren may be admitted in the Orphans' Home? Must we admit children of 
twelve years of age? 

Answer. — The Committee on Homes and Kindred Charities reported as 
follows: We recommend that uniform age for admission to all Homes shail 
be three to twelve years. After a child has reached the age of twelve years, he 
or she cannot be admitted to the Home. That children must be over three and 
under twelve years to be eligible for admittance in the Homes. This was ap- 
proved by the Grand Lodge. 

3032. Under the laws of this jurisdiction each Lodge is entitled 
to the benefits of the Orphans' Homes for the care and protection of the 
orphans of its deceased members, so far as the home, as supported by the 
Grand Lodge, is able to do so, without regard as to whether or not the 
Lodge is a member of some particular Home. 

3033. Without positive proof that the surviving parent, whether father 
or mother, is unable to provide the means whereby to support and educate 
the child, the bounty of the orphans' dues does not inure to a half orphan. 
While, where both parents are dead, the presumption is in favor of the 
orphan, yet due caution and the proper protection of the fund would re- 
quire that the Homes shall be prepared to show the Committee on Homes 
and Kindred Charities that adequate inquiries have been made and satis- 
factory proof obtained as to the condition, surroundings and possibility of 
other support of the child before final admission to the Home. 

3034. Where a home is full and applicants appear from its territory for 
admission, the Committee on Homes and Kindred Charities have authority 
to direct them to be admitted, if otherwise eligible, to the Home in some 
other district that may have accommodations for them. 

3035. As to the rule that a widow marrying must take children from 
the Home, there is merit in this recommendation in order to avoid possible 
imposition. The experience of the directors, however, evidences that an im- 
perative rule would frequently prove an injustice to the child; and as the 
local Board has knowledge of each individual case, some discretion should 
be left to their judgment. The form of application must necessarily be 
amended to meet the intent of the Grand Lodge. 

3036. Where a widow of an Odd Fellow, who has one or more children in 
one of our Homes, marries again, she is required to take her children from 
the Home, should the local Hoard so direct, and this condition is now exacted by 
the form of application when children are admitted. 

3037. As to the rule that deductions in payments shall be made by 
reason of vacations to children, this brings with it some merit so far as 
the same may apply to reports. No advantage has accrued to the Homes by 
reason of the vacations, but adverse conditions were the result, and vaca- 



336 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

OBPHANS— Entitled to the Care of the Home. 

tions will necessarily be discontinued. It is proper, however, that the Grand 
Lodge should have reports in the fullest detail. Therefore, when children from 
the several Homes are granted leaves of absence for periods of one week or over, 
said absence shall be reported in the annual reports of the Secretaries of the 
Homes." 

3038. As to the suggestion that the Grand Lodge adopt a rule to pro- 
vide for the admission to the Homes of motherless children whose fathers 
are living, this recommendation has received broad and full consideration in 
all its contemplations. The directors of the Homes — whose experience 
should give weight to their opinions — are unanimously against the meas- 
ure. Possible legal complications have also been considered. Even could 
It be legally considered, the proposition, as presented, would be decidedly 
unjust, enabling him who can pay to obtain the benefits of the Order's 
charities at nominal cost, whilst an equally deserving brother, who could 
not pay, but whose fraternal rights are entitled to full measure of considera- 
tion, would be deprived of the privileges accorded to him who can pay 
for maintenance. Whilst incidental cases may arise which would appeal 
to our sympathies, the fact remains our Homes are not boarding houses — 
were not intended as such, and should not be so anticipated by members 
of the Order. The Homes of the Order in Pennsylvania were established for 
the care and education of the fatherless orphans of our Order, and their 
prior rights cannot be prejudiced by the proposed legislation. 

2039. Form of application for admission of an orphan to either of the 
Homes: 

The following application must be made to a Lodge or Encampment and 
signed by the mother, guardian or next friend to the orphan. 

19... 

To the Officers and members of No , I. O. O. F., of Pa. 

Sirs: — I hereby apply for the admission of , a child 

of ...., late member of your , to (Insert title of 

Home here.) 

Respectfully yours, 



The following communication of the Lodge or Encampment to the 
Home must be filled up and signed by the Noble Grand and Secretary, or 
Chief Patriarch and Scribe, and the seal of the Lodge or Encampment im- 
pressed thereon ,and, together with tne accompanying documents, sent to 
the Secretary of the Home: 

To (Insert title of Home here.) 

At a meeting of , No , I. O. O. F., located at 

Pennsylvania, held on day of , 19. ., it was, on motion, 

'Resolved, That the above application be approved and sent to the afore- 
said Home, and that we respectfully request that 

be admitted to the Home. 

The enclosed Certificate and Surrender of Guardian have been properly 

filled up and signed by the of the orphan, in the presence 

of Brother , of this Brother. , the 

father of said orphan was at the time of his decease in good 

standing. (If not, state what his standing was, and reasons therefor.) 

Fraternally yours, 

Noble Grand. 

Secretary. 

Seal of Lodge. 

3040. Form of certificate to accompany an application for admission of 
an orphan to either of the Homes : 

The "Certificate" and the "Surrender of Guardianship" following, wheu 
filled up, must be signed by the mother, Guardian, or next friend of the 
orphan, in the presence of a member of the Lodge or Encampment, and 
signed by him as a witness that the person signing was aware of the 
contents thereof. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 337 

OEFHANS— Entitled to the Care of the Home. 

Form of Certificate. 

Orphan's name in full 

Place of birth Date 

Property, real or personal 

Insurance on life of Mother, $ To whom paid 

Insurance on life of Father, $ To whom paid 

Property, real or personal, owned by Father or Mother 

Diseases passed through 

Bodily infirmities Cause 

General health Morals and temper ment 

Education 

Number of Brothers living Names and ages 

Number of sisters living Names and ages 

Mother's name Nationality 

Date of marriage Where registered 

By whom married 

Age, if living Occupation 

Income of property Health 

Residence 

Mother Died Cause of death 

Age at death Buried at 

Guardian, or next friend 

Residence 

Father's name Nationality 

Died Cause of Death 

Age at death Buried at 

Former occupation 

Member of Lodge, No 

Member of Encampment, No 

I do hereby agree, that in the event of my remarrying I will take 

from the said Home, if so required by the Board of Di- 
rectors. 

I do hereby agree that any untrue statement made in above Certificate 
may forfeit the right of said orphan to be an inmate of said Home, and that 
said orphan and I will comply with the Rules and Regulations of said 
Home. 

Signed by me this day of A. D. 19... 



In the presence of Brother 

We, the Noble Grand and Secretary of Lodge, No 

do hereby certify that a full and complete investigation has been made of 

the above and foreging statements of (Mother or Guardian) 

of the child and we have found them to be correct in each and 

every particular. 

In witness whereof we have signed our names, and affixed the seal of 

the Lodge this day of , 19 . . . 

,Noble Grand. 

[Seal.] , Secretary. 

Form of Surrender of Guardianship. 

Whereas, By an Act of Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 
it is provided that all Corporations organized under any general or special law of 
this Commonwealth, for the purpose of providing homes for friendless or destitute 
persons or children, shall have power to receive and to bind out and provide 
suitable homes for all children committed to their charge, when maintenance is 
unprovided for by their parents or guardians. 

Now these' presents witness, That I, of the child, 

! do hereby surrender and deliver up to (Insert 

title of the Home here) said being of the age of 

years on the day of , A. D. 19 ... , said Home to have 

absolute and full control of said child for the purpose mentioned in the 



338 * THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ORPHANS-Entitled to the Care of the Home. 

charter and By-Laws of the Said Home and of said Act of Assembly, the 

said child not having any property or means whereby can be 

supported, and I do hereby request the said Home to receive said child for 
the purpose mentioned in said charter and By-Laws and Act of Assembly, 
not having ability or sufficient means or property of my own to properly 
maintain, educate and provide for said child. 

In witness whereof, have hereunto set hand 

and seal the day of , A. D. 19. .. 

(seal.) 

Sealed and delivered in the presence of Brother 

3041. Form of Physician's Certificate. 

I, the undersigned, a practicing Physician, located at , 

certify that I have examined , the applicant for ad- 
mission to (here insert title of Home.) and find that 

is in good health and presents no symptoms of any acute or chronic disease. 

, Physician. 

Form of report of Committee on Admissions. 

To the Board of Directors of (Insert title of Home here) 

We hereby recommend that be admitted 

into the Home. 

Committee on Admission. 

examined and found to be in good health, 

and no symptoms of any acute or chronic disease. 

, Physician for Home. 

Form of endorsement on back of application : 

Application for the admission of , at the request of 

No , I. O. O. F., Located at Penn- 
sylvania. 

Commitee report favorable. 

Admitted , 19 

, President. 

, Secretary. 

3042. Form for endorsement of action of Committee on Homes and Kin- 
dred Charities in reference to the application for the admission of an orphan 
to either of the Homes: 

The application of to the at. r 

is hereby approved. 



Committee on Homes and Kindred Charities. 
ORPHANS' ASYLUM FUND. 

See Homes. 

3043. At the Session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, September, 1892, 
the following, among other proceedings, were had: 

Rep. Strickland, of Mississippi, from the Judiciary Committee, made the 
following report which was laid on the table, under the rule and finally 
adopted: To the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F.: — Your Com- 
mittee have considered the matters involved in the preamble and resolutions 
offered by Rep. Rea, of Pennsylvania, in respect to the transfer by the. 
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania of $10,000.00 out of its accumulated Orphans' 
Asylum Fund to the Home for the Orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania. 
It appears from the papers submitted to us that in the jurisdiction of Penn- 
sylvania there exists in the Grand Lodge an Orphans' Asylum Fund, gathered 
some years ago through the voluntary contributions and assessments upon its 
membership. The purpose for which the fund was created was the estab- 
lishment of a Home for the Orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania. No 
such Home has been established, and the fund has been accumulating. 
In the meantime an association of Lodges organized a Home at Philadelphia, 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 339 

ORPHANS' ASYLUM FUND. 

which has been in sucessful operation for some years. A few years ago, the 
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania suggested to the managers of the existing home 
that they so modify and enlarge the laws governing their home as that the 
Grand Lodge can safely and legally consolidate its own Orphans' Asylum 
Fund with those of the existing home. Following this suggestion the man- 
agers of the Home in legal form so amended their Constitution as to make 
it entirely a representative organization under the management and control 
of the Representatives of the Lodges, Encampments and Cantons of the I. O. 
O. F. of Pennsylvania, and placed its beneficences within the reach of ail 
the orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania. These changes in the pur- 
poses and scope of the existing Home having been made, the Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania resolved to transfer to the Home Ten Thousand Dollars of 
its Orphans' Asylum Fund. To the end that a proper decree in the Courts 
of Pennsylvania may be had for the protection of the Trustees of the Fund, 
it was deemed best to obtain the consent to this transfer of all the bodies 
having a possible interest in or control over the Fhnds, hence, the Repre- 
sentatives from Pennsylvania were charged with the duty of securing, if 
possible, the approval of this body to the transfer of this fund. Your com- 
mittee can see no good reason why this body should withhold its consent to 
the accomplishment of the laudable purpose in view. -Your committee, there- 
fore, recommend the adoption of the preamble and resolution submitted by 
Rep. Rea, and which reads as follows: 

Whereas, It appears by the papers submitted, setting forth the action of. 
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, in relation to the "Home for Orphans of 
Odd Fellows," that the purposes of the Trust Fund now held by the Trustees 
of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania have been fully secured, and the objects 
and purposes of the creation of the said fund will be carried out, therefore 
be it 

Resolved, That the Sovereign Grand Lodge hereby approves of, and 
consents to the cancellation of the mortgage indebtedness of Ten Thou- 
sand Dollars ($10,000.00) held by the Trustees of the Grand Lodge of Penn- 
sylvania against the Home for Orphans in Philadelphia; and the moneys 
hereby transferred shall be assured to the said home under the terms of the 
"Orphans' Asylum Fund," for the object of the said corporation, viz.. for a 
Home for, and to support, maintain and educate therein, the orpnans of Odd 
Fellows of Pennsylvania, under the terms and conditions set forth in the 
resolutions submitted by the special committee of the Grand Lodge of Penn- 
at the May Session of 1892. 

The resolution above referred to as having been adopted by the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania is as follows: 

Resolved, That there be paid to the Home for Orphans, situated in the 
city of Philadelphia, the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars out of the Orphans' 
Asylum Fund, and that the Trustees of the Orphans' Asylum Fund be, and 
they are hereby, directed to make such payments, assignments, transfer* 
and satisfactions as may be necessary to carry into effect the transfer to the 
Home for Orphans situated in Philadelphia the, sum of Ten Thousand Dol- 
lars, now secured by mortgage against the property of said Home, Twentieth 
and Ontario streets, Philadelphia, and to do such other acts as may be 
necessary and proper to comply with the purpose and intent of these resolu- 
tions; provided, nevertheless, that the said Home for Orphans of Odd Fel- 
lows of Pennsylvania, shall agree that no new mortgage shall ever be created 
against the property without the consent of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania 
being first obtained. 

3044. At the Anrfual Session of the Grand Lodge, May, 18, 1894, the Com- 
mittee on Homes and Kindred Charities reported as follows which was adopted : 

Upon the subject of a further division of the "Asylum Fund," your Com- 
mittee has thoroughly and fully canvassed the subject with both the Western 
Homes. The one at Ben Avon has, we are informed, so changed its laws and en- 
larged its field of work as to comply with the expressed wishes of this Grand 
Lodge relating to that fund as to merit a portion of that fund ; and the one at 
Meadville has expressed a willingness to also change their laws and field of work 



340 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

OBPHAWS' ASYLUM FUND. 

as to come within the same line. We therefore offer the following recommenda- 
tions : 

1st. The balance of the " Asylum Fund," in the hands of the Trustees be 
given or donated to the Widows' and Orphans' Home, at Ben Atou, Allegheny 
County, 'Pa., when it shall file with this Grand Lodge a copy of its laws, as above 
reported, together with proper assurances that no mortgage shall ever be placed 
thereon. 

2d. That when the Odd Fellows' Home of Western Pennsylvania, at Mead- 
ville, Crawford County, shall so change its laws and file them with this Grand 
Lodge and similar assurances that no future mortgage shall be placed upon its 
property ; that the mortgage now held to secure the $2,000 loaned to it from the 
" Asylum Fund ' be cancelled and the present loan become its property as its 
just proportion of the ''Asylum Fund." 

3045. At the session of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, held in May, 
1895, the following was presented and adopted: 

To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F. : 

The undersigned Trustees of the Orphans' Asylum Fund respectfully 
report, that in pursuance of the resolutions and directions of this Grand 
Lodge at its last Annual Session they have duly transferred to the Widows' 
and Orphans' Home at Ben Avon, Allegheny County, Pa., the folio wing 
assets, formerly constituting a part of the Orphans' Asylum Fund of this 
Grand Lodge, to wit: $2,000 of Philadelphia & Reading 'R. R. Co.'s first 
preference bonds, $13,000 of Philadelphia & Reading R. R. Co.'s third pref- 
erence bonds. 

These transfers were made after the Board of Trustees had received 
satisfactory evidence that the Home at Ben Avon had complied with the 
conditions prescribed in the resolutions above referred to. 

The mortgage of $10,000 on the Home for the Orphans' of Odd Fellows 
of Pennsylvania, and the mortgage of $2,000 on the Odd Fellows' Home of 
Western Pennsylvania have not yet been cancelled or satisfied, as the au- 
thority given for that purpose by the Sovereign Grand Lodge is now coupled 
with conditions that have not yet been complied with. 

There still remains in the hands of the Grand Treasurer, belonging to 
the Orphans' Asylum Fund the sum of $377.06. To the end that the entire 
Fund may be properly disposed of, we recommend the adoption of the fol- 
lowing resolutions: 

First — That our Representatives to the Sovereign Grand Lodge be re- 
quested, if possible, to secure such legislation as will permit the mortgage of 
$10,000 on the Home for Orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania, and the 
mortgage of $2,000 on the Odd Fellows' Home of Western Pennsylvania to 
be satisfied and cancelled without any proceedings in or decree of court. 

Second — That the Trustees of the Orphans' Asylum Fund and the Grand 
Master and Treasurer are directed to pay over unto the Widows' and 
Orphans' Home at Ben Avon, Allegheny County Pa., the sum of $377.06, now 
constituting the balance of the said Fund. 

3046. At the session of the Grand Lodgie, May, 1898, the following was 
presented, whereby the Orphans' Asylum Fund was finally transferred to the 
several homes above named for the uses and purposes of its creation. 

The Trustees of the Orphans' Asylum Fund beg leave to respectfully re- 
port that, in pursuance of the legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, 
and of the resolutions of this Grand Lodge, they have entered satisfaction 
on the margin of the record of the mortgage for $10,000 held against the 
Home for Orphans of Odd Fellows at Philadelphia, on the 27th day of May, 
1897, and that the mortgage held by your Trustees for $2,000 against the 
Odd Fellows' Home of Western Pennsylvania at Meadville has also been 
satisfied of record, satisfaction having been entered June 4, 1897. 

3047. Whereby the Orphans' Asylum Fund ceased to exist as a separate 
fund and was consolidated with the property of these three Homes for the 
purposes of caring for the orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania. 

3048. As a preliminary to all this there was a report of a committee, 
above referred to, at the May session in 1892, who reported as follows: 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGKS'l. 341 

ORPHANS' ASYLUM FUND. 

1st. That in the judgment of your Committee, the Orphans' Asylum 
Fund should be applied to the practical accomplishment of the purposes 
for which it was contributed, and the present trust for investment should 
be brought to an end, and the Trustees discharged from the duties thereof. 

2nd. It seems clear that if the purpose of the donors had been carried 
out when the fund was originally created the Grand Lodge would have 
been unwilling to assume the personal responsibility necessary to the suc- 
cessful accomplishment of the trust, and moreover being a legislative body, 
it would have found the executive functions thereby imposed, most burdensome. 
It would therefore most probably have secured a charter for a corporation for the 
purpose. 

4th. A meeting was arranged at which the Trustees and the Repre- 
sentatives of the Home were present, and a general exchange of views was 
had concerning the disposition of the fund. 

5th. At the suggestion of the Committee the corporation has adopted all 
the necessary changes in its laws and scheme of government, that were re- 
quired by your Trustees and the Committee. And it directed its officers to 
have the same approved by the Courts. By these changes the corporation 
recognizes the Grand Lodge as its fountain head, and it becomes entirely a 
representative organization under the management of Representatives from 
the Lodges, Encampments and Cantons of the I. O. O. F. in Pennsylvania. 
The Representative of the Grand Lodge becoming by virtue of his office, 
second Vice-President, and a member of the Board of Directors. 

6th. These changes make the Home in Philadelphia substantially sucn 
a corporation as your body would have originally created. And not «taly 
are the corporate laws and scheme of government correct, but the Home 
has an actual, practical, successful existence, enjoying not only the fraternal 
sympathy of a large portion of the Order, but it has accumulated property, 
etc., in excess of the Grand Lodge Fund. 

[The papers and agreements are on file in the Grand Secretary's office, 
showing that these Homes have severally accepted all tlie conditions herein 
stated.] 

OTHER SOCIETIES. 

3049. Members of the I. O. O. F. may unite with any lawful society or 
association, without severing their connection with this Order. 

3050. Without the brother's consent or request therefor, it is not lawful 
to certify, with or without seal, to the amount of benefits paid, or to the 
standing of a member as a matter of courtesy to outside organizations. 

3051. The law concerning spurious or unauthorized degrees, has as a 
proviso, that it shall not be interpreted so as to affect any such proceed- 
ings as may be had in such Lodge rooms by other secret associations not 
under the color of Odd Fellowship. 

OUTSIDE GUARDIAN. 

See Salary. 

3052. Lodges may by their By-Laws provide for the payment of a reason- 
able salary to the Outside Guardian, when acting as janitor, or assisting 
in taking charge of Regalia, etc. 

PARALYTIC. 

3053. An aged member, wholly unable to do any work, and confined to the 
house from an attack of paralysis, but who has an income equal to the weekly 
benefits allowed by the By-Laws of the Lodge, is entitled to benefits under the 
law of Pennsylvania, which provides that a member " who, through sickness or 
disability arising from injury, is unabla to follow his usual occupation or some 
other occupation whereby he may earn a livelihood." 

3054. A member sick as the result of sciatica and creeping or progressive 
paralysis to such an extent that he cannot follow his usual or some other occupa- 



342 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

PARALYTIC. 

tion whereby he may earn a livelihood or a sum equal to the weekly benefits, is 
entitled to benefits. 

3055. A member who suffers a stroke of paralysis while he is non- 
beneficial, cannot pay up his arrearages and become entitled to weekly bene- 
fits, while suffering from that disability. He should be placed on the sick 
list, and is entitled to attentive benefits. 

PASS WOEB. 

S«e Annual Traveling Pag3 Word. See Withdrawal Cards. 

Semi-Annual Password. Ufiicial Certificate. 

Cards. Visitation. 

3056. The signs, grips and pass words of the Order are designed to 
apeak one universal language to the initiated of every nationality, the world 
over. Therefore the annual and permanent pass words of the degrees are 
not to be translated into any other language, or spoken other than as they 
are written, spelled and pronounced in the English language. 

3057. A member in good standing, residing at a distance from his Lodge, 
but in the same jurisdiction, is entitled to the semi-annual pass word; and 
it is the duty of the Noble Grand of the Lodge to which the brother belongs 
upon proper application being made, to request the Noble Grand of the 
nearest Lodge to the brother's abode, to impart unto him the semi-annual 
pass word. This is however not generally used as it has practically become obso- 
lete by later legislation concerning the communication of the proper pass word on 
presentation of a Visiting Card or Official Certificate. 

3058. When a Noble Grand receives a request from another Lodge to 
communicate the semi-annual pass word to one of its members, he shall, in 
the first place, satisfy himself of the personal identity of the member. He 
shall then require the member to prove himself in the unwritten work of the 
Order, before he communicates the pass word. 

3059. If the visiting brother present an Official Certificate or Visiting 
Card showing dues paid to a later date than when presented and properly 
executed, the Noble Grand of any Lodge, if the visiting brother be from the 
same jurisdiction, and he passes a satisfactory examination, shall com- 
municate to him the semi-annual pass word of the jurisdiction. 

3060. The presentation of an Official Certificate does not authorize the 
communication of the term pass word by a Lodge other than a Lodge of the jurisdic- 
tion to which the holder belongs. 

3061. A member of a Lodge, residing in a different jurisdiction, hold- 
ing a Visiting Card or Official Certificate, is entitled to the Annual Traveling Pass 
Word; and it is the duty of the Noble Grand of the Lodge to which the brother 
belongs, upon proper application being made for a Visiting Card and the pass 
word, to transmit, at the time of sending the card, a written request to the Noble 
Grand of the Lodge nearest to the brother's abode, to impart the Annual Travel- 
ing Pass Word. The Card or Official Certificate are of themselves sufficient authority 
for any Noble Grand to communicate the pass word, if the brother has no official 
order for the pass word. 

3062. A Noble Grand cannot refuse to give the Annual Traveling 
pass Word upon a brother who presents his Traveling Card, with a letter ot 
request to that effect from his lodge, both under seal and in due form of law, 
except there might be an extreme case of a brother com-mitting felony after 
the date of the letter of request and before presentation, in which a Noble 
Grand would feel himself justified in declining to comply with the request. 

3063. A Visiting Card or Official Certificate paid to date later than 
when presented, and properly executed, is authority for having communicated 
to the holder from another jurisdiction the Annual Traveling Pass Word, if 
he passes a satisfactory examination. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 343 

PASS WOED. 

3064. The legislation authorizing the Official Certificate ana making it 
authority for admission of its holder to Lodges, Encampments and Rebekah 
Lodges is limited to the continent of North America, and hence such Official 
Certificate would not be authority for any Lodge not on the continent of 
North America to communicate the Annual Traveling Pass Word thereon. 

3065. The holder of a properly authenticated Visiting Card, the date 
of which extends to a date later than wnen the same is presented, and upon 
proper identification, would, in the same manner as is now practised upon 
the continent of North America, be entitled to have communicated to him 
the Annual Traveling Pass word by the presiding officer of any Lodge, irre- 
spective of the location of the Lodge to which it is presented. 

3066. The Annual Traveling Password required of a brother to prove 
himself in possession of, when he offers to visit a Subordinate Lodge on a 
Visiting or unexpired Withdrawal Card, or Official Certificate, or is an 
applicant for membership therein by deposit of a proper card or Official Cer- 
tificate, is the Annual Traveling Pass Word of the year in which the card 
was issued and bears date. 

3067. The law as stated in the previous section was recently modified as fol- 
lows : where the Noble Grand of a Lodge is asked to give the holder of a 
Visiting Card or Official Certificate, still in date for visiting purposes, but 
issued during the preceding calendar, the Annual Traveling, Pass Word, the 
brother should be given the Annual Traveling Pass Word current at the time 
or presentation; provided, the card or certificate covers a period which 
extends to a later date. 

3068. If a brother holding a Withdrawal Card forgets the Annual Travel- 
ing Pass Word, the Noble Grand of the Lodge from which he withdrew has 
the authority, and it is his duty to again communicate the word to the brother 
on the presentation of the card, within one year from its date. 

3069. The Annual Traveling Pass Word is primarily designed for the 
use of brethren who are traveling beyond the limits of the jurisdiction to 
which they belong; but may also be used with a Visiting Card in the juris- 
diction to which the brethren belong who have received it in good faith for 
said primary purpose. 

3070. In order that brethren who have received Cards or Official Cer- 
tificates may be properly instructed in the Annual Traveling Pass Word, 
and visiting brethren from other jurisdictions be properly examined, the two 
highest elective officers of a Lodge are to be privately put in the possession 
of the word at the time of their installation, that they may be qualified 
either to give or receive it. The Grand Master and his deputies should 
also be in possession of it. None other than members who are placed in some 
of the positions above mentioned are entitled by virtue of their office to re- 
ceive it. 

3071. The Noble Grand can authorize the Warden to communicate tne 
semi-annual pass word to a brother in the Lodge room entitled to it. 

3072. The Right Supporter of the Noble Grand, temporarily occupying 
the Noble Grand's chair, has no right to authorize a brother to confer the 
term word upon another brother of the same Lodge, to enable him to visit 
other Lodges. 

3073. The Noble Grand of a Lodge has not the right to admit a member 
belonging to another Lodge in his State Jurisdiction without the term pass 
word. Members of a Lodge are entitled to admission in their own Lodge, 
until suspended or dropped in accordance with the provisions of the Con- 
stitution, as until that time they are contributing members; but they are 
not entitled to vote or to receive the pass word if more tnan thirteen weeks 
in arrears for weekly and funeral dues. 

3074. A brother presenting an Official Certificate, showing his dues to have 
been paid to a date prior to the date of such presentation, is not qualified to re- 



344 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

PASS WORD. 

ceive any pass word from or visit a Lodge. But, inasmuch as a brother in this 
jurisdiction is by law entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership until 
he is delinquent in the payment of his dues for over thirteen weeks, and is thus 
entitled to the semi-annual pass word, therefore, if visiting in the same jurisdiction 
and in good standing, although his Official Certificate shows that the dues have 
not been paid up to the date of visit, nevertheless, a properly executed order for 
the current term pass word would, within thirteen weeks of the date of its expira- 
tion, authorize the Noble Grand of any Lodge in this jurisdiction to communicate 
the semi-annual pass word to the brother, independently oi the conditions of his 
Official Certificate. 

3075. A member who has been in arrears for weekly dues for a period 
exceeding thirteen weeks, upon paying said arrearages, is entitled to the semi- 
annual pass" word; provided, he is not disqualified by the penal laws of the 
Order. 

3076. A member has no right to visit a Lodge of which he is not a mem- 
ber on the old semi-annual pass word, when such Lodge is in possession of the 
new semi-annual pass word, after installation, although the old word re- 
mains in force or is still good in the Lodge to which he belongs. 

3077. An Acting Noble Grand can communicate the pass word. 

PAST GEAtfD MASTER. 
See Grand Honors. See Deputy Grand Master. 

Honors of Office. Mileage. 

Grand Master. 

3078. A Past Grand Master has a right to announce his title as such at 
the inner door when visiting a Subordinate Lodge on ordinary occasions, 
but he is not entitled to the honors of the Order, unless he visits on official 
business, which he should announce. Rank refers to the highest grade or 
title attained. 

3079. It is optional with a Past Grand Master, when visiting a Lodge, 
to announce himself as Past Grand Master or Past Grand. 

3080. Where the Constitution provides that the business of the Grand 
Lodge shall be transacted by the elective officers of the Grand Lodge, Past 
Grand Masters in good standing and 'Representatives, the Grand Lodge hag 
authority to adopt a resolution that Past Grand Masters be paid mileage the 
same as Grand Officers and Representatives of the Grand Lodge. 

PAST GRANDS. 
See Degrees. See Eepresentative. 

3081. From the ancient usage of the Order and the decisions of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, the rights guaranteed to past presiding officers of 
Subordinate Lodges are: To seats in their Grand Lodge, to vote for Grand 
Officers and eligibility to office. But the power to establish a system by 
which Subordinates shall be represented in the Grand Lodge by ratio of 
membership is not denied. 

3082. Under the existing law past officers cannot be deprived of their 
rank simply because they are not members of the Grand Lodge, but are en- 
titled to their rank by virtue of having filled said offices. For example a brother 
had passed the chairs in his Subordinate Lodge, and been certified as a Past 
Grand, his certificate received, and had become a member of the Grand Lodge. 
That body subsequently, for cause, expelled him therefrom. Held that the 
brother in question is entitled to rank as a Past Grand. 

3083. Past Grands, on whom devolve legislative powers, and who are 
vested with certain rights and privileges, cannot surrender those rights and 
privileges to any body in the Order; they may fail to use them, but the 
right remains so long as they are members in good standing in the Order. 

3084. A Past Grand in good standing cannot be deprived of his right to 
vote for Grand Officers, but at an election for officers, after the right has 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 345 

PAST GKANDS. 

been once exercised, a Constitutional provision limiting this right to Repre- 
sentatives of Lodges in Grand Lodges, when such bodies are composed of 
Representatives, and all other Past Grands, is entirely legal and equitable 
and does not infringe upon the original right of Past Grands to vote upon 
such elections. 

3085. The general law does not authorize a Past Grand to cast his vote 
for any purpose in a Lodge otner than the one to wnicn he belongs. In the 
absence of local legislation, Past Grands can vote for Grand Lodge officers 
only at Grand Lodge sessions. The manner in which Past Grands may 
vote for Grand Officers is also subject to local legislation. 

3086. Grand Lodges may make laws allowing Past Grands to vote for 
Grand Lodge officers without being obliged to be at the session of the Grand 
Lodge. 

3087. Past Grands have no right to a vote by proxy for Grand officers. 

3088. No ballot or vote should be taken upon granting a Past Grand's 
Certificate upon a faithful performance of the duties of the office of Noble 
Grand except when it is necessary to count the nights the Noble Grand was ex- 
cused by the Lodge on account of his personal sickness in order to make up a 
majority of nights service during the term. 

3089. A brother was installed as Noble Grand of a Lodge, and served 
but six nights out of the twenty-six nights in the term, and the Lodge issued 
to him a Past Grand's Certificate. Upon inquiry the statements were ad- 
mitted by the Lodge. As our laws require an officer to serve a majority of 
the nights of a term to entitle him to honors, the proceedings of the Lodge 
were declared null and void, and the certificate was cancelled, with notice to 
the Lodge that the brother was not entitled to the honors or any rights or 
privileges delegated to a Past Grand. 

3090. Nothing but actual service in a Noble Grand's Chair can entitle a 
brother to take rank as a Past Grand. A brother cannot be made a Past 
Grand by dispensation, or by the resolution of his Lodge. 

3091. A Past Grand having resigned his membership, on being readmitted 
to the Order, is entitled to such rank as he can satisfy the Lodge he had 
previously attained. 

3092. A card stating the rank of the holder thereof is not sufficient or 
conclusive evidence to entitle him to the privileges such rank confers. He 
must be proved in the work of the degree expressed in the card; provided, 
however, if the card states the holder thereof to be a Past Grand, and he 
shall not be able to prove himself in the work of that degree from not Having 
received it, the fact as set forth in the card shall be sufficient evidence 
to entitle him to the privilege such rank confers. 

3093. A Past Grand is not entitled to admission into his Grand Lodge 
without the pass word of the current term, he being more than thirteen 
weeks in arrears. If, being more than thirteen weeks in arrears, he obtains 
the pass word in a surreptitious manner, he does not acquire any rights, and 
is not entitled to sit in his Grand Lodge. A Grand Lodge, on ascertaining 
the fact that he is more than thirteen weeks in arrears, and that he obtained 
the pass word improperly, may eject him from its session. 

3094. A Past Grand should neither enter nor remain in a Subordinate 
Lodge when open without wearing a Past Grand's collar. 

3095. A Past Grand, who is not at the time a Representative, cannot sub- 
mit questions or other propositions for consideration by the legislative com- 
mittee of the Grand Lodge of his jurisdiction. 

3096. A Grand Lodge may provide that Past Grands who are not Repre- 
sentatives shall not be allowed to vote therein except for the election of 
officers. 



346 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

PAST GRANDS. 

3097. A Past Grand not a Representative is entitled to visit the Grand 
Lodge in session, but he must prove himself to be in good standing by having 
the pass word of the current term. 

3098. A Past Grand cannot install the officers of the Grand Lodge. 

3099. Id the absence of the Noble Grand and Vice Grand, it is the 
duty of a Past Grand present in the Lodge (usually the Senior Past Grand) 
to open the Lodge at its regular meeting. 

PAST GRANDS ASSOCIATION. 

3100. There is no prohibitory law to prevent the Past Grands of any pre- 
scribed territory, with the permission of the Grand Master, from organiz- 
ing themselves into a "Past Grands' Association of .*" 

3101. A convention of Past Grands, as Representatives of their re- 
spective Subordinate Lodges, and intended to redress some alleged local 
grievance, is illegal, and while acting thus illegally they cannot be heard by 
the Grand Lodge. 

PAST GUARD'S CHARGE. 

See Junior tast Grand. 

3102. There is no law which prevents the delivery of the Past Grand's 
charge by the Noble Grand, although it should be given by a Past Grand, 
if present. Under no circumstances, however, should this charge be given 
by q Vice Grand, and it cannot be given by a Third Degree member. 

3103. It is within the discretion of the Subordinate Lodge to permit the 
candidate to stand or be seated during the delivery of the Past Grand s charge. 

3104. In closing his charge, the Past Grand should not greet and welcome 
the brother by giving him the initiatory grip. 

3105. The Junior Past Grand is not strictly an officer of a Lodge; it is 
rather a privilege conferred for satisfactory service in office, as it is an 
honor to have the right to deliver the Past Grand s charge at initiation. 

3106. A Junior Past Grand elected Secretary of his Lodge while com- 
petent to give the Past Grand's charge, by his election and installation loses 
the right to claim the privilege as a matter of right to deliver this charge 
curing the term he may be Junior Past Grand, and could not be required to 
do so. * 

PATRIARCH MILITANT. 

See Kegalia. 

3107. The organization of Patriarchs Militant is the only authorized military 
branch of our Order. The degree of Patriarchs Militant should be treated for just 
what it is — a side degree, only valuable as an adjunct and a help to the great 
body of the Order, the subordinate membership. 

3108. The Patriarchs Militant uniform is denominated a regalia and as such 
can be worn by chevaliers when visiting a Lodge. When a chevalier, as such, 
visits a subordinate he must be clothed in full uniform, either the full dress or the 
fatigue. 

3109. The uniform of chevalier is a regalia only for the purpose of visitation 
fo a Lodge and for no other purpose, for example, a chevalier in uniform, 
otherwise qualified, cannot assume or take any of the chairs of office in a subordi- 
nate Lodge, nor can a chevalier in uniform occupy the chair nor do the work of 
an officer in a subordinate Lodge, nor can the uniform be used as the regalia of a 
degree staff in conferring any part of the degrees in a Lodge. The brother 
must first change his uniform (denominated as regalia by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge) for the stipulated regalia of the office taken or assumed, nor can a D. D. 
Grand Master be recognized as such when he visits a subordinate Lodge in his 
district officially if dressed in the Patriarchs Militant regalia uniform. He is 
required to wear the regalia appropriate to and specified for the civil office he 
holds. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 347 

PAYABLE WEEKLY. 

See Weekly Benefits. 

3110. No other rule is recognized than that "benefits are payable weekly." 
When local legislation provides for the payment of benefits for fractions of 
a week, the right to enjoy the benefits accrues at the end of the week of 
which the fraction is a part, not at the end of the sickness. 

3111. The payment of a sick benefit is one of the fundamental principles 
of the Order, and no other rule is recognized than that "benefits are payable 
weekly." That is, every member entitled to benefits is entitled to the same 
at the end of each Lodge week, and not at the end of a month or a quarter. 

3112. The fact that a brother recovers from a sick spell prior to the end 
of a Lodge week does not warrant him in demanding immediately upon the date 
of his recovery, the amount due him for the last week's sickness. 

3113. A Lodge had fallen into the custom of holding over the accruing 
weekly benefits dues its members, for several weeks at a time, in order, as 
was stated, by its Secretary, that the amount might accumulate to such a 
sum as would be of substantial benefit to the sick brothers. It was decided 
that the custom, however laudable the intention, was illegal. "Benefits ac- 
crue weekly," and the manifest intention is that they be paid weekly. Any 
other course would be a violation of one of the cardinal principles of the 
Order, viz.: — that all brothers, the rich and the poor, are equal in its minis- 
trations. The poor brother, when laid aside from his daily labor by sick- 
ness, needs his benefits for his family's daily bread. The wealthy brother 
does not so need. The poor brother must thus either buy on credit at a 
disadvantage, or be placed in the attitude of asking for his benefits weekly, 
on the ground of his necessities. The discrimination thus enforced is at 
variance with the intentions of the Order, and in direct violation of one of 
its boasted features. 

3114. A Lodge was asked to advance a brother, sick and drawing benefits, 
one hundred week's benefits, to enable him to open a boarding house, it 
was held that benefits cannot legally be paid in advance. The money paid 
over and above what is due would be simply a loan, and is not permissible 
under our law. 

PECUNIARY OBLIGATIONS. 

See Obtaining Credit. See Collecting Debts. 

3115. Members of the Order should not be held amenable to its pen- 
alties for a failure to comply with promises to pay pecuniary obligations. 
All grievances of this character are properly referable to the courts of com- 
petent jurisdiction for a full and complete remedy. 

3116. An attempt to collect debts or to enforce any kind of pecuniary 
obligations through the instrumentality of our code of trials is subversive 
of justice and against the spirit and teachings of our Order, unless the ob- 
ligation was incurred through some false pretense, or the transaction in- 
volves some act of personal dishonesty, subjecting the offender to a prosecu- 
tion and conviction under the laws of the land. 

3117. The refusal of a member to pay a debt due another member of his 
Lodge does not constitute sufficient ground for preferring charges against 
him. Unless there appears some element of fraud or misrepresentation in ob- 
taining the credit, or unless the loan was made upon the faith of membership in 
the Order, charges will not lie. 



34S THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



PEERS. 

3118. The Scarlet Degree is the highest degree in a Subordinate .Lodge, 
and one of that degree is the peer of any other member of the Lodge, and 
is therefore qualified to sit upon any Trial Committee selected by the Lodge. 

PENALTY. 

(a). Punishment. (b). Excessive Punishment. 

See Charges. See Suspension. 

Trial- Expulsion. 

(a). Punishment. 

3119. A penalty may be defined to be suffering in person, property or 
membership as a punishment annexed by law or judicial decision to such a 
violation of the laws of the Order as amount to conduct unbecoming an Odd 
Fellow. 

3120. Odd Fellowship is an ethical government, a sovereignty within 
itself self-controlling and independent; within its own prescribed sphere its 
authority is supreme. Its members acquiesce in the teachings of its faith, 
and are required to yield obedience to its laws and decrees. It punisnes the 
violators of its obligations, yet it has no physical power; all its forces are 
moral agents. To be declared unworthy of membeiship by the Brotherhood 
is the heaviest punishment that the Order inflicts — the greatest degradation 
that an Odd Fellow can suffer. 

3121. In bringing men of opposite opinion, of dissenting creeds and 
clashing prejudices to the standard of common humanity, to the recognition 
of an Universal Brotherhood, Odd Fellowship attempts no impossibilities. 
Believing the result to be attainable within certain restrictions, it employs 
means that are philosophical in their conception and simple in their applica- 
tion. The unity of the Brotherhood contemplated in our Order is not tnat 
uniformity and sameness of mind and sentiment when aggregated that have 
been the day dreams of many, against which nature records her million- 
voiced protest and the human mind instinctively recoils, but that sublime har- 
mony that springs from diversity, where each differing element, with its 
peculiar power, contributes to produce a single effect, every individual striv- 
ing to ameliorate the ills to which humanity is subject. The theory or 
system that fails to recognize the dissimilitude of opinions, or that atempts 
to render them uniform, but adds another sectary or special organization to 
those already existing, thereby creating another division in society. 

3122. The Lodge has the right to fix the penalty, unless the laws of the 
Order prescribe the punishment; when the penalty follows as a result of the 
conviction, then the Lodge is bound to inflict the prescribed penalty, or be 
itself in contempt and subject to punishment for the offense. 

3123. Where a brother has charges preferred against him for violation 
of the liquor law, he being a saloon-keeper, and is found guilty, the Lodge 
must expel him. The Noble Grand should declare the brother expelled. 

3124. A member may be punished by the tribunals of our Order for an 
infraction of the laws of Odd Fellowship, without reference to the question of 
his liability to conviction under the criminal laws of the State. 

3125. The vote of a Lodge fixing a penalty cannot be reconsidered at a 
subsequent meeting, the penalty in the meantime being enforced; the exe- 
cution of the first sentence exhausts the jurisdiction of the Lodge. 

3126. A member once expelled is out of the Order, and no motion can be 
entertained to reconsider the vote. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 349 

PENALTY— Punishment. 

3127. There is no such penalty recognized or known to the Order as a 
conditional expulsion. For example, to pay a fine of five dollars, and stand 
suspended until it is paid. 

3128. All members present are required to vote upon the report of a 
Trial Committee and upon the degree of punishment to be imposed, except 
those whose interests are involved in the controversy. 

3129. Yv T here the Lodge fixes the punishment, it must not be excessive; 
that is, to be so out of proportion to the offense as to show the bias of the 
Lodge; while if the Lodge suspends the brother, it can only be temporary and 
for a reasonable time. That a brother charged with an offense has shown a 
proper penitence and has made a full restitution, should always be taken into 

. consideration in fixing the penalty, and should operate in mitigation of the 
penalty that would otherwise be inflicted. 

3130. When no legal charge has been preferred against the appellant — 
no legal notice served upon him — and he is not notified of the report of the 
committee, all the actions of the Lodge are void, and the penalty imposed 
cannot be enforced against the brother. 

(b). Excessive Punishment. 

3131. A brother on his admission represented his age as twenty-one 
years. After his initiation it was ascertained that he was still in his minority. 
Charges were preferred, to which he plead guilty. In view of extenuating 
circumstances, the Lodge reprimanded him and suspended him for six 
months. If a person had Dy guile or falsehood, willfully committed, become 
one of our membership, he could, upon due trial, be ejected, but if there were 
extenuating circumstances connected with the misrepresentation, these could 
be considered in measuring out the punishment. 

3132. Any manifestly excessive punishment of suspension is illegal and 
should be set aside on appeal. 

3133. And likewise any. expulsion which, as a punishment, is manifestly 
out of proportion to the offense committed should be set aside on appeal. 

3134. When the charge against a brother was for language and conduct un- 
becoming an Odd Fellow, the words being used in debate in the Lodge room, 
a judgment of expulsion was held to be excessive and was set aside by the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

3135. Any punishment of expulsion which, under the circumstances, ap- 
pears to be unduly harsh and severe, and that clearly should only be a fine or 
suspension, will be set aside on appeal. 

3136. As to the charges which are based upon the statement, in writing, by a 
brother, that his former counsel must have sold out, the Appeal Committee of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge said that the letter, taken as an entirety, together with ap- 
pellant's explanation, tends rather to disprove than substantiate the charges of 
wronging a brother and lying. The brother is seventy-nine years old ; for more 
than three years he has been in controversy with his Lodge over the matter of 
benefits. It is in evidence that his counsel declined, at a certain stage of the pro- 
ceedings, to represent him further ; that thereafter the Noble Grand taunted him 
with the then existing fact that the Lodge was a unit against him, and that no one 
would represent him as counsel. He retorted that his counsel had neglected his 
duty and must have sold out. The words were untrue, non-fraternal and unkind. 
The only palliation for their utterance is his age, and the hot blood engendered 
by the long delay in disposing of his claim. The brother disclaims any in- 
tention of wronging the brother who was his counsel, and he is entitled to 
the explanation; and in any event, the penalty of expulsion is too severe 
for the language uttered under the circumstances. 

3137. A brother accused another with entering on the records of a Trial 
Committee, evidence which was not given by a witness, afterwards it was explained 



350 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

PENALTY— Excessive Punishment. 

that the brother did not hear the testimony, and thereupon he withdrew his alle- 
gation of falsifying the record and apologized to the satisfaction of the trial 
committee, nevertheless, charges were brought against the brother, making 
this allegation, and after trial he was expelled. On appeal, it was decided 
that the offense was too trivial to merit the severest penalty known to our 
laws, and the Lodge was directed to reinstate him. 

3138. It may appear that the wrong was unintentional, that the repre- 
sentation was made from ignorance, thoughtlessness, want of due consideration, or 
upon information received from others trusted by the defendant. In such cases the 
tribunal of investigation acts in accordance with the benign spirit of the 
Order when it imposes no greater punishment than one commensurate with 
the offense, erring, if error must be, on the side of mercy. 

3139. Where a brother received money from certain members of his 
Lodge to pay for an emblem to be displayed at an entertainment, and retained 
this money for some time, but did, finally, pay for the same to the party who 
furnished it, charges were preferred against him. He was also charged with 
borrowing money and not repaying the same, but evidence showed that no 
fraudulent representation had been made. The brother was tried and ex- 
pelled. The brother appealed, and the Sovereign Grand Lodge, in setting 
aside the judgment and reinstating the brother to membership, said: The 
brother acted improperly in the matter jf making payment for the emblem 
procured by him for the adornment of his Lodge room, but that the penalty of 
expulsion inflicted by his Lodge is greatly in excess of that merited by the of- 
fense, and is not warranted by the evidence. 

3140. In a certain case where it appeared that brother M objected to the 
installation of an ineligible brother into the position of Noble Grand, the 
District Deputy Grand Master listened to his objections, made a ruling that 
Brother C. was eligible to be installed, and attempted to proceed with the 
installation, but was interrupted by Brother M., who had made the objection. 
and who insisted on talking, and did continue to talk until he saw fit to sit 
down, notwithstanding he was commanded to do so one or more times by the 
District Deputy Grand Master, both by word of mouth and the use of the 
gavel, Brother M. thereby hindering the business of installation and acting 
in contempt of the Grand Lodge Officers. The Grand Lodge subsequently 
decided that Brother C. was not eligible, and ordered a new election to fili 
the vacancy. Charges had in the meantime been preferred against Brother 
M. and he was expelled. It was held that the case from the facts appears to 
be one in which both sides are to blame, and in several instances, if the 
papers are correct, the law of the Order has not been followed. The expul- 
sion of a brother upon such specifications as are contained in the charges 
preferred against Brother M. is a harsh and severe sentence. At the best p 
the sentence should never have been greater than fine or suspension. In- 
asmuch as the sentence of expulsion was inflicted more than three years ago ? 
the brother was reinstated. 

3141. All suspensions should be temporary, and be regulated by the mag- 
nitude of the offense, and should be for a reasonable time only. They should 
never extend beyond the ordinary average of human life. A suspension for 
twenty-five years is not a temporary suspension, but an evasive violation of 
the spirit of the law under color of a technical compliance with its letter. 

3142. Suspensions for cause cannot be indefinite, nor for an unreasonable 
length of time. 

3143. In a case where the charges upon which the accused was convicted 
was, by the law of the land, a misdemeanor, the punishment imposed by the 
Lodge was ten years' suspension. By local law, a judgment of suspension 
could be imposed by a mere majority, while a judgment of expulsion required 
a two-thirds vote. Held that ten years' suspension was practically an ex- 
pulsion, and that the Lodge could not by a mere majority vote practically ex- 
pel a member for an alleged offense. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 351 

PENALTY— Excessive Punishment. 

3144. A suspension for cause will not be approved if for a longer time 
than two years. 

3145. Indefinite suspension, as a means of punishment, is contrary to 
the provisions of the general law, and therefore illegal. 

3146. A penalty that the brother be required to return to the Lodge the 
sum of $26, received by him for sick benefits, and stand suspended until the 
same is done, is illegal as an indefinite suspension. 

3147. Where the action of the Lodge was as follows: That the brother 
be suspended for six months and [return the eight dollars illegally received 
as benefits, and stand suspended until paid] only the part in brackets can be 
declared illegal and the former stands as the judgment of the Lodge. 

3148. When the conclusion it reached by the " District Committee on Ap- 
peals, or the Committee on the State of the Order," in the case of an expulsion 
(after due trial and conviction), that the penalty inflicted is excessive, the question 
of penalty shall be submitted to the Grand Lodge in Annual Session for deter- 
mination, only as to the question of " Excessive Punishment.'' 

PEE CAPITA TAX. 

See Homes. See Revenue. 

Reports. Grand Lodge. 

3149. A Grand Lodge has the power to levy per capita taxes, payable by 
the Subordinate' Lodges, so that it may meet deficiencies and pay current 
expenses. 

3150. When the Constitution of a Grand Lodge provides that "the reve- 
nue *of this Grand Lodge shall be raised solely for defraying the necessary 
expenses thereof, and shall not be appropriated to any purpose foreign to the 
objects of the Order," it was held that the Grand Lodge had power to assess 
its subordinates for purposes other than its own support. In the case in 
question the Grand Lodge donated to a Home a sum equal to ten cents per 
member for this year, and directed the Finance Committee to make proper 
provision for the same. 

3151 . The per capita tax must be paid, on all contributing members who have 
not been formally suspended from the Lodge, before the officers elect can be in- 
stalled. 

3152. If a Grand Lodge prohibits the issuance of the Annual Traveling 
Pass Word to a Lodge in arrears for dues, it is unlawful for such Lodge to 
issue an order requesting the Noble Grand of another Lodge to communicate 
such pass word to one of its members; nor should such order be honored by a 
Noble Grand who knows the circumstances. 

3153. The per capita tax is not payable for the Veteran Members, whom 
the Lodge is carrying as non-contributing member's. 

3154. When the Constitution of a Grand Body provides that its revenue 
is derived from the sale of supplies and a per capita tax levied upon the 
membership of the subordinates, and that the Finance Committee shall 
report at each annual session an estimate of the expenses of the Grand Body 
for the current official year for salaries, etc., and the Grand Body at its 
annual session levies a tax in accordancce therewith, one-half to accompany 
each semi-annual report, a Lodge, although instituted during the preceding 
term and but sixteen or seventeen weeks prior to such annual session, is 
bound to pay the full per capita tax so levied. 

3155. A Grand Lodge can only collect the per capita tax from a defunct 
Lodge to the date of its surrender. 



352 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

PER CAPITA TAX. 

3156. When a Lodge has been suspended, and it is afterwards decided by- 
proper authority that its suspension was illegal, and it is reinstated, such 
Lodge should not be required to pay the per capita tax for the period it was 
under suspension. 

3157. The law relieving Lodges and Encampments from the payment of 
per capita tax on non-contributing members is found in the resolution of tne 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, passed at the session of 1901, Journal Page 392, and 
in the resolution adopted at the session of 1903, Report No. 72, Journal Page 
850. There is no other class of non-beneficial members exempt from liability for 
the per capita tax. 

3158. The amount to be paid by a Lodge for the support of Homes for 
Orphans of Odd Fellows, is twenty-five cents for each member on the roll 
at the last meeting night in March. 

3159. The per capita tax is to be levied on each contributing and non- 
beneficial member on the roll in each Subordinate Lodge on the last meeting 
night in each preceding term, but no per capita tax can be charged or col- 
lected for non-contributing members. 

3160. The resolution levying the present per capita tax on the member- 
ship of the last semi-annual report is legal. The Grand Lodge certainly has 
a right to make its own laws, and farther, this law was passed for the ac- 
commodation of the Subordinate Lodges, enabling them to forward their 
per capita tax and receive from the Grand Secretary the receipt in ample 
time to enable the District Deputy Grand Master to install officers. 

3161. Refusing to pay assessments to the Grand Lodge is insubordina- 
tion ,and the suspension of the Lodge by the Grand Master is a proper and 
adequate punishment for such acts. 

3162. If a Lodge fails to pay its Orphans' Home per capita tax, or to 
require its members to pay its tax, such Lodge may be denied right of rep- 
resentation in the Grand Lodge pursuant to general law, but this right may 
be affected by local legislation of the Grand Lodge. 



PERMISSION TO USE THE NAME OF THE OKDER. 

See Application for Permission to Use the Fame of the Order. 

3163. This permission is always predicated upon the promise in good faith of 
the officers of the Subordinate Lodge that no intoxicating beverages of any 
kind shall be offered or be used by the members or guests present and par- 
ticipating in the occasion, and that the rules and regulations of the Order 
shall be strictly observed. 

3164. That all spiritous, vinous and malt liquors shall be excluded from 
the Lodge room and ante-room or halls connected with or adjoining thereto, 
or any other place under the control of this Order in so far as it may be cov- 
ered by this permission. 

3165. And that neither the Lodge, nor any of the members thereof, shall, 
in the name of the Order, resort to any scheme of raffles, lotteries or gift en- 
terprises, or schemes or hazard or chance of any kind, as a means to raise 
funds for any purpose of relief or assistance to such subordinate or to in- 
dividual members. 

3166. The right to use the name of the Order is a permission that can be 
withdrawn at any time by the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge when, it is to 
the interest of the Order to take such action. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 353 

PETITIONS FOR AID. 

See Appeals for Aid. 

PETITION-PETITIONER. 

See Appeals, Charters, Institution of Lodges. 

PHOTOGRAPHS. 

3167. It is unlawful to take, make, keep, sell or give away, photographs 
of scenes in the dramatic work, of the costumes and properties in the work, 
or of the Degree Teams. 

3168. Neither is it admissible to photograph groups of ritualistic char- 
acters, and thereby represent pictures of any portions of the ritualistic floor 
work of the various branches of the Order. 

3169. Nor is it admissible to make such photographs, even if such pictures are 
to be hung in the Lodge room, and none are sold or offered for sale. 

PHYSICAL DISABILITY. 

3170. Physical infirmity does not necessarily mean "suffering from dis- 
ease;" a member may have a physical infirmity entitling him to a pension 
from the government, but which does not entitle him to benefits, unless it is 
of such a nature as to impair his health or prevent him from earning a liveli- 
hood. 

3171. A physical disability which does not impair a man's ability to fol- 
low his usual avocation, and does not affect his health of body, is not such 
a physical disability as will bar his admission into the Order. 

3172. A physical disability which would entitle a brother to §ick benefits 
must be such as would be a condition of unsound health. 

3173. A brother who was afilicted with a partial loss of sight and is able 
to carry on or manage and direct a lucrative business which enables him to 
amply provide for the support of himself and family, is not entitled to 
benefits. 

3174. An applicant for admission who has a physical infirmity, which 
does not prevent him from following his usual occupation, and who in good 
faith represents himself as being of sound health at the time of initiation, 
does not thereby subject himself to the penalty of concealing a physical in- 
firmity at the time of his admission, even though the infirmity may sub- 
sequently grow into a beneficial condition from unsound health. 

3175. A disease of the eye contracted in the Civil War, which, at the 
time of the brother's admission, was not disclosed to the Lodge, but which 
did not prevent his attending to business, which by cold was aggravated 
so that the loss of one eye resulted, for which the Lodge paid him benefits, 
and which, by further progression, finally resulted in total blindness, are not 
such facts as would permit the Lodge to withhold benefits on the ground 
that the disability was concealed at initiation, when he represented himself 
in sound health. 

3176. Where a Lodge claimed that a brother had concealed his lung 
trouble at the time of his admission into the Lodge, and nine years had 
elapsed from the time of his initiation before a claim for benefits was made, 
held that in view of this fact a charge of fraud in misrepresenting the state 
of his health first made at so remote a date from the time of misrepresenta- 
tion should be supported by evidence of the most positive and reliable char- 
acter. In short, that it should be so strong as to admit of no possible doubt. 
The only ground for fraudulently misrepresenting his condition would be 
that he might draw benefits from his Lodge, not nine or ten years ahead, 
but at a time much less remote. And the fact that for so long a time he 
was able to work for his livelihood is, of itself, good evidence that his health 
was what would ordinarilyibe called good. 



354 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



PHYSICIAN. 

3177. A Lodge cannot, by its By-Laws, provide an independent examina- 
tion by a physician of the candidate i.or admission. The doctor can only be 
employed in connection with and at the request of the Investigating Com- 
mittee, who alone are charged, under the Subordinate Constitution, with the 
duty of investigating the health, character, and fitness of the candidate and 
reporting on the same. 

3178. A By-Law that " if the Lodge believes the brother applying for bene- 
fits is not so sick as to be entitled to them, the question shall be referred 
to one or more physicians, whose decision shall be final," is legal and bind- 
ing on the Lodge and the brother. 

3179. A By-Law requiring that " a brother absent from the jurisdiction of 
his Lodge and not placed in charge of another Lodge, shall present an applica- 
tion for benefits and a physician's certificate every four weeks during such 
sickness," is legal, and failure to comply therewith relieves the Lodge irom the- 
duty to pay such benefits subsequently claimed. 

3180. A Lodge in its By-Laws provides that a brother residing beyond 
the territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge shall furnish, within certain specified 
periods, doctors' certificates as to the progress and state of his disability. A member 
of this Lodge was taken sick in a distant State and, with the consent of his 
Lodge, was reported to a sister Lodge situated in the town in which he 
was sick; the 'Relief Committee of this Lodge visited the brother and paid 
the benefits called for by the By-Laws of his Lodge. The brother was thus 
brought within visiting limits; the Lodge visiting him was therefore required 
to give the brother the same care it gave its own sick brothers, and its re- 
ports as to his physical condition were of the same value as though made 
by the Relief Committee of his home Lodge. The clause as to tne doctor's 
certificate was inoperative, unless by special instructions from time to time 
from the home Lodge. 

3181. It is not lawful in this jurisdiction for the Subordinate Lodges ta 
use their funds to pay a physician who shall be at the service of ail the. 
members of the Lodge. 

3182. A Lodge, by its By-Laws, provided for the employment of a doctor 
and druggist for the benefit of its members in case of sickness. It was held 
that to authorize a By-Law or By-Laws for the purpose stated would require 
an amendment to the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges permitting the 
beneficial system to be extended in this particular. It follows, therefore, 
in that the Constitution limits the beneficial system to weekly and funeral 
benefits, that these By-Laws, in so far as they relate to the employment of 
a physician and druggist, are void and of no force or effect, because they are 
contrary to the general law of the Order and not in conformity to the Con- 
stitution for Subordinate Lodges. 

3183. When a Lodge is applied to for relief by a brother holding: a card 
it shall require the certificate of a respectable physician showing the time the 
brother has been sick. 

POST OF HONOR. 

3184. In all Lodge processions the post of honor is in the rear, and officers 
should be so arranged. 

PRAYER. 

3185. Prayer may be used at the opening and closing of the Lodge; pro- 
vided, that when the Noble Grand appoints a Chaplain, and an objection is 
not sustained by a majority of the members present, there shall be no inter- 
ference in the performance of his duties during the term for which he was ap- 
pointed, and that the following forms be used: 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 355 

PRAYER. 

Opening Prayer. 

3186. Almighty God, our Creator and Preserver, we invoke Thy blessing 
upon the members of this Lodge and our entire Brotherhood. May we be 
ever faithful to the principles of our beloved Order, so that benevolence and 
charity may be promoted. Bless the widow and orphan and all in affliction 
and distress, and relieve their necessities. "Our Father, Who art in Heaven, 
hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it 
is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power, and the 
Glory, for ever. Amen." 

Closing Prayer. 

Almighty Father, we pray Thee to bless whatever of good we have ac- 
complished at this time, and forgive what we have done amiss. We now 
commend ourselves to Thy care and protection. The Lord bless us and keep 
us. The Lord lift up His Fatherly countenance upon us and give us peace, 
now and evermore. Amen. 

3187. Prayer is not part of the work at Initiation in a Subordinate Lodge, 
and is therefore not admissible. 

3188. If Grand or Subordinate Lodges open and close with prayer, they 
shall use the forms prescribed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

3189. It is highly desirable and eminently proper, but not imperative, 
that all Lodges should open and close with prayer; but it is not competent 
to require the performance of this ceremony under the sanction of penalties. 
The Sovereign Grand Lodge does not recognize prayer as an integral part of 
the work, except in Encampments, and with the broad margin of faith ad- 
mitted in the membership, a brother cannot be required to discharge a duty 
which requires a violation of his conscience. , More injury would be inflicted 
upon the prosperity of the Order by imposing duties not regarded as a neces- 
sary element to membership than could possibly follow from a different con- 
struction. 

3190. The members may join the* Chaplain in repeating the prescribed 
prayers, if they choose. 

PRECEDENCE. 

3191. A Grand Representative, when in procession with the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, takes precedence of the Grand Lodge Officers; when with his 
Grand Lodge, he ranks as a Grand Lodge Officer, subordinate, of course, to the 
Grand Master. 

3192. An elective Grand Officer takes precedence of a District Deputy 
Grand Master. 

3193. A District Deputy Grand Master is entitled to the precedence in- 
cident to his office when he is performing his duty and exercising the func- 
tions vested in him as the 'Representative of the Grand Master. 

3194. At a funeral of a member of the Order, the Lodge takes precedence 
of the Encampment, unless the family request the latter to conduct the 
funeral, when it will take precedence. 

3195. If the funeral, being that of a past or present Grand Officer, is con- 
ducted by the Grand Lodge, then it will take precedence; or if the de- 
ceased was a past or present officer of the Grand Encampment only, and it 
conducts the service, then it will take precedence. 

3196. If at an installation, public or otherwise, any controversy arise 
between an elective Grand Officer and a District Deputy Grand Master as to 
which shall conduct such installation, the elective Grand Officer, being 
superior in rank, shall have precedence. 



356 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. ' [1907. 



PRESUMPTION. 

3197. A presumption is a supposition of the truth or real existence of some 
thing without direct or positive proof of the fact, but grounded upon circumstan- 
tial evidence which entitles it to belief; an inference as to the existence of one 
fact from the existence of some other fact founded upon a previous experience of 
their connection or dictated by the policy of the law. Presumptions may be 
either of fact or law, and may be rebuttable or irrebuttable. An irrebuttable 
presumption being an inference which the law, for reasons of policy, draws from 
a given state of facts, and refuses to allow evidence to countervail the inference, 
as for example, the presumption that no benefits are due when they are unclaimed 
for a given period fixed by the general or local laws of the Order or the by-laws of 
the Lodge. 

3198. Where a brother in good health disappears for a number of years, 
so that his family and friends and the community believes him to be dead, 
his death will be presumed to have occurred at the time of his disappearance. 

3199. Where benefits are unclaimed for the period stated in the Grand 
Lodge By-Laws, the lapse of time is sufficient to raise the presumption of 
payment, and this presumption cannot be rebutted. 

3200. In the ordinary communications of the Secretary, sent over his 
signature alone, with the seal of the Lodge, he is to be presumed to be acting 
at the direction and command of his Lodge. 

3201. By the general law of the Order, a brother under charges is to be 
presumed innocent until he is convicted. 

3202. That a brother sick and drawing benefits is able to work so as 
to earn a livelihood, or a sum equal to the weekly benefits, will not be pre- 
sumed. It must be made to appear by competent testimony. 

PRINTING AND PUBLISHING. 

See Circular*. See Elections. 

Procession*. Spurious Books. 

Publishing. 

3203. To print, circulate and use any forms or ceremonies of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge that constitute a source of revenue to its treasury is an offense 
against the laws of the Order. 

3204. Any member of the Order who shall compose or write, or print, or 
sell, or exhibit, or have in his possession, or who shall in any way aid or 
abet in composing, or writing, or printing, or exhibiting, or using, any pub- 
lication or writing or other devise purporting to be the Unwritten Work or 
Odd Fellowship, or any part, abbreviation, or memorandum of such Unwritten 
Work shall be deemed guilty of conduct grossly unbecoming an Odd Fellow, 
and shall, upon conviction, be expelled from the Order. 

3205. To "publish" the name of an expelled member of tne Order, if 
the word be used in its popular acceptation, is a violation of the secrecy 
enjoined in respect to the dealings of the members, one with the other. But 
it is not a violation of law to publish in a fraternal newspaper a list of ex- 
pelled members after their promulgation by a Grand Master. 

3206. No member shall print, or cause to be printed or published the 
whole or any part of the proceedings of a Lodge improper for publication. 
Nor shall any brother publish any work, or deliver any public lecture, or dis- 
course, relative to Odd Fellowship, without permission of the Grand Master. 

3207. No one is authorized to publish in the public newspapers the re- 
ceipts, expenditures, amount paid for relief, etc., of any Subordinate Lodge, 
unless the consent of the Lodge be first obtained. 

3208. The Grand Lodge, Subordinate Lodges and individuals, are pro- 
hibited from printing or circulating any of the Odes, Cards, Certificates, Diplomas, 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 357 

PKINTING AND PUBLISHING. 

Forms or Ceremonies that constitute a source of revenue to the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F. 

3209. It is a gross violation of law for a Lodge to print, publish, use, or have 
in its possession any work purporting to be the Secret Work of Odd Fellowship, 
except that published by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

3210. All circulars sent out at the time of and preceding the election of Grand 
Lodge Officers are to be disregarded other than the legal circulars issued and signed 
by the Committee of Past Grands from the Lodges of the respective candidates. 

PRIVATE BUSINESS MATTERS. 

3211. A person on being admitted to membership' in this Order thereby 
loses none of the rights he had in possession as a citizen. His right to 
protection by the civil authorities is not impaired by becoming an Odd Fellow. 

3212. The laws of the land and the courts which administer them are 
the surest and most proper means by which justice can be obtained. There 
should be no attempt to adjudicate such questions of differences by any 
authorities within the Order. 

3213. Pecuniary relations amongst brothers which are of a civil nature, 
and do not entail public scandal on the Order, have never been considered 
the subject of legislation, and ought not to be allowed to vex the brotherhood. 
Such matters are of a strictly private nature, and though they may, and do 
oftentimes cause individual trouble and personal enmity, yet they are gen- 
erally of so delicate a nature that it would be unsafe, ungenerous and in- 
jurious to give them public prominence and attention. 

3214. Taking the place of a brother who has been discharged for not doing 
as directed by the "boss" constitutes no offense of which a Lodge has juris- 
diction. 

PROCEEDINGS. 

3215. The attention of the Lodges is specially directed to the importance 
of preserving th« reports and proceedings of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, 
and of the Grand Lodge of this jurisdiction as embodying information that 
is valuable and indispensable to their perfect work. 

3216. The published proceedings of both bodies are, in effect, an an- 
nouncement of the latest laws and decisions of these bodies respectively. 

PREVIOUS SICKNESS, 

3217. The approval by the Grand Lodge, of the By-Laws of a Lodge, fixing 
how previous sickness shall be taken account of in its new system of graded 
benefits, is not the declaration of a general principle which would be binding 
on all the Lodges. Under the Constitution, each Lodge determines the ques- 
tion for itself, in its own By-Laws, with the proviso that if nothing be said, 
to the contrary thereon, the change of By-Laws shall include previous sickness. 

PROCESSIONS. 

See Street Uniform. See Grand Marshal. 

Precedence. Post of Honor. 

[Forms for all processions will be found in the Forni Book.] 

3218. All Lodges and Encampments joining in any procession, sanctioned 
by the Grand Lodge, shall be under the control of the Grand Master, and 
must act by his direction as given by the Grand Marshal. 

3219. In all public processions, or other displays of the Order, no mem- 
ber is entitled to wear any badge of distinction or regalia which he would 
not be entitled to wear in a Lodge. 

i 



,358 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

PKOCESSIONS. 

3220. The uniform street dress may be worn by Subordinate Lodges 
when in public procession. 

3221. On all public occasions, members of the Order are strictly for- 
bidden to wear the regalia or emblems of the Order, except while in the 
ranks or in the Lodge room or hall. 

3222. Grand Bodies are requested to strictly prohibit all processions, 
etc., at which the regalia, emblems, etc., of the Order shall be used, unless 
permission be granted, after due consideration in open Grand Lodge, or, in 
its recess, be granted by dispensation of the Grand Master. 

3223. All publications made in any public newspaper, calling on the Order 
to appear in regalia on any occasion not authorized by the Grand Lodge, is 
incorrect and censurable; and the unauthorized use of the name of the Order 
by any one is erroneous, and should be strictly forbidden. 

3224. No one who has severed his connection with the Order by With- 
drawal Card, Dismissal Certificate, resignation, suspension for non-payment 
of dues, suspension for cause or expulsion, has a right to join a procession 
without the consent of the Lodge by which the procession is formed. 

3225. The law of 1864, prohibiting anniversaries, etc., without the con- 
sent of the Grand Master or Grand Patriarch, is not intended to prohibit 
Lodges and Encampments from joining in a public procession in regalia in 
connection with other organizations, when invited to do so by the civil au- 
thorities, and permission may be obtained from the respective jurisdictions 
under such regulations as they may prescribe. 

PROFESSIONAL GAMBLER. 

See Saloonkeeper. See Bartender. 

Professional Gambler. Penalty. 

Charges. Qualifications for Membership. 

3226. A professional gambler shall not be eligible to admission to mem- 
bership in this Order. 

3227. A professional gambler is a person who is the owner or proprietor 
of a place, in whole or in part, where gambling is permitted, or a person who 
engages in gambling as a means of livelihood. 

3228. A man regularly engaged in a pool room, earning his living by 
selling tickets, acting as cashier, or performing other duties incident to 
carrying on the business of a pool room, is a professional gambler, and is 
ineligible to membership in this Order; and if he is a member wnen he en- 
gages in such business, he is liable to charges. 

[Note.— This law has no relation to the game of Pool or Billiards.] 

PROPOSITION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

See Applications for Membership. See Investigating Committee. 

Admission to Membership. Keadmission. 

Reinstatement. Ballot. 

3229. A subordinate cannot legally call a special meeting for the pur- 
pose of receiving propositions for membership and appointing an Investigat- 
ing Committee thereon. 

3230. In this jurisdiction, except for transfer of membership without 
Card or Official Certificate, there are no applications for membership. The 
local law requires that a Lodge shall have a proposition book, in which the 
names of candidates shall be entered, and the Investigating Committee should 
sign the report in the proposition book. A member of the committee may 
authorize one of his colleagues to sign the report in his behalf. The com- 
mittee cannot report on the night of its appointment. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 359 

PROPOSITION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

3231. There is no general law limiting the number of times a candidate 
can be proposed after rejection. 

3232. The one-half of the initation fee which must accompany an ap- 
plication or proposition for membership, ami which the Constitution calls 
a, "deposit fee," is also sometimes called the "proposition fee." Whether a 
proposition fee should be turned in with the receipts of the Lodge for the 
evening to the Treasurer, or held by the Secretary until the applicant is 
elected or rejected, is a subject for local legislation. 

3233. A member who has not yet received the Third Degree cannot 
legally propose the name of a person for membership into the Lodge, as all 
the business of the Lodge is transacted in the Third Degree. 

PROSECUTOR. 

3234. A member who prefers charges against another member of his 
Lodge has a right to appeal from the action of his Lodge in finding the 
brother not guilty. 

3235. On a trial upon a charge of calling a brother a scoundrel, objec- 
tion was made that the accused was denied the right to show the entire sen- 

' tenee, and the connection in which the objectionable words were used, and 
also the right to justify the language by proving the truth of the charge. On 
appeal, it was decided that the proof of the entire sentence used, and also of 
the character of the prosecutor should have been allowed. 

PROTEST. 

3236. A Subordinate Lodge is required to receive a respectful protest 
against its proceedings from any member who may feel aggrieved thereby. 

3237. If a Lodge, on being instructed by the Grand Master to cease vio- 
lating the laws complies, there is no law which forbids it from doing so 
under protest. A protest is defined to be a solemn or formal declaration (often in 
writing) in condemnation of an act or measure proposed or accomplished. It is 
evident therefore that it accomplishes nothing except to indicate objection to the 
act or measure proposed or accomplished. 

3238. There is no law to prevent a Lodge from protesting against the 
instructions of a Grand Master, where the Lodge is clearly of the opinion 
that the instructions are wrong. While a Lodge would have ao right to 
disregard the instructions of the Grand Master, and while it would be its duty 
to obey them, yet the right to respectfully protest should not and cannot be 
taken away. 

PROXY. 

See Past Grands, Elections, Installation. 

3239. Neither voting, installation into office, nor service in office can be 
done by proxy, either in the Grand Lodge or in a Subordinate Lodge. The 
law requires that a member shall be actually present in the Lodge room to 
exercise any of the rights that ordinarily flow from membership in a de- 
liberative body, such as voting and holding office. 

3240. There cannot be any representation by proxy; the trust is personal 
and there is no power of substitution. 

3241. The elective officers of the Grand Lodge cannot be installed by 
proxy. 

3242. A member of a Lodge can only vote when present in the Lodge. 
A letter cannot stand for or represent the vote of a member, even on a prop- 
osition to surrender the charter of a Lodge. 

3243. Past Grands have no right to vote by proxy for the election of 
Grand Lodge officers. 



360 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

PUBLIC INSTALLATION. 

See Form of Public Installation in Book of Forms. 

3244. Grand Bodies are authorized to confer upon Subordinate Lodges 
the right to install their officers in public. 

3245. The ceremony must be conducted by an officer of the Grand Lodge, 
a District Deputy Grand Master, or by a Past Grand duly authorized by the 
Grand Master. 

3246. The form of Public Installation prescribed by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge must be used. 

3247. Public installations may be held in other than the regular Lodge 
rooms, and may be joint installations, the Lodges being legally convened. 

3248. A Lodge should not "close in regular form" before a public installa- 
tion, but "the ordinary ceremony being] suspended, 3 " the doors are opened 
and the installation proceeds. After its completion the Grand Lodge officers 
retire, and then all but the members of the Order being excluded, the Lodge 
closes in form. 

3249. It is legal for a Grand Lodge to hold a public installation on a stated 
date and install the officers of a Lodge whose regular meeting would not fall 
on that date. The terms of the new officers would begin on the next meeting 
night thereafter. 

3250. If the installation takes place at a room other than the Lodge room, 
there is no objection to< declaring a recess and then proceeding to the haii/ 
in which the ceremony is to take place, after which the Lodge should return 
to its Lodge room and close in form. 

3251. In raising and seating a Lodge on the occasion of a public installa- 
tion, it is not permissible to use the gavel as it is used at a regular Lodge 
meeting. 

3252. If a Lodge should close before the installation, and then the Grand 
Master should proceed and install the officers, such installation, though irregular, 
would not be void, and the installed officers would be the legal officers of the 
Lodge. 

3253. The Subordinate Lodges in this jurisdiction are permitted to have 
public installations of their officers; when, in the judgment of the Grand 
Master, such public installation would be proper, he shall grant permission 
to the lodge making application for the same. 

3254. The ceremonies shall be conducted by the Grand Master, or other 
elective Grand Lodge Officer, or by a Past Grand, who shall appear before 
the Grand Master or Board of Grand Lodge Officers and give satisfactory 
evidence, by a thorough examination, that he is fully qualified and competent 
to conduct such ceremonies. 

3255. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has authorized public installations, 
and the Grand Master is authorized to grant dispensations to Lodges who 
desire public installation only where he is satisfied as to the qualifications 
of the deputy, and provided that the work shall be done without the use 
of books. 

3256. A Lodge, to have a public installation, must make application by 
resolution, a copy of which must be forwarded to the Grand Master, signed by 
the Noble Grand and Secretary, with seal of Lodge. 

3257. The letter of application must state the place where it is proposed 
to hold the public installation, the name of the District Deputy Grand Master 
or Past Grand who will conduct the same, his acceptance and reference to his 
fitness or ability. Should a Past Grand be selected it must be with the ap- 
pointment and approval of the District Deputy Grand Master of the district 
in which the Lodge belongs. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 361 . 

PUBLIC INSTALLATION. 

3258. The installing officer must satisfy the Grand Master, either in per- 
son or by satisfactory evidence of disinterested brethren of the Order, 
that he has the necessary qualifications, and that the work shall be done 
without books. 

3259. The installing officer must satisfy the Grand Master that those of 
his staff are equally qualified to perform their part of the work without the use of 
books. 

3260. Public installation must be in accordance with the ceremony for this 
purpose, as it appears in the book of forms authorized by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, and not from the Ritual. Care must be taken not to divulge, either by 
word or action, any of tbe secret work. 

PUBLISHING. 

See Printing and Publishing. 

PUBLIC OFFICER. 

3261. A brother who was a school director voted against another brother 
who belonged to the same Lodge, who applied for the position of school teacher, 
and commented somewhat severely upon his abilities. For this action, charges 
were preferred against him in the Lodge, and the brother was expelled. It was 
decided, on appeal, that acts done by a brother in the exercise of his functions as 
a public officer and citizen are no offense recognized by the I. O. O. F. 

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

(a). In the Order. (b). In the Grand Lodge. 

See Atheist. See Jurisdiction. 
Eesidence. Degrees. 

Non-Resident. 

(a). In the Order. 

3262. To the Sovereign Grand Lodge alone belongs the power to fix the 
qualifications for membership in the Order. 

3263. Within the limitations fixed by the qualifications of the genera] 
law, admission to membership in the Order is determined by ballot in 
the Subordinate Lodge in which the applicant desires membership. But uie 
Grand Lodge has the authority to determine, in the Subordinate Constitution, 
how many black balls are required to reject; provided, there is no conflict 
with the secret work, which is the paramount law. 

3264. Residence is an elementary qualification for membership. A can- 
didate, to be lawfully admitted, must be a resident of the State, and of the 
territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge, or comply with the regulations whereby 
these regulations may be evaded. An individual can only have one legal 
residence, and where such residence is under a foreign power, a temporary 
residence within the jurisdiction of the Soveriegn Grand Lodge can confer no 
new rights. 

3265. No person shall be entitled to admission to the Order except free 
white males of good moral character, who have arrived at the age of twenty- 
one years, and who believe in a Supreme Being, the Creator and Preserver 
of the Universe. 

3266. A Syrian born in Damascus, Asia, is eligible to membership in an 
Odd Fellows' Lodge. The words "white man" in our Constitution are synony- 
mous' with Caucasian. Syrians belong to the Caucasian, or white race. 

23 



362 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP-In the Order. 

3267. The term "free white males" in the Sovereign Grand Lodge Con- 
stitution is descriptive of the pure white Caucasian race, and excludes ail 
other races and colors from membership in our Order. 

3268. An Odd ^Fellow, a member in a jurisdiction which, under the amend- 
ment of 1901, permitted the admission of persons of mixed Indian and white 
blood, is not entitled to admission to membership in another jurisdiction 
where such person is not permitted to join if he has mixed Indian and white 
blood in his veins, even though he should become a citizen of such juris- 
diction. 

3269. No peculiar views which do not affect the belief of the person ask- 
ing admission into the Order "in a Supreme Being, the Creator and Pre- 
server of the Universe," can disqualify him for membership; neither can 
these views be allowed to interfere with the privilege of members in respect 
to propositions for admission. 

3270. Neither the totally deaf, dumb, nor blind can be initiated into the 
Order. It is not expedient to initiate into the Order any person deprived 
of the sense of sight or hearing, or the powers of speech. 

3271. One whose physical deformities prevents a compliance with the 
requirements and laws of the Order, cannot be admitted to membership by 
initiation. 

3272. The question as to what partial deformity does not disqualify, 
rests especially with the Subordinate Lodge, to which admission is asked. 

3273. A person can legally be admitted a member by initiation who 
stutters so badly that he cannot talk before a crowd, but can talk with per- 
sons he is acquainted with. 

3274. The applicant, in addition to the other qualifications required by 
law, must reside in the territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge, which he pro- 
poses to join, or have complied with the necessary requirements and con- 
ditions by which a person residing in the territorial jurisdiction of another Lodge, 
or in another State, district or territory, may be permitted to join the Lodge of 
his own choice. 

3275. The fact of a Lodge holding a bond and mortgage against an applicant 
for initiation and membership, does not operate as a bar to his election and 
admission to membrship. 

3276. No saloon-keeper, bartender or professional gambler shall be eli- 
gible to membership in this Order. 

(b). In the Grand Lodge. 

3277. To the Soverign Grand Lodge alone belongs the power to fix the 
qualifications for membership in the Grand Lodge. 

3278. To be admitted to membership in the Grand Lodge one must be 
a Past Grand in good standing in a subordinate lodge in good standing in this 
jurisdiction. 

3279. The only qualification necessary for a Past Grand to be a candidate 
for representative is that he be a member of the Grand Lodge. He shall be 
a member in good standing of his lodge, which is in good standing which in 
this jurisdiction is construed to mean, having the proper certificate showing 
that he is entitled to the honors of a Past Grand. 

3280. The Grand Lodge has no right to examine a Past Grand in the sub- 
ordinate degrees who presents a proper certificate from his lodge, to the 
Grand Lodge. 

3281. The Grand Lodge cannot charge an entrance fee, for admission 
to membership in the Grand Lodge as it is one of the priviliges of a Past 
Grand acquired by his service in office in his Subordinate Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 363 



QUARANTINE. 

3282. A brother is not entitled to benefits by reason of being placed m 
quarantine by the government authorities on account of sickness of a con- 
tagious character in his family, he not being sick himself. 

3283. When a by-law provides for benefits in case a brother is sick "or 
unable to pursue any occupation," and a brother was placed in quarantine 
on account of sickness of a contagious character in his family and consequent- 
ly compelled to close his business. He was not entitled to benefits. 

3284. A lodge is bound to respect the regulations of a lawful quarantine, 
and suspend its meetings when directed to do so by the public authorities. 

3285. The officers of a Lodge where meetings are forbidden by govern- 
ment quarantine for the major part of a term, are entitled to the honors of 
office, if they are present at the meetings permitted during the term. 

QUESTIONS* 

See Decisions, Mandate, Grand Master, Appeals. 

3286. As a rule a Subordinate Lodge has the jurisdiction to decide any 
question that can properly come before it, but it has no right to decide any 
question in reference to the Work of the Order written or unwritten. 

3287. When the Noble Grand makes a decision upon the meaning of the 
Constitution or By-Laws an appeal therefrom to the Lodge is allowable, and the 
Vice Grand must put the question as to wnether it will sustain the decision of 
the Noble Grand. If his decision is reversed it is his duty to notify the Lodge 
of his appeal, and submit the question to the Grand Master. If the Noble 
Grand is sustained by the Lodge any member may appeal and have the 
question submitted to the Grand Master. 

3288. The Noble Grand cannot escape his responsibilities by vacating 
the chair as he is specially charged with the duty of enforcing the constitu- 
tion and by-laws not only of his Lodge and of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- 
vania, but the general and local law of the Order as well. 

3289. The Lodge may at any time by motion or resolution direct its Sec- 
retary to submit to the Grand Master in writing a question for his decision 
in order that the Lodge may be informed concerning the proper action to be 
taken by it or as to his opinion of the right of the Lodge in any matter. But 
the Lodge has no authority to ask advice or counsel from any other quarter 
than the Grand Master in recess, or the Grand Lodge by which it is governed. 

3290. In the event of a Lodge making a decision, and afterwards, by a 
vote, referring the same to the proper authority for review, the decision 
stands until reversed. 

3291. The Grand Master must answer the questions as propounded to him 
whether they come as an appeal from the Noble Grand, or on an appeal by a member 
of the Lodge in good standing where the subject is one of general iuterest to the 
Lodge or to the Order, or by any member of the Lodge whose interests have been 
affected directly by the action of the Lodge, or the questions are submitted by the 
Lodge. He has no right to refer the appellant or the Lodge to the Grand Lodge 
or to the Grand Sire for its or his decision. The question, if by a member, must be 
submitted to the Grand Master in the form required for Appeals, See Section 207, 
and in no event must the question relate to or be the subject at issue in a pro- 
ceeding under the Trial Procedure for charges or benefits. 

3292. No Lodge has a right to present questions of law directly to the 
Grand Sire for his decision. All such questions must be submitted to the 
Grand Master. 

* [Note - Questions are to be submitted to the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge, in 
accordance with the regulations prescribed under the head Appeals.l 



364 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

QUESTIONS. 

3293. The Grand Master cannot decide or pass upon questions growing 
out of Appeals for Benefits, or Trial for Charges. When the controversy 
reaches this stage, the Grand Master can only obtain jurisdiction in the 
course of the Appeal procedure, therefore if dissatisfied with result of the trial, 
the only way is for the party to appeal in the way laid down In the law for 
these cases. 

3294. The decision rendered by the Grand Master is binding on the 
Lodge until reversed by the Grand Lodge unless it is in direct conflict with 
the laws and constitution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. Of which fact, 
however the Grand Master would also be the legal judge as between him and 
the Lodge. 

3295. Where a question presented by the Grand Master involves not only 
questions of law but also questions of fact concerning the payment of benents 
or charges, the Grand Master has no jurisdiction except in the manner pointed 
out by law in such cases, and he should advise the Lodge that these matters can 
only be determined by the mode of procedure as regulated by the laws of the 
Order. 

3296. Irregularities arising out of the violation of law can only be healed 
by the authority competent to pass the law. If the law violated was a gen- 
eral law, the Sovereign Grand Body alone is such competent authority, but 
that interpretation can only be reached through the regular channels. The 
question being submitted to the Grand Masiter, he may obtain the Grand 
Sire's decision thereon which will be binding on the jurisdiction until reversed 
by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

3297. When a construction or interpretation of local law is required by any 
individual member or subordinate the State Grand Lodge having jurisdiction or 
the Grand Master thereof during recess, is the proper tribunal to pronounce on 
the question subject to appeal from the Grand Lodge to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge and from the Grand Master to the Grand Lodge. 

aiJORUM. 

See Meetings. See Degrees. See Adjourn. 

3298. If there be no quorum present at the time of holding a stated meet- 
ing, the Secretary shall make a record of the fact, and note upon the minutes 
the names of the officers and members present, and report tne same at the 
next stated meeting of the Lodge, so that if the By-Laws impose a fine upon 
officers for being absent, the same may be imposed. 

3299. The fact that no quorum of members appears so that a meeting 
may be held does not warrant a Secretary leaving the lodge room. It is his 
duty to remain so that the members who appear may pay their dues and thus 
be protected from going in arrears. 

3300. If without a quorum being present the lodge grant a withdrawal 
card, it works no severance of membership, and the card may be returned. 

3301. A person was regularly proposed and elected a member by initiation 
and a special meeting was called to initiate him, when only four members 
of the lodge attended, who with assistance of members of other lodges ini- 
tiated him. He was thereby made a full member of the Initiatory Degree, but 
the Lodge violated the law and is liable to discipline for conferring the degree 
with less than a quorum of its members present. 

3302. The By-Laws of a Lodge prescribed that "not less than five mem- 
bers entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum, but with that iwimber only 
present no appropriation of money shall be made except by unanimous vote," 
"Every member shall have a right to vote on any question in which he has no 
personal interest." Held, that at a meeting at which only five members are 
present it requires a unanimous vote to appropriate the funds of the Lodge, 
and that no member who is benefited by a proposed appropriation is entitled 
to vote thereon. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 365 

QUORUM. 

3303. It is the duty of every member of a Lodge to assist, by his presence 
at least, in transacting its business; he has no right, by a voluntary and 
capricious act on his part, to interrupt Lodge business, or bring its business 
to a stand still. A Noble Grand has the right and authority, in such au 
emergency as will leave the Lodge without a sufficient number to transact 
business, to decline to recognize the brother which is equivalent to denying 
members permission to* retire. 

3304. Where a Lodge, during a meeting, is left without a quorum, it can 
do no further business, and the Noble Grand must declare it closed without 
ceremony, but not however until the cases of the sick and distressed hav^ 
been disposed of. 

3305. If at a session of the Grand Lodge no quorum appear within one half 
hour, the Grand Master or the presiding officer may adjourn the meeting from 
time to time until a quorum shall appear. 

3306. An officer is not deprived of the honors of offiice by reason of the 
fact that one or more Lodge meetings of his term were not held for want of 
a quorum; provided, he serves a majority of the meeting nights of his term 
and remains in office until the end of his term. 

RANK. 

See Honors of Office. See Eligibility to Office. 

Patriarchs Militant. Evidence. 

3307. Rank in the Order comes primarily from the receipt of degrees in 
the Subordinate Lodge, after that by service in office. Rank refers to the 
highest grade or title attained. 

3308. Rank in the Lodge by reason of service in office vests the brother 
who has attained it with no additional rights so far as the general business 
of the Lodge is concerned. The Third Degree is the highest Degree in a Sub- 
ordinate Lodge, and one of that degree is not only the peer of any other 
member so far as general Lodge business is concerned, but he is eligible to 
any office in the Lodge, except that of Noble Grand or Vice Grand. 

3309. All members of the Order who have heretofore received the First 
and Second Degrees under the old work shall be entitled to rank as members 
of the First Degree of the revised work. All members who have received 
the Third and Fourth Degrees of the old work shall be entitled to rank as 
members of the Second Degree of the revised work, and all members who 
have received the Fifth Degree of the old work shall be entitled to rank as 
members of the Third Degree of the revised work without charge. 

3310. A Third Degree member under the old work, ranks as a member 
of the First Degree of the revised work and is entitled to wear the regalia 
of that degree. 

3311. Rank cannot be conferred by resolution or any legislative action, 
or by dispensation, it follows only from the possession of the requisite de- 
grees or satisfactory service in office. 

3312. It is legal to provide that only those members who attain the rank of 
the Scarlet or Third Degree shall be entitled to benefits, and for the members 
who acquired membership under the old work, it would be legal to grade 
the benefits according to the degrees taken. 

3313. A brother is entitled to wear regalia indicative of his highest rank 
in the Order, whether he be attending Lodge or Encampment, and to be des- 
ignated in the journals thereof in like manner. A member is entitled to wear 
the regalia designating the highest rank to which he has attained, except that 
when temporarily or permanently, performing the functions of any office, 
in a Subordinate or Grand Lodge he must be clothed in the regalia appro- 
priate to these functions. 

3314. It is a member's right to receive the title and be addressed accord- 
ing to the highest rank he has attained in the Order. 



366 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

RANK. 

3315. In issuing a Visiting Card or Official Certificate or Withdrawal Card 
it is mandatory to insert thereon the highest rank the brother has attained 
whether in Subordinate or Grand Lodge or Subordinate or Grand Encampment 
or Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

3316. In the designation in writing or printing of the name and rank or 
a brother, the title or rank of the brother shall be placed after instead of be- 
fore the name as has hitherto been practiced. In conversation, the title 
naturally precedes the name. 

3317. The rank of an Ancient Odd Fellow in ,the lodge in which he may 
be admitted will be determined by the Lodge upon the report of the commit- 
tee appointed to make the necessary examination. The brother will be en- 
titled to such rank as he can satisfy tne Lodge he has previously attained. 

READMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP. 

See Hon-Affiiliated Odd Fellows. See Admission to Membership. 

3318. Technically speaking, any non -affiliated Odd Fellow (and by this is 
meant, not only aged non-affiliated Odd Fellows, but all those of any age, 
who for any reason have become non-affiliated), or any member holding a 
Withdrawal Card in date, who applies for and is elected it© membership in a 
Subordinate Lodge, is readmitted to the Order. Hence we find the term used 
as comprehending any member of the Order who is elected to membership 
in a Lodge, excepting those who transfer their membership thereto whether 
they were formerly strangers to the Lodge or are former members who tnere- 
by regain membership therein. If there be any distinction, as some seem to 
claim, it is unimportant as all non-affiliated members, and those holding With- 
drawal Cards in date, are admitted or readmitted to Lodge membership in 
exactly the same manner. 

3319. It is not competent for a Lodge to insert in its By-Laws, a provision 
that a member who may draw a final card shall have the privilege of deposit- 
ing the same in said Lodge within a specified time by a simple vote of the 
lodge instead of a ballot vote, as in the case of initiating members. The 
laws of the Order clearly provide the way in which a person may regain 
membership upon card, and a Lodge granting a final card has no more power 
to depart from that way, when the person holding that card seeks to reunite 
with said Lodge than upon the application of a stranger. 

3320. A brother applied for a Withdrawal Card and the Lodge by vote 
granted his request, but the card was not given to him. The brother wished 
to become a member of the Lodge again. The Lodge cannot legally take him 
back without application, investigation and balloting on his application the same 
as for a stranger. A Withdrawal Card having been voted to him the brother's 
membership in the Lodge ceased and he has a legal right to the card. The Lodge 
has no right to retain his card and should deliver it to him as soon as possible 
after having voted in favor of granting it to the brother. If he desires to renew 
his membership he can deposit the card in the usual mode. 

3321. A provision in a constitution for Subordinate Lodges "that an appli- 
cant for membership by deposit of card should be declared elected upon the 
favorable vote of a majority, if the card deposited was issued by the Lodge 
in which it was deposited,"is in violation of law. 

3322. The question was asked, is the law intended to apply to a case 
wherein a member may draw his final card for the declared purpose of estab- 
lishing a new Lodge, and after having organized the new Lodge and taken a 
Withdrawal Card from it, he offers the card for deposit in his own Lodge with- 
in a specified time from the date of his withdrawal therefrom? Held that the 
decision of the Grand Sire above referred to is in accordance with the general 
principle that in no case can a Lodge adopt a By-Law for the admission of 
members by deposit of card in any different way from that pointed out by the 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 367 

READMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP. 

general law — viz., by an application referred to a committee, and ballot as 
in case of an original application for membership. The law referred to, 
therefore does apply to the case mentioned in the inquiry. 

3323. When ten members presented their Withdrawal Cards to the Grand 
Officers and received a dispensation creating a new Lodge in the name of the 
ten, and but seven were present when the Lodge was instituted. Held that 
although the dispensation authorizes and empowers the ten to constitute a 
lodge yet its membership is composed only of those who pursuant to that 
authority appear and assume before the instituting officer the obligations 
required by our laws. Therefore the absentees can only gain admittance 
by withdrawing their cards from the hands of the Grand Officers and applying 
in the usual mode for admission to membership by card. 

3324. A brother withdrawing from his Lodge for the purpose of establish- 
ing (with others) a new lodge and failing to appear when the lodge is insti- 
tuted cannot be considered as one of the charter members. If he wishes to 
join that or any other Lodge his card must be presented regularly and he 
must be balloted for according to law. 

3325. A Lodge is not bound to readmit a holder of a card to membership, the 
Lodge to which application is made is by law the judge of his fitness for readmission. 

3326. A brother having taken his Withdrawal Card, and then offered 
the same for readmission to membership, the Lodge has under the law the 
right to refuse his application to be again received as a member or to decline to 
annul the Card of Withdrawal. 

3327. To constitute a member in good standing, it is requisite as an 
essential that he shall be a contributing member, which presupposes he 
shall be in active membership, a condition not contemplated in a quasi-mem- 
bership. That a member applying for a Withdrawal Card for whatsoever 
purpose does by the act manifest a desire to relinquish his membership in 
the Order, that although the member may have taken his Withdrawal Card 
for the specific purpose of an immediate deposit into the hands of the Grand 
Master with a view to application for a charter for a new Lodge, yet during 
its transition he has ceased to be a contributing member, and is not restored 
to that condition until the charter has been granted and the Lodge instituted, 
at which time he must be present. With great propriety a distinction could 
be made in cases where a Withdrawal Card is obtained and especially in- 
tended to be used only for the purpose of application for a charter for the 
institution of a new Lodge. Here whilst the brother voluntarily relinquishes 
his position of membership, it is to accomplish a purpose for the advance- 
ment of the Order attainable through no other channel, but the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge has refused the legislation. 

3328. It is illegal for the Grand Lodge to provide that " when a member with- 
draws his card for the express purpose of instituting a new Lodge, he can return 
his card and hold his former standing in said Lodge without the least loss, and 
this is the only case where he can return without regular form of deposit of card ; 
and if he remains in the new Lodge an unreasonable time, the contract is violated 
on his part, and he cannot be readmitted to his former standing without the con- 
sent of the Lodge," as it is at variance with the By-Laws of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, which provide that no person shall at the same time hold membership in 
more than one Grand or Subordinate Body. 

3329. A member of a Lodge applied for a Withdrawal Card for the ex- 
press purpose of establishing a new Lodge. The Lodge was instituted. The 
brother applied to the new Lodge for a Withdrawal Card, which was granted. 
He then came to his original Body and deposited his card, which was ac- 
cepted without being balloted for by, or fee being paid to his old Lodge. 
All this took place within a few weeks of the first application. The brother 
paid dues and was taken sick. It was held that not having come back by de- 
posit of card, petition and the paying of the fee prescribed by the laws, he 
had not legally been readmitted to membership in his old Lodge, and was 
therefore not entitled to benefits. 



368 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

REAL ESTATE. 

See Halls. See Dedication. 

Appropriations. Trustees. 

Funds. Special Five Per Cent Fund. 

3330. A Lodge has the right to invest its funds in productive real estate, 
where the security is ample and the rentals yield a reasonable interest on 
the investment. 

3331. The net revenue derived from real estate should be placed in the 
general fund and can only be donated or used for legitimate expenditures of 
the Order. 

3332. The right to purchase real estate is particularly applicable to those 
cases where a Lodge desires to own its own hall, and it is therefore legal 
by complying with the general law concerning halls, to make this investment, 
either by separate ownership, or jointly with some other society, or it may buy 
stock in an Odd Fellows' hall. 

3333. A Lodge cannot by resolution, by-law or otherwise divert its funds 
from the uses of the Order as regulated by general law. If the laws of the 
jurisdiction and the by-laws of the particular Lodge do not prohibit, a Lodge 
may without a by-law appropriate from its general fund for the purposes 
contemplated by the general law. This rule applies to funds arising from 
the rental of Lodge property. But even where such rentals are kept sep- 
arate as a distinct fund for such special purposes, such fund can be used 
only for such purposes as are provided for by the general law, and the Lodge 
cannot exercise the latitude in expending the same as is allowed in expend- 
ing the special five per cent, fund created from the receipt of dues. 

3334. Where a Lodge owns a two-story building, the first floor being used 
as a public hall, the monies received for rent of the lower hall are Lodge 
funds, and can not legally be used for any other purpose, the building hav- 
ing been put up with the funds of the Lodge. As the building; was erected 
with Lodge funds, it is a Lodge investment, and any return from that in- 
vestment, can only be used in accordance with the laws of the Order, and 
cannot be separated and used for any other purpose. 

3335. The Order believes in*a Lodge owning its own property, but under 
no circumstances should they be permitted to rent or lease said property 
owned by them for saloon purposes. 

3336. A Lodge shall not lease any part of its Lodge property, or prop- 
erty in its control, directly or indirectly to any person or persons to be used 
as a saloon or place to dispense intoxicants and beverages to be drunk there 
and then on the premises. 

3337. A Lodge may for any lawful purpose dispose of real estate owned 
by it without obtaining the permission of the Grand Lodge. 

3338. A Lodge desiring to raise money for legitimate purposes can mort- 
gage by or through its Trustees holding the legal titles, its real estate to se- 
cure the lender, without first obtaining the consent of the Grand i^odge. 

3339. The Grand Lodge has such a reversionary interest in the real 
estate of any Lodge that upon its dissolution, the title immediately rests 
in the Grand Lodge, and it can invoke legal remedies in the civil courts to pro- 
tect its right. 

RECESS. 

See Meetings. See Entering and Ketiring. 

3340. There is no general law giving a Lodge the right to have a recess; 
the practice, however, not having been interdicted, custom and usage sanc- 
tion it, under certain necessary restrictions. 

3341. When in recess, and an application is made for admission, the 
Lodge should come to order, the officers assume their respective stations, 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 369 

EECESS. 

and the brother work his way in in regular form. In the event of members 
retiring, the same mode of procedure should be observed. 

3342. If, however, a brother should without proper formality gain ad- 
mittance to the. Lodge room during a recess, he should be required to retire 
and work his way in, according to law, when the Lodge resumes its regu- 
lar session. 

RECONSIDERATION. 

(a). Of Ballot. (b). Of Legislation and Trials. 

See Elections. See Voting. 

Trials. Ballot. 

(a). Of BaUot. 

3343. As a general rule, it may be stated that unless there is some ex- 
press permission to do so conferred by law, a ballot once declared cannot 
be reconsidered. 

3344. A Noble Grand who may make a mistake in announcing the result 
of a ballot, and immediately afterwards perceives the error, has a right to 
correct it at the time, and before the ballot box has been put aside. 

3345. There can be no reballot where it has been declared favorable, except 
in cases of un worthiness or of error or fraud. 

3346. By the general law a Grand Lodge is authorized to adopt a law per- 
mitting its subordinates to immediately take a ballot for candidates for member- 
ship where black balls appear, in order to verify the fact that black balls may not 
have been cast by error (this has never been authorized in this jurisdiction). And 
by the general law a Grand Lodge has also the right to provide that where one 
black ball appears in ballotting for a candidate, one or more additional ballots 
shall be taken (this has never been authorized in this jurisdiction). 

3347. When, upon a ballot, the number of black balls required by the 
law to reject are cast, the applicant shall be declared to be rejected; and it 
is not lawful for the application to be referred for further investigation and 
a new ballot at, some future meeting. By the local law a Lodge cannot lawfully 
provide for a second or third ballot on a given number of black balls being cast 
on a preceding ballot. > 

3348. A Grand Body has no power to authorize its Grand Lodge Officers 
to grant dispensations to reballot in case of a rejected application for mem- 
bership. 

3349. "Where all the brothers wllo have cast black balls against an ap- 
plicant for membership, voluntarily make a motion for a reconsideration 
of the ballot, the same may be reconsidered; and in such case the vote on 
the reconsideration shall be taken by ball ballot, and if all the balls cast be 
in favor of it, the reconsideration shall be had; whereupon the application 
shall lie over until the succeeding stated meeting, when another ballot shall 
be had, with ball ballots, and if the same be unanimously in favor of the 
applicant, he shall thereby be elected; but if one or more black balls ap- 
pear, in either ballot, the applicant shall be rejected; and in no case shall 
a reconsideration be had, except upon the voluntary motion of all those who 
cast the black balls; and never more than one motion for a reconsideration 
in the same case shall be allowed. And provided, always, that such recon- 
sideration shall be had within four meeting nights next succeeding the re- 
jection. 

3350. If a person has been irregularly elected through fraud or error 
a majority of the Lodge can, previous to his initiation, order a new ballot. 

3351. In case illegal ballots are cast for membership in a Subordinate 
Lodge (such illegality being that the brothers voting upon such application 



370 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

RECONSIDERATION-Of Ballot. 

were disqualified by the By-Laws), such, ballot cannot be declared void by 
the presiding officer alone, but may be by a majority of the Lodge previous 
to initiation. The ordering of a new ballot necessarily involves the abrogation of 
the former ballot. 

3352. After the Noble Grand had declared a candidate elected, the Vice 
Grand claimed he was mistaken, and that there were three black balls cast. 
The ballot having been destroyed, the Noble Grand, without objection, or- 
dered a new ballot, when the candidate was rejected. Held that under the 
circumstances the Lodge must be presumed to have consented to the new 
ballot and that such new ballot was legal. 

3353. In all cases where a candidate for membership in a Subordinate 
Lodge has been elected, but subsequent to his election and prior to his ini- 
tiation, the Lodge shall become satisfied that he is unworthy, it shall be 
competent for the Lodge to annul such election and declare it void by a 
two-thirds majority of the members present. 

3354. When a ballot has been declared null and void, the proposition, 
report of the committee and the action of the Lodge receiving such report 
and ordering a ballot, would be before the Lodge, and nothing would remain 
to be done except to ballot anew. 

3355. A Lodge cannot legally reconsider a ballot for membership at a. 
special meeting, even with the consent of the Grand Master. 

3356. It is not legal to ballot to reconsider an application for member- 
ship even if called for that purpose, at a special meeting in the absence of 
any provision for such special meetings by the Grand Lodge. 

3357. When a ballot has elected an officer, the vote cannot be reconsid- 
ered; it comes under the rule that a ballot declared cannot be reconsidered. 

(b). Of Legislation and Trial. 

3358. Action taken by a Grand Body at one session can be reconsidered at 
the subsequent session. 

3359. A Grand Lodge can^ reconsider a ruling of the Grand Master made 
at the previous session of such Grand Body. 

3360. The decision of the Committee on the State of the Order approved 
by the Grand Master on the appeal by a brother expelled from the Order, 
confirming the expulsion and entered on the Journal of the Grand Lodge, is 
a final and conclusive disposition of the controversy, as is likewise the 
action of the Grand Lodge, where it hears and determines the appeal at its 
own session, no appeal being taken to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, the Grand 
Lodge cannot at a subsequent session reopen the case and again hear and 
determine it. 

3361. A motion to table a motion to reconsider is out of order. 

3362. After the passage of a resolution by a Grand Lodge, acquitting a 
brother who had been expelled by his Subordinate Lodge, it is competent 
for such Grand Lodge at the same session to reconsider such vote and pass a 
resolution affirming the decision of the Lodge. 

3363. In like manner, in a similar case where an appeal is taken to the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, which appeal is sustained, and the Grand Lodge 
directed to restore the applicant to membership, the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
cannot at a subsequent session reopen and again consider the case. 

3364. The following point of order was made, namely : That the Grand Lodge 
cannot at this session reconsider an appeal case disposed of at a previous session.- 
That the only course remaining to the Lodge is to ask the privilege to appeal 
to the Sovereign Grand Lodge at the session when the matter was disposed 
of or at the next subsequent session. The Grand Master ruled the point 
of order to be not well taken where the accused was punished by suspension, 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 371 

RECONSIDERATION-Of Legislation and Trial. 

and it appears that the Lodge had no notice of the appeal having been taken 
by the brother from the judgment of the Appeal Committee sustaining the 
Lodge. 

3365. A Lodge expelled, or tried to expel, a brother for contempt. The broth- 
er appealed to the Grand Lodge, and his appeal was referred to the -Judiciary 
Committee of the Grand Lodge. The appellant's contention was upheld 
by the committee. From this decision the Lodge appealed to the Grand 
Lodge. This was in 1899, when the Grand Lodge met, the Lodge, through 
its attorney, withdrew the appeal, and nothing more was heard of it until 
•1902, being a few days less than three years after said appeal had been with- 
drawn, when a resolution was introduced by the representative of the Lodge, 
asking the Grand Lodge to proceed with the trial of the case, which had 
been so withdrawn three years before. The resolution was referred to the 
Judiciary Committee, who, in an able and comprehensive report, denied the 
right of the Lodge to bring the matter before the Grand Lodge. From the 
decision of the committee an appeal was taken to the Grand Lodge, which 
refused the appeal and sustained the Judiciary Committee. From the de- 
cision of the Grand Lodge, the Lodge appealed to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge. Held that a reversal of the opinion given by the Grand Lodge would 
establish a precedent for continuous and never-ending litigation and appeals 
and make it impossible for Grand Bodies and members or Lodges to adjudi- 
cate differences or have them settled. 

3366. A brother claimed from his Lodge certain benefits which the Lodge 
refused to pay. He appealed to the Grand Lodge, where the action of the 
Lodge was sustained. He took a further appeal to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, where, in 1878, the action of the Grand Lodge was sustained. Three 
years later he memorialized the Sovereign Grand Lodge to reopen the de- 
cision of 1878, retry the case and render a decision in his favor. In the 
opinion prepared by the Judiciary and Appeal Committee and adoption by 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge, it is said: "This cannot be done in this case. 
The decision, by the adjournment of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, became a 
final, conclusive, and binding judgment in favor of the i^odge, which this 
Sovereign Body at no subsequent session could set aside or annul except in a 
case of gross fraud or mistake, which the appellant used due diligence and 
took the proper steps to have corrected. Without passing upon tne merits of 
this case, without saying whether the decision of the Grand Lodge was right 
or wrong, and without determining whether the memorialist obtained such 
a record as he was entitled to from the Grand Lodge, this application comes 
too late. For full three years the appellant has had full knowledge of all 
frauds or mistakes, of which he could take advantage, if there were any, 
and thus by his laches has lost his right to attack or reopen that decision. 
That decision is now res judicata as to the specific benefits it relieved the 
Lodge from paying to the appellant. It is a vested right of that Lodge, 
which this Sovereign Grand Lodge cannot now disturb upon such a case as made 
by the memorialist. The decision of this Sovereign Grand Lodge, now opening 
and reversing the decision of 1878, would furnish an authority and precedent 
for the Lodge three years later, to file its memorial and have reopened the 
decision rendered at this session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, thus in- 
definitely extending the time for contests and controversies between Subor- 
dinate Lodges and their members. 

3367. In 1854 a brother made a claim to his Lodge for funeral benefits 
on account of the death of his wife. Payment was refused. In January, 
1858, three and one-half years later, he presented a claim for sick benefits. 
Payment was refused on the ground that he was in arrears, and therefore 
not entitled to benefits. He answered that the Lodge was indebted to him 
in the sum of fifteen dollars for funeral benefits and therefore he was 
not in arrears. If the Lodge was indebted to Jm for funeral benefits, as 
claimed, he was not in arrears, and therefore was entitled to the benefits. 
The Lodge appointed a special committee and it reported against the claim. 



372 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

RECONSIDERATION-Of Legislation and Trial. 

on the ground that the Lodge was not indebted for funeral benefits; that 
claimant was in arrears, and therefore not beneficial, and this report was 
adopted by the Lodge. On appeal, this action was held to be a mere re- 
iteration of the action of more than three years before. An appeal was 
taken to the Grand Lodge, and the Grand Lodge, while inclined to hold that 
the claimant was entitled to the funeral benefits of his wife, disallowed the 
appeal, on the ground that it was taken too late. The By-Laws of the Juris- 
diction of Pennsylvania required appeals to be taken within three months 
of the date of the action appealed from. In 1860, the brother having de- 
ceased, his widow memorialized the Grand Lodge to review and overrule the 
decision of 1858, and to require the Lodge to pay her the funeral benefits 
of her husband's first wife, with sick benefits claimed to have been due her 
husband, and for funeral benefits, amounting to $185. Three separate reso- 
lutions were passed by the Grand Lodge, directing the Lodge to make these 
three several payments. From this action of the Grand Lodge the Lodge 
appealed to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. In passing upon the resolutions 
directing the payment of the funeral benefits of the first wife and the sick 
benefits, the Sovereign Grand Lodge said: "The general law cannot recog- 
nize the right of a brother to sleep upon a claim which he may have, or sup- 
pose himself to have, for three and one-half years, and deal with the Lodge 
all the time by payments made by him to his Lodge, as if no such claim ex- 
isted, or was supposed to exist, as was the fact in this case, and then come 
in and revive the claim thus long before denied by his Lodge, and abandoned 
or ignored by himself — for if allowed after three years, it may be after ten 
or twenty years. Any such ruling as would establish this right would, in 
the opinion of the committee, practically nullify all provisions designed to 
limit controversy and unsettle all the business and jeopardize the interests 
of every Subordinate Lodge and Encampment in the Order." 

3368. A member of a Lodge died February 17, 1856. May 12, 1856, his 
widow applied for funeral benefits. Payment was denied. January 25, 1858, 
the claim was renewed. Payment was again denied. August, 1861, an ap- 
peal was taken by "Widow Glenn" to the Grand Lodge, which appeal was 
sustained and the Lodge ordered to make payment. From this action the 
Lodge appealed to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, on the ground that the ap- 
peal to the Grand Lodge was not taken within the time allowed by the By- 
Laws. Appeals were required to be taken within twelve months, whereas 
the appeal was not taken until after the lapse of two and ohe-half years. In 
the opinion sustaining the appeal and reversing the action of the Grand 
Lodge, the Sovereign Grand Lodge said: "Your committee cannot recognize 
the right of the Grand Lodge to disregard its own By-Laws as in this case. 
To do so would be to open the doors to all latent claims, thereby involving 
Lodges and Encampments in difficulties and probable ruin." 

3369. In 1885, the Sovereign Grand Lodge, having under consideration a 
memorial from a Grand Lodge, seeking to "Reopen the case" of Abraham 
Driesbaugh vs. the Grand Lodge, determined at the session of 1884, and 
"award a new trial on its merits," reasserted the doctrine above stated, say- 
ing: "The principle enunciated by this Grand Lodge in 1881 is that the de- 
cision by the adjournment of the Sovereign Grand Lodge became a final, con- 
clusive and binding judgment which this Sovereign Body at no subsequent 
session could set aside or annul, except in a case of gross fraud or mistake, 
in which the appellant used due diligence and took the proper steps to have 
corrected." This rule rests upon the most firmly settled principles of law 
and justice and is the only rule by which all courts are compelled to protect 
themselves and parties from endless litigation. 

3370. By parliamentary law no motion can be reconsidered but once. 
If the motion is made and indefinitely postponed and the rules of the Lodge 
provide that indefinite postponement cannot be reconsidered, that end* the 
power of the Lodge to reconsider. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 373 

RECONSIDERATION— Of Legislation and Trial. 

3371. An election of officers cannot be reconsidered if the election is 
illegal from any cause; it must be declared void by the Lodge in the manner 
prescribed by law before a new election can be held. 

3372. A brother elected by a Lodge as representative to the Grand Lodge 
or to any office in the Lodge on the meeting nignt fixed for elections, is the 
representative or officer, as the case may be, and although a reconsideration 
of the vote may be taken at a subsequent meeting and another brother elect- 
ed, the one elected on the designated or regular election night is the repre- 
sentative or officer. 

3373. The business of a regular stated meeting cannot be reconsidered 
at a special meeting unless particularly called for that purpose. 

3374. A motion to reconsider must be made on that or the next succeed- 
ing stated meeting after the action has been had, except in the case of a 
rejected candidate. 

3375. The power to reconsider does not apply to a case of expulsion by 
a secret ballot, but to the ordinary parliamentary questions arising in de- 
liberative bodies. 

3376. A member once expelled is out of the Order and no motion made 
to reconsider that vote can be entertained. He must comply with the laws 
of the Order, which provide the mode and manner in which expelled mem- 
bers may be reinstated. 

3377. A By-Law providing for the reconsideration of motions does not 
apply to a case of expulsion by secret ballot; it only applies to ordinary par- 
liamentary questions. A member once expelled is out of the Order, and no 
By-Law can be made by a Lodge to nullify the general law which prohibits a re- 
consideration of the ballot. 

3378. A Lodge having in a trial for charges found the brother guilty and 
imposed a penalty, cannot at a subsequent meeting, because of irregularity 
in voting, or for any cause, vote to reconsider. The Lodge is estopped from 
reopening the case as its jurisdiction is exhausted, even if the proceedings 
were irregular it cannot take advantage of its own wrong. 

3379. A Lodge having imposed a penalty of fine and suspension, cannot 
at a subsequent meeting reconsider the motion and expel the brother. 

3380. A Subordinate by vote adopted an amendment to a By-Law, -and 
at the next meeting a motion was made to reconsider the vote, tne By-Laws 
provided that no amendment to the By-Laws should be made unless written 
notice thereof should be given at the regular meeting previous to its being acted 
upon. There was also a rule of order that no motion for a reconsideration should . 
be received unless made within two meetings after taking the motion on any 
question. Held that there was no conflict in these provisions of law. Until the 
expiration for the time for a reconsideration under the rules of order, legislation 
on the subject was not concluded, and the Subordinate still has control of it. The 
reconsideration of the vote was not equivalent to an amendment to the By-Law. 

3381. Where a proposed amendment to the constitution of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge was indefinitely postponed, and immediately thereafter a mo- 
tion to reconsider was made, Held that the motion to reconsider was in 
order, taking precedence of all other motions. 

3382. The vote by which a Withdrawal Card was authorized cannot be 
reconsidered. 

3383. It is not necessary or proper to reconsider a vote granting a Withdrawal 
Card in order to arraign the brother to whom such card may have been given ; 
because the card having been voted the membership of the brother ceases, and he 
has a legal right to the card, which if he desires to renew his membership, he can 
deposit in the usual mode ; or if it shall have been inadvertently granted to an 
unworthy brother, the Lodge may annul it, taking care to allow to the brother 
implicated a fair and impartial trial, as in the case of suspended members, against 
whom charges are preferred. 



374 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

REDUCED BENEFITS. 

3384. After benefits have accrued, a Lodge cannot by its action reduce 
the amount. The reduction can only apply to benefits for weeks that are 
yet to come. 

3385. A Lodge may provide that after a sick member has received a full 
year's benefits, the weekly benefits for such member may be reduced to one 
dollar. 

3386. Lodges may make By-Laws providing that after members shall 
have received, or shall thereafter receive, a specified amount of benefits, 
the benefits shall be reduced. They may also provide that after a brother 
has been sick and in the receipt of benefits for a specified time, his benefits 
shall be reduced to another specified amount of weekly benefits. 

3387. The inclusion of previous sickness as a means of determining tne 
reduction of future benefits, is not a violation of the principle that a By-Law 
shall not be retroactive so as to affect vested rights. 

3388. It is not questioned (for the Constitution so provides) that after a 
brother has drawn benefits for a certain length of time, to be fixed by the 
By-Laws, his benefits may be reduced. Under this provision of the Consti- 
tution it has been decided that the sickness need not be in consecutive 
weeks, and that a By-Law providing that after fifty-two weeks' sickness in 
any period of five years, the benefits shall be reduced, is valid. 

3389. A By-Law providing that where a brother has received benefits 
amounting in the aggregate to $600, he shall thereafter receive only two dol- 
lars per week, is illegal. 

3390. The By-Laws can provide so that the weeks sickness which shall 
operate to reduce the amount of benefits need not be consecutive weeks. 
The Lodge can provide for reduction in chronic cases, where there are in- 
tervals between constantly recurring periods of sickness. 

3391. A Lodge may enact a By-Law like the following: "Should a brother 
be reported sick or disabled, suffering with the same sickness or disability 
for which he had received weekly benefits within a period of forty weeks 
after having been declared well and off the care of the Lodge, such sickness 
or disability shall be considered as a continuation of the previous sickness 
or disability, and weekly benefits shall be paid commencing with the firm 
week at the same rate per week following the last week's benefits paid for 
the previous sickness or disability." 

3392. By the General Law if a brother is taken off the sick list, and he and the 
Lodge believe him to be well, and, nearly four months later, his illness recurs 
from the same cause, he should again draw benefits at the full rate fixed by the By- 
Laws, unless the By-Laws of the Lodge provide that the sickness of a Brother 
to bring him within the terms of the plan of reduced benefits, need not be con- 
tinuous. 

3393. It is proper to adopt a By-Law providing for the payment of $5 per 
week, as benefits for ten weeks, and $2 per week thereafter. 

3394. A claim for balance of weekly benefits, fifteen weeks at $3, less 
$15 paid on account, leaving balance still due of $30, which the Lodge de- 
clined to pay, for the reason that the brother was only entitled to benefits 
at the rate of $1 per week. From the evidence it appears that the benefits 
were reduced by a resolution of the Lodge. Held the brother was entitled* 
to benefits for the full amount claimed, as benefits cannot be reduced by a 
resolution of the Lodge. If the Lodge desires to reduce its benefits it must 
be done by a By-Law in conformity with the laws of the Order. The Lodge 
cannot reduce the benefits or suspend a By-Law by resolution. 

3395. A brother is reported sick with inflammatory rheumatism in Au- 
gust, 1902, and is reported off the sick list on January 28, 1903. He is re- 
ported sick with muscular rheumatism on December 2, 1903. The Lodge 
paid him for twenty-three weeks at $5 and $3 per week for the sickness from 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 375 

REDUCED BENEFITS. 

August, 1902, to January, 1903. In the absence of a By-Law declaring otherwise 
the Lodge cannot begin to pay him benefits for the second sickness at the reduced 
rate he was receiving when he was taken off the sick list on January 28, 1903 ; or, 
in other words, call it a case of continuous sickness or disease. It is two distinct 
cases of sickness, and the benefits must begin again at the highest rate, the same 
as if the brother had never been on the sick list before. 

3396. A Lodge adopted a By-Law to pay benefits as follows: Three dol- 
lars per week for the first thirteen weeks, $2 per week for the next thirty- 
nine weeks, and $1 per week thereafter should the sickness or disability con- 
tinue. The Lodge has been paying a brother benefits at the rate of $2 per 
week as provided for by the old By-Laws. Should the Lodge continue to 
pay him $2 per week, or should they pay $1 per week to the brother? The 
Lodge should pay the brother at the rate of $1 per week during the con- 
tinuance of the sickness or disability; provided he has already drawn fifty- 
two weeks' sick benefits under the old By-Law. 

3397. Under a By-Law which reads as follows: Members drawing fifty- 
two weeks in five consecutive years shall thereafter be entitled to ?2 per 
week. A brother taken sick, say, in 1906 who drew benefits in 1902, 1903 
and 1904, would not be within the terms of this By-Law. 

REFRESHMENTS. 

See Application to Use Name of Order. See Appropriations. 

Permission to Use Name of Order. Halls. 

Intoxicating Liquors. Special Five Per Cent Fund. 

Liquors. 

3398. No. Lodge shall hold any anniversary or other celebration, ball or 
party, where the regalia of the Order may be worn or the name of the Order 
assumed, without the consent of the G-rand Master being first obtained in 
writing, such permission to be predicated only upon the direct promise of 
the officers of the Lodge seeking the permission that no intoxicating bev- 
erages of any kind shall be offered by them to the members or guests present 
on the occasion. 

3399. All spiritous, vinous and malt liquors shall be excluded from the 
Lodge rooms and ante-rooms or halls connected with or adjoining thereto, 
under the control of any Lodge of this Order; but edibles and refreshments 
of all kinds other than those named may be so served, if for any legitimate 
purpose. 

REGALIA. 

See Jewels. See "Meetings- 

Rank. Entering and Retiring. 

3400. Strictly speaking, the word regalia, from the Latin, regalia, royal 
things, signifies the ornaments of a king or queen, and is applied to the para- 
phernalia used at a coronation, such as a crown, scepter, cross, mound, &c. 
But in modern times it has been employed to signify almost any kind of or- 
naments and has come to comprehend the decorations or insignia of an of- 
hcer or order. An insignia being the badges or distinguishing marks of an 
office, rank or order. Hence in Odd Fellowship regalia means the symbolic 
clothing of an Odd Fellow which by the legislation of the Sovereign G-rand 
Lodge has been abbreviated into the time honored collar, so that when we 
speak of Regalia, we more strictly mean the prescribed clothing which is 
suitable to a brother's rank and station in the Order, and therefore we prop- 
erly say that a brother is clothed in his regalia. 

One of the uses of our Regalia is to teach us to beware how we judge 
men by mere appearance. The regalia is full of precious memories and 
solemn teachings. The light shed on its meaning as we advance in Odd 
Fellowship and its novel application to impress on our minds important 
principles and precepts renders it peculiarly pleasing and highly useful. The 
thoughtful Odd Fellow is continually reminded by it of important duties to God 



376 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

REGALIA. 

and man. The regalia also assists in marking grades and stations in the Order. 
It is not only an uniform, but the very colors are made to teach important lessons 
and duties. The regalia of the Order is in every detail fixed and determined by the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, and neither the Grand Lodge nor a Subordinate 
Lodge can adopt or use or suffer to be adopted or used in this jurisdiction 
any other regalia than those prescribed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

3401. The regalia of the Order shall be as follows, to wit: Collars of 
Subordinate Lodges shall be white trimmed with the emblematic cojors of 
the degree intended to be represented, namely: First Degree, Pink; Second 
Degree, Blue; Third Degree, Scarlet; Initiatory Degree, a plain white collar. 
Rosettes of the appropriate color may be worn upon the collar. 

3402. The Noble Grand, Secretary and Treasurer, shall each wear a Scar- 
let collar, trimmed with white or silver; the Vice Grand, a Blue collar trim- 
med in like manner; Supporters of the Noble Grand and Vice Grand, shall 
wear sashes of the color of those offices respectively. Warden and Conduc- 
tor, Black sashes; Scene Supporters, White sashes; Chaplain, White sash; 
Outside Guardian, Scarlet sash; Inside Guardian, Scarlet sash. The posi- 
tion of each officer shall be indicated by the jewel of the office. 

3403. A brother is entitled to wear regalia indicative of his highest rank 
in the Order, whether he is attending Lodge or Encampment, and to be designated 
in the minutes or journals thereof in like manner. 

3404. A brother is not only entitled to but should wear the regalia desig- 
nating his highest rank to which he has attained in the Order. But a brother 
who is an officer of his Subordinate Lodge cannot lawfully wear his official 
regalia in the Rebekah Lodge or Encampment of which he is a member. The 
regalia of a Noble Grand, Vice Grand or other officer of a Lodge should be 
worn by the person lawfully occupying the office or chair at the time being. The 
regalia of an officer is not one that should be worn by him, except when perform- 
ing some duty of his office. 

3405. An officer of a Subordinate Lodge must be clothed in his regalia, 
wear the jewel of his office, and occupy his chair or station, to participate 
in the business of the Lodge. He cannot at this time wear the regalia of 
any other rank he has attained in the Order, even though it be higher than 
that required for the office he is filling. When performing the functions of 
an office he must wear the regalia appropriate to that office. 

3406. Any brother occupying either permanently or temporarily a sta- 
tion in a Lodge should wear the regalia of the office he thus occupies. Thus 
if a Past Grand occupies the Vice Grand's chair he should wear the Blue 
regalia of that office exactly, as a Vice Grand when acting as Noble Grand 
should wear the scarlet regalia of that chair. The same rule applies to the 
other offices. 

3407. If any brother occupying a station in the Lodge is not properly 
clothed in regalia, the attention of the Noble Grand, or the Lodge, should be 
called thereto, and objection made to the brother's right to act while im- 
properly clothed. 

3408. Any brother occupying, either permanently or temporarily, a chair 
shall wear the regalia and jewel of the office he thus occupies. Officers shall 
wear the jewels of their office in the Lodge. 

3409. Officers of a Lodge cannot lawfully wear jewels in lieu of regalia, 
either in their work or in the third degree. 

3410. No brother is entitled to enter or leave the Lodge room unless 
clothed in regalia. If an officer desires to enter and his regalia be in his 
chair in the Lodge room, he must enter in a Scarlet regalia and there ex- 
change it for his official regalia. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 377 

REGALIA. 

3411. All brothers while in the Lodge room should be clothed in regalia 
indicative of their rank and station in the Lodge. 

3412. A member cannot vote or take part in the business of a Lodge un- 
less he is in proper regalia. 

3413. Past Grands wear Scarlet collars or sashes. The collars or sashes 
of Past Grands may be trimmed with silver, lace or fringe; and those having 
attained the Royal Purple degree may have trimming of yellow metal. All 
members of Subordinate Lodges may wear rosettes displaying the colors 
of the degrees they have taken. 

3414. A Lodge is bound to recognize and give a Past Grand's regalia to 
one who is admitted by card, certifying that he is a Past Grand, if he has not 
the Past Grand degree. 

3415. Past Grands are compelled by law to wear Past Grand's collars 
when entering the Lodge room or when sitting in the Lodge, Every mem- 
ber must be clothed in the regalia of the highest rank he has attained. 

3416. A Past Grand cannot properly enter the Lodge room with a Third 
Degree collar on, and remain during the session of the Lodge with it on, 
when the Lodge is open in the Third Degree, there oeing plenty of Past 
Grand's collars that he could get. All brothers, while in the JLodge room, 
should be clothed in the regalia indicative of their rank and station in the 
Lodge, therefore a Past Grand should wear a Past Grand's collar. 

3417. The regalia of a Past Grand who is also a Past Chief Patriarch 
may in lieu of any other regalia to which he may tie entitled, be a Scarlet 
collar trimmed with white, the collar not to be more than five and one-half 
inches wide, with a row of purple two inches wide, trimmed with yellow, 
the collar to be united in front with three links. The above described re- 
galia may be worn by a brother who has passed the chairs in a Lodge and in 
an Encampment, in any Grand or Subordinate Lodge, or any Grand or Sub- 
ordinate Encampment. The collar may be of scarlet velvet, with white 
metal trimmings, and the roll of purple velvet, with yellow metal trimmings. 

3418. The use of collars as regalia in the Subordinate Lodge constitutes 
a distinctive feature of the Order that must be preserved. 

3419. Regalia at the funeral of a deceased brother: A black crepe 
rosette, having a centre of the color of the highest degree to which the wear- 
er may have attained, to be worn on the left breast ; above it a sprig of ever- 
green, and below (if the wearer be an elective or past officer) the jewel or 
jewels which as such he may be entitled to wear. 

3420. It is not necessary to be clothed at the same time in the Initiatory 
regalia or in the costumes of the degree work, and also in the working re- 
galia of a Lodge. 

3421. While the regalia may, by permission of the Grand Master, be worn in 
public, nevertheless the Initiatory or Degree paraphernalia cannot be worn in 
public or in parade. 

3422. Officers of a Lodge wearing the paraphernalia of such as members 
of a Degree Staff while conferring the degrees, need not wear at the same 
time the regalia or jewels of such officers. 

3423. Officers, past officers and members of Grand Lodges, wear the 
regalia of Past Grands. 

3424. At sessions of Grand Bodies, in lieu of any regalia hereinbefore 
described, a ribbon may be worn of the color of the highest degree the mem- 
ber has attained, having attached thereto any jewel which he is entitled or 
required to wear as provided by law. 

3425. By the fair meaning of the law, it is left optional with the mem- 
bers to append the jewel or no<t; with or without the jewel, the ribbon will 
be sufficient. It is the ribbon, and not the jewel, which is the substitute 

24 



378 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

REGALIA. 

for the regalia. The reference to a jewel was intended to apply solely to 
Grand Officers who, when they wear a ribbon, must attach the jewel of office. 

3426. A Grand Lodge having enacted that the collar is the proper regalia 
to be worn by Odd Fellows when in session, and that the wearing of any 
other insignia or badge is or will be a departure from the old well-established 
customs. A brother being called to order for appearing in said Grand Lodge 
wearing a ribbon, appealed to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. Held that the 
legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge leaves it optional with the mem- 
bers of Grand Lodges, as to whether they will wear the said ribbon, or con- 
tinue to wear the old and time honored collar, and that the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge did not, nor did it intend to, give this option to State Grand Bodies, 
so as to enable them to prescribe the regalia to' be worn by their members. 

3427. Grand "Representatives and Past Grand Representatives shall be 
entitled to wear medals, with the coat of arms of the State represented. 

3428. The Grand Master when visiting as such in his own jurisdiction, 
should wear the regalia and jewel of his office; at other times he may wear 
a Past Grand's regalia. 

3429. The Royal Purple Degree members may wear rosettes of black, 
yellow and purple on the collar, either in conjunction with other colors or 
as a separate rosette. 

3430. Past Officers of every description, and members in possession of 
the Encampment degrees, and all other members of the Order, when visit- 
ing Grand or Subordinate Lodges, and when attending tne meetings of the 
Lodges of which they are members, are entitled to wear the regalia and 
jewels pertaining to the highest degrees which they may have taken. 

3431. An Encampment member has the right to wear the Encampment 
regalia in a Subordinate Lodge. 

3432. It is not the duty of Encampment members to wear such regalia and 
jewels, but they may do so at their option. 

3433. An Encampment member can wear his Encampment regalia when 
sitting in his own Lodge, unless he is a Lodge officer, in which case he must 
wear the regalia of his office. 

3434. A member of a Subordinate Lodge who has been suspended by his 
Encampment for non-payment of dues or for any cause, or who has with- 
drawn from his Encampment or lost his membership therein in any other 
way, has no right to wear the Encampment regalia in his Subordinate Lodge 
or in any other Odd Fellow organization under or created by the authority 
of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. A Past Grand thus situated has not the 
right to wear the combined regalia of the Order nor any trimmings of yellow 
metal or other yellow material in any Lodge of any kind. 

3435. If a Subordinate Lodge has permission to march in public proces- 
sion in regalia, Encampment members of such Lodge have the right to wear 
their Encampment regalia in such Lodge procession. 

3436. The Patriarchs Militant Uniform is denominated a regalia, and, as 
such, can be worn by chevaliers when visiting Lodges and Encampments of 
the Order. 

3437. While the Patriarch Militant uniform is a regalia, and, as such, can be 
worn by chevaliers when visiting Lodges and Encampments of the Order, never- 
theless it cannot legally be worn when visiting as an installing officer. The acting 
Grand Lodge officers must be clothed in the regalia of the officers whose functions 
they are temporarily performing. 

3438. A member of the Patriarchs Militant has no right to wear his uni- 
form while installing the officers of a Subordinate Lodge, either in connec- 
tion with a Past Grand's regalia or without it. Being the representative of 
the Grand Master, he must wear the regalia representing that office, and that 
alone. The Grand Master and his Deputy are, so to speak, civil officers, and 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 379 

SEGALIA. 

when performing the functions of that office should be clothed in regalia ap- 
propriate to those functions. The Sovereign Grand Lodge resolved "that 
the Patriarchs Militant uniform be, and is, hereby denominated a regalia, 
and as such can be worn by chevaliers when visiting Lodges and Encamp- 
ments of our Order." The design of this resolution was simply to enable, 
chevaliers to make social visits to Subordinates in their uniform, and not 
to authorize them to wear it when performing duties as officers, either Grand 
or Subordinate. It was simply to facilitate purely social intercourse. It has 
always been the settled rule that a brother occupying an office, even tem- 
porarily, must be clothed in the regalia of that office, and allowing cheva- 
liers to wear their uniform, in whole or in part, with another regalia, at the 
pleasure of the wearer, would be to destroy all uniformity and all appro- 
priateness. In a Lodge room the form and color of the officers' regalia are 
significant, and to some extent symbolical of the duties and rank of the of- 
ficers. The intrusion of the Patriarchs Militant uniform into the chairs of 
officers of Subordinates would destroy all this, and would give to Subordi- 
nates a motley appearance, unique and perhaps ridiculous. 

3439. When a chevalier as such, visits a Subordinate, he must be 
clothed in full uniform; either the "full dress" or "undress" will answer the 
law. A part will not. The law says he can wear the uniform, not a part 
of it. As well (before the abolition of the apron ) might a brother have en- 
tered a Lodge with a collar and no apron, or with an apron and no collar, but 
it will not be pretended for a moment that this could have been done. The 
interests of the Order will be best subserved by keeping these two regalias 
entirely distinct. 

.'^440. A chevalier visiting, as such, a Lodge, Encampment or Rebekah 
Lodge, must be in full uniform, either fatigue or full dress, and need not 
wear regalia therewith; but while so clothed he cannot occupy any chair 
or do the work of any officer of the body visited. 

3441. A chevalier in uniform, otherwise qualified, cannot assume or take 
any of the chairs of office in a Subordinate Lodge without first changing his 
uniform (denominated as regalia by the Sovereign Grand Lodge) for the 
stipulated regalia of the office taken or assumed. 

3442. A chevalier in uniform cannot occupy the chair nor do the work 
of an officer in a Subordinate Lodge, nor can the uniform be used as the re- 
galia of a degree staff in conferring any part of the degrees in a Lodge. 

3443. A District Deputy Grand Master cannot be recognized as such 
when he visits a Subordinate Lodge in his district officially if dressed in the 
Patriarchs Militant regalia uniform. He should wear the regalia appropriate 
to and specified for the office he holds. 

3444. In all cases where a candidate enters the Lodge room to receive a 
degree, he should appear without regalia. 

3445. It is not lawful for Odd Fellows to enact a drama on the stage in 
public, in uniform or in the regalia or paraphernalia of the Order, though the 
drama be founded upon the principles of Odd Fellowship and designed to il- 
lustrate charity. 

3446. The law requires that officers shall wear jewels, and It is not a 
compliance therewith to have them wrought in the regalia. 

3447. Lodges have no authority to appear in public procession, public 
meetings, or public places, wearing regalia without having first obtained the 
permission of the Grand Master, or by resolution of the Grand Lodge. 

3448. The law does not prohibit attendance at church, or other public 
place in regalia merely to listen to a sermon or lecture and return directly to 
the Lodge room. 

3449. A Lodge has no right to assess its members to purchase regalia. 



380 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

REINSTATEMENT. 

(a). Of a Lodge. (b). Of Suspended Member. 

( a). Of a Lodge. 

3450. The Grand Lodge may in its discretion rehabilitate a Lodge sus- 
pended by the Grand Master for insubordination, or the action of the Grand 
Lodge suspending or expelling a Lodge may be reversed on appeal to the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, and the Grand Lodge may be directed to reinstate 
the Lodge. \ 

3451. Where a Grand Master has suspended a Lodge he has the power 
to reinstate it without waiting for the action of the Grand Lodge upon the 
charges preferred, or the charges may be withdrawn. 

3452. When a Lodge is suspended or expelled, its functions cease not 
merely as to certain purpose, but all purposes. When the disability is re- 
moved, then the Lodge starts again into the exercises of its various func- 
tions; and the rights of the several members to the offices they held, when 
the disability was imposed, revive with its removal, and they should proceed 
at once with their respective duties as though there had been no interruption. 

3453. When the disabilities are removed, for which a Subordinate Lodge 
is suspended and said Lodge resumes the exercise of its various functions, 
the officers and members occupy the same status they did before the sus- 
pension. 

3454. When a Lodge is reinstated, those persons who were in office at 
the time of the suspension or expulsion should resume their several offices 
without regard to the duration of the time intervening between the date of 
such suspension or expulsion and the reinstatement. The period of its sus- 
pension or expulsion is a blank in its existence, and whatsoever is done in 
such an interval by the persons claiming to be a Lodge, is without authority 
and in contempt of law, and must b© regarded as not merely voidable but 
utterly void. 

3455. After a Lodge has been suspended by a Grand Master and such 
suspension approved and the charter reclaimed by the Grand Lodge, the 
restoration of the charter by another Grand Master to a portion of the mem- 
bership of the Lodge and their institution as a Lodge, excluding certain 
members, of the original Lodge is void. Such Lodge should be treated as if 
it had never existed; and if the Lodge continues to act as a Lodge the mem- 
bers should be proceeded against for violating the laws of the Order. But 
as the Lodge had been working under a charter, although improperly be- 
stowed, the persons initiated during such time should be included as a part 
of the membership when the Lodge is again reorganized under the mandate 
of the Sovereign Grand Lodge as of the date of its original suspension. 

3456. On the reinstatement of a Lodge, if it is not possible to obtain the 
original charter, in order to carry out the decree of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, the Grand Master should issue a dispensation or duplicate charter, 
suspending or annuling by proclamation the old charter. The proclamation 
of a Grand Master, in accordance with the mandate of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, reinstating all members of a suspended Lodge at a certain date, re- 
stores such members fully to membership and to the office therein with all 
the rights held and exercised by them at the time of the original suspension 
or expulsion of said Lodge. 

(b). Of Suspended Members. 

(a). For Non-payment of Dues. (b). For Cause. 

(a). For Non-Payment of Dues. 

3457. A study of the question brings out the fact that as the Order grew 
older the severity of its legislation upon the question of restoring suspended 
members to membership and the transfer of membership gradually relaxed, 
and the unfavorable legislation that dominated its earlier years was super- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 381 

EEINSTATEMENT— Of Suspended Members— For Non-Payment of Dues. 

seded by milder and more liberal laws, so that to-day it is more possible to 
regain and retain our membership, the Sovereign Grand Dodge recognizing 
that it was better to hold and win back old members than to permit them, 
through unfavorable legislation, to drop out; in other words, that it was bet- 
ter to retain the members we had than to let them go and have to seek new 
ones. 

3458. Whereas, the question of reinstatement of members who have been 
suspended for non-payment of dues is one that is of great importance, and 
as each jurisdiction is better informed of the wants and demands of its mem- 
bers in regard to the subject, and greater satisfaction can be attained through 
having this matter placed under the control of the several local Grand 
Lodges; therefore, be it 

Resolved, that the question of the reinstatement of members who have 
been suspended for the non-payment of dues be relegated to, and placed un- 
der the control of, the several local Grand Lodges. 

Resolved, that all laws in conflict therewith be and are hereby repealed. 

3459. The question was asked does the adoption of the above resolution repeal 
the general law on the subject, or does the resolution refer only to methods and 
not to fees? 

Decision — The adoption of the resolution repeals the general law in so 
far as it conflicts therewith. 

The resolution is comprehensive and remits the whole subject of rein- 
statement of members to local Grand Lodges, and puts no limitation on the 
control w T hich may be given the matter by Grand Lodges. The general law upon 
the subject is of force, except where Grand Lodges in pursuance of the authority 
conferred by the resolution have assumed control and otherwise provided. 

3460. But one of two courses is open for persons to regain admission 
into the Order who have lost connection therewith by neglect or disuse. It 
is to apply to the Lodge with which they were formerly connected for rein- 
statement or for a dismissal certificate. 

3461. A brother cannot be reinstated at a special meeting. 

3462. A brother cannot be reinstated without application, reference, in- 
vestigation, and report as in other cases. 

3463. If a Lodge fixes its initiation fee at a less sum than is fixed for 
yearly dues, it cannot reinstate a member dropped for non-payment of dues 
within a year for a less sum than the amount of one year's dues, and a mem- 
ber who has been suspended for non-payment of dues for more than a year, 
cannot be charged for reinstatement more than is charged an initiate of the 
same age. Although it may charge less if its local law so provides. In com- 
puting the years dues if the By-Laws of the Lodge require the payment of funeral 
dues or assessment on the death of a member, or a member's wife, all such dues 
paid within the year of suspension should be paid by the applicant for reinstate- 
ment. 

3464. When a brother applies for reinstatement after suspension for non- 
payment of dues and is rejected, the money paid by him in his application 
must be returned to him, notwithstanding his indebtedness on the books of 
the Lodge. 

3465. The payment of a reinstatement fee need not precede the ballot. 
But after a favorable ballot, the payment of the fee is necessary to consumate 
the reinstatement. 

3466. If the By-Laws of the Lodge require the payment of funeral dues 
or assessment on the death of a member or a member's wife, all such dues 
paid within the year of suspension should be paid by the applicant for re- 
instatement. 

3467. The only legal mode by which suspended or expelled members can 
be restored to membership in the Order, in this jurisdiction is by being rein- 



382 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

EEINSTATEMEHT— Of Suspended Members— For Non-Payment of Dnes. 

stated in the Lodgie from which they were suspended or expelled. A sus- 
pended member may be received upon a Dismissal Certificate granted by the 
Lodge to which he formerly belonged. 

3468. A brother, over fifty years of age, who is under suspension for non- 
payment of dues, is eligible for reinstatement to beneficial membership, if the 
Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction has not legislated to the contrary. 

3469. The enactment by the Grand Lodge of the permission that appears 
in the Subordinate Constitution relating to the admission to a Lodge of non- 
beneficial members, is not such legislation as to render a brother over fifty 
years of age ineligible to reinstatement as a beneficial member. 

3470. When* a member who has been suspended for non-payment of dues 
applies for restoration and fails to pay the reinstatement fee for six stated 
Lodge meetings after having been elected, unless prevented by sickness or 
some other unavoidable occurrence, all action upon his application shall be 
deemed null and void, and he must renew his application if he wishes to be 
reinstated. 

3471. Many of the Lodges in Pennsylvania are pursuing a course which 
meets the approval of the Grand Lodge. A brother found to be heavily in 
arrears is approached with the view of renewing his membership, and it is 
suggested to him that by the payment of one year's dues he may be reha- 
bilitated. He accepts and fills out a formal application to the Lodge for the 
privilege, a Committee on Investigation is appointed, a report is made, and 
a ballot is had; if the ballot is favorable the request is granted. Such a 
course is a substantial compliance with the law, and certainly carries with it 
a cancellation of so much of the old debt as is not covered by the payment 
of the year's dues. This is based upon the well-known principle that one 
may do directly what he may do indirectly, hence the actual suspension of 
the member is not a vital part of the proceedings before reinstatement. 

3472. An unfavorable report of the committee upon an application for 
reinstatement of a suspended member is not a rejection; it will require a 
majority of the ballot to sustain the report of the Committee. 

3473. A brother who has been suspended for non-payment of dues in a 
Lodge, which has since his suspension surrendered its charter, may apply to 
the Grand Secretary for a Dismissal Certificate, for which the fee in no case 
shall exceed the amount charged for one year's dues. 

3474. A member suspended for non-payment of dues, upon beng rein- 
stated, becomes beneficial upon compliance with the By-Laws of the Lodge 
in relation to the payment of arrearage and dues, at the time fixed by the 
By-Laws. It is not necessary for a reinstated member to sign the Constitu- 
tion again. 

3475. When a member is reinstated to membership, he does not again 
sign the Constitution, as his reinstatement places him in the same position 
he was previous to severing his membership. The Financial Secretary com- 
mences to charge his dues from the date he was reinstated. 

3476. It is not necessary for a brother upon being reinstated to be present. 
The brother having paid his arrearages, the Lodge having taken favorable 
action on his reinstatement, places him in the same position he was before 
his suspension. 

3477. A brother was reinstated to membership in his Lodge. Soon after 
he had a fall upon the ice which disabled him, and at the expiration of six 
months after his reinstatement he applied for benefits, which were refused 
because according to the Constitution, "until the Constitution is signed no 
brother shall be beneficial." The Lodge was directed to pay the benefits 
claimed, for the reason that it is not necessary for a reinstated member to 
sign the Constitution. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 383 

BEINSTATEMENT— Of Suspended Members— For Non-Payment of Dues. 

3478. A Lodge had a By-Law as follows: "A member owing one year's 
dues or over, upon the payment of one year's dues at one and the same 
time, shall be placed in good standing," was approved by the Committee on 
By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. This By-Law was subsequently submitted 
to the Grand Master for examination, and he decided as follows: "If a 
member is suspended for non-payment of dues and is then reinstated, no 
question can be raised as to the cancellation of his indebtedness. Why, 
therefore, should there be any question about such cancellation, If the same 
result is obtained in a more direct method? There can be none, if the sub- 
stantial requirements of the law are rigidly adhered to. Here, it seems to 
me, is the real fault of the By-Law in question, and where it has always been 
contrary to law and of no force and effect, namely, that it provides a new 
method for reinstatement and utterly ignores the vital requirements of the 
Subordinate Constitution, — viz., an application by the brother, an investiga- 
tion, and the ballot. The By-Law, on the contrary, places it in the brother's 
power to go around that part of the law by the payment of one year's dues 
at one and the same time,' and thereupon the By-Law states he 'shall be 
placed in good standing.' The By-Law never was good, and it should not 
have been approved by the Committee on By-Laws. 

(b). Suspended for Cause. 

3479. The suspension of a member is intended only as a temporary pun- 
ishment, to be regulated by the magnitude of the offense; it does not sever 
his connection with the Order entirely, and the moment the term fixed for 
the duration of the punishment expires, and upon payment of all arrearages 
for dues ipso facto, and without any vote or action of his Lodge, the member 
returns to the full enjoyment of his position in the Lodge without form. Every 
Lodge holds its members undergoing punishment responsible for dues and un- 
worthy conduct during such disability. 

3480. A brother suspended for a definite period for non-payment of dues 
when the time expires is placed precisely in the same position in which he 
was previous to his suspension, with the additional amount of dues accru- 
ing during his suspension, and he may thereby become liable to suspension 
for non-payment of dues. 

3481. If upon appeal to a Grand Lodge, by a member of a Subordinate 
Lodge, charged with violating a known law of the Order, the decision of his 
Lodge be reversed, he is reinstated without the consent of his Subordinate 
Lodge. In such case, if the reversal has been by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, 
the position of the brother in the Order during the time between the ad- 
journment of the session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge at which the appeal 
was sustained and the time the Subordinate Lodge receives official notice 
from the Grand Lodge to restore the brother to membership, is that he still 
stands expelled until official notice reaches his Lodge from the Grand Lodge, 
and then he should of course be restored to all his rights. 

3482. Whenever a Lodge desires to reinstate a member who is under 
suspension for cause, prior to the termination of the period of suspension, 
the Lodge shall apply to the Grand Master for, and he may grant, a dispen- 
sation to reinstate the brother and remit the unexpired time of suspension. 

3483. The Grand Lodge has the authority to. authorize the Subordinate 
Lodges in the jurisdiction where members are suspended for cause to remit 
such portion of their accumulated and unpaid dues as it may determine upon 
reinstatement of such brothers. 

REJECTED. 

3484. When a candidate for membership has been rejected the Secretary 
shall forthwith notify the Grand Secretary thereof. 

3485. A law requiring Lodges to notify the Grand Secretary of rejec- 
tions and expulsions includes also rejections of applicants upon Visiting 
Cards and Withdrawal Cards, Official Certificates and Dismissal Certificates. 



384 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

REJECTED. 

3486. There is no general law of the Order limiting the number of times 
a candidate can be proposed after rejection; it is a matter of local law. 

3487. A rejected candidate cannot be again proposed for membership 
until six months after said rejection. 

3488. If a candidate is blackballed by a Lodge that had no legal right 
to receive and act upon the application, the candidate, being ignorant of the 
fact, need not wait six months before applying for membership in a proper 
Lodge, and such Lodge has a right to receive and act upon his application, 
the former action being illegal and void. 

3489. When a candidate has been proposed in a Lodge without his 
knowledge, either expressed or implied, and is rejected, he is not debarred 
from making application to any Lodge within six months. 

3490. An applicant for initiation, who has been blackballed in some other 
jurisdiction, cannot be admitted to membership in this jurisdiction until after 
six months has elapsed. 

3491. If an application for membership in a Subordinate Lodge, by de- 
posit of card, be made and rejected it must be returned to the applicant. 
The card is the rightful property of the brother by whom it is deposited, 
and unless accepted by the Lodge should as a matter of course be returned 
to its owner. 

3492. A Card of Withdrawal is the absolute property of the holder and 
is evidence of his foriher good membership, and when he offers to deposit 
it and thus gain admission into the Lodge, if rejected the Lodge has no right 
to mutilate the card by endorsing "rejected" thereon. Neither the Lodge 
or a member has the right to place any extra writing on the edge of a Vis- 
iting Card or Withdrawal Card setting forth facts not provided for in the 
regular form of the card, except that on a Visiting Card any writing may be 
endorsed that may be necessary to set forth the right of the holder as to 
benefits under the laws of the Lodge issuing the card. 

3493. The law requiring the return of the deposit fee, applies as well 
to moneys deposited with the Lodge, by a suspended member in his applica- 
tion for reinstatement. It makes no difference as to how much he may be 
indebted on the books of the Lodge. 

3494. A candidate by card, rejected three weeks before, again applied for 
membership. The committee reported, he was elected and admitted all oa 
the same evening. This was held a flagrant violation of law, for which it 
would be proper for the Grand Lodge to punish the Lodge. 

3495. A Lodge which, contrary to law, initiates a person who has been 
rejected by a Lodge nearest his residence, knowing of such rejection, is 
guilty of a wilful violation of law and is liable to such penalty as the Grand 
Lodge may deem adequate .to the offense. 

RELAPSES. 

See Reduced Benefits. See Intermittent Sickness. 

3496. A brother who, having been disabled while in arrears and not 
beneficial, so far recovered as to engage in business, and subsequently pays 
all arrears and puts himself in good standing and the Lodge paid him his 
benefits on another cause of complaint. Afterwards wnile in good standing, 
he is again taken sick and from a fresh cold that aggravated the old mal- 
ady, is entitled to benefits. 

3497. A Lodge may legally enact a By-Law like the following: "Should 
a brother be reported sick or disabled, suffering with the same sickness or 
disability for which he had received weekly benefits within a period of forty 
weeks after having been declared well and Off the care of the Lodge, such 
sickness or disability shall be considered as a continuation of the previous 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 385 

RELAPSES. 

sickness or disability, and weekly benefits shall be paid commencing with 
the first week at the same rate per week following the last week's benefits 
paid for the previous sickness or disability," unless there is something in 
the law of the Jurisdiction or the Subordinate Lodge Constitution to pre- 
vent it. 

3498. A Lodge may legally enact a By-Law like the following: "Every 
member having received benefits for sickness or disability from the Lodge, 
and being declared off the care of the Lodge, and again being reported with 
the same sickness or disability, his benefits shall commence at the same 
rate as when declared off the care of the Lodge," unless there is something 
in the law of the Jurisdiction or the Subordinate Lodge Constitution to pre- 
vent it. 

3199. A Lodge may legally enact a law fixing any period of time between 
a brother who is sick or disabled being declared off the care of the Lodge, 
and then being placed again on the care of the Lodge for the same sickness 
or disability, fixing the amount of benefits to be received per week to be the 
same as the amount paid said brother was receiving when declared off the 
care of the Lodge ; unless there is something in the law of the Jurisdiction or the 
Subordinate Lodge Constitution to prevent it. The length of time is to be deter- 
mined by each Lodge. 

BELIEF. 

3500. It is the duty of Subordinate Lodges in this Jurisdiction, whose vis- 
iting! brothers, with proper cards, may have received relief when sick or dis- 
abled, from any Lodge or Relief Association connected with the Order, to 
refund the amount of relief so granted on being notified of the fact by such 
Lodge or Association. Provided, that the amount required does not exceed 
the amount endorsed on the card, as being the amount to which the visiting 
brother was entitled by laws of the Lodge to which he belonged. 

3501. When a brother is in a Jurisdiction other than that to which he 
oelongs, and shall need the care and attention of the Lodge, it shall be the 
duty of the Visiting Committee of the Lodge to make report at the last meet- 
ing of the month of the condition of the brother; the same to be forwarded 
by the Secretary to the brother's Lodge, accompanied by any bill the Lodge 
may have contracted on his account. 

3502. A member of the Order in good standing, evidenced by holding 
an unexpired Visiting Card, issued in conformity with the Laws of the Order 
by his Lodge or Encampment and having the Annual Traveling Password, 
being in distress, or pretending so to be and needing money, and wno having 
asked for and received from a Lodge or a member thereof, a sum of money, 
under the assurance and promise, that he will return or repay the same with- 
in a given time or so; soon as he returns home, but who shall neglect to do 
so after a reasonable time thereafter, without a satisfactory excuse being 
rendered, shall be deemed guilty of conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow, and 
due notice of such facts having been officially communicated to his Lodge 
by the Lodge so loaning him the money, it shall be the duty of his Lodge 
to notify him of such indebtedness or loan, and to demand payment thereof; 
and if he then refuse or neglect to pay the same, his Lodge shall prefer 
charges against him, try him, and if found guilty, and without sufficient miti- 
gating circumstances, to expel him from the Order. If there be such miti- 
gating circumstances then to impose such penalty as the Lodge may deem 
"best. 

3503. The possession of a Visiting Card in date, stating the amount of 
benefits which the Lodge issuing such card pays to a member in good stand- 
ing when sick or disabled and unable to follow his usual occupation or other- 
wise earn a livelihood for himself, is sufficient authority to warrant the pay- 
ment of such benefits by a Lodge of the same or another Jurisdiction upon 
proper proof and satisfactory examination; provided, tnat it shall be the 



386 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

RELIEF. 

duty of the Lodge receiving the card to immediately notify the Lodge Issuing 
the card. If the card of a sojourning brother states that his Lodge pays for 
watchers and the amount, the Lodge having the brother in charge, in case 
of sickness, has a right to pay not exceeding that amount, notwithstanding 
it may provide for watching with its own sick by draft of its own members. 

3504. A Lodge granting relief to any one, without an order from such 
Lodge, cannot demand that the amount so granted be retunded, unless the 
same be paid for sick benefits evidenced by a card. 

3505. The matter of benefits, pecuniary and attentive, is delegated by 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge to subordinates. But the general rule presented 
by uninterrupted usage and custom and recognized by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge as touching the matter submitted is that as a Lodge binds itself for 
benefits to its members by its By-Laws, so it is bound, and no further, when 
the same are paid or rendered, as pecuniary or attentive, by another Lodge; 
and any excess in money or services creates no legal obligation, and the 
claim therefor by the Lodge paying the money or performing the services, 
on account of a transient or visiting brother, cannot be enforced against his 
Lodge. A Lodge caring for visiting sick brothers can only collect such ex- 
penses as are allowed by the laws of the Jurisdiction to which such sick 
brother belong. 

3506. The Grand Lodge cannot be held responsible for relief afforded to 
a member of one of its defunct subordinates, unless assets to the amount of 
the benefits extended shall have come into the possession of the Grand Lodge 
upon forfeiture of its charter by such subordinate. 

3507. Should a brother be taken sick away from home, and have no card, 
the By-Laws of Lodges generally provide that he must make periodical claims 
for benefits accompanied by a physician's certificate. If the brother fails to 
comply with these provisions, it relieves the Lodge of the duty to pay the 
benefits claimed for the period. 

3508. A member being sick and receiving benefits, by the aavice of his 
physician went to Florida, and while there made regular reports and com- 
plied with all the requirements of the law. He started for home, and by the 
advice of nis Florida physician stopped in Georgia, and while there was in 
charge of his Florida physician. There was no Lodge at the place of his 
sojourn, and he was unable to communicate with one. The law required 
him to report every four weeks and forward a certificate of his condition 
from his attending physician, attested by a Justice of the Peace. Held, that 
the law does not require impossibilities, and as it appeared that the brother 
used every effort to comply with the law, he was entitled to the seventeen 
weeks' benefits after leaving Florida, he having reported to his Lodge as 
soon as he arrived home. 

3500. When a sick brother away from home reports himself to a nearby 
Lodge, this Lodge is required to place the brother in charge of its Relief Com- 
mittee, and to immediately communicate with the brother's Lodge forinstructions 
as to the pecuniary and attentive benefits to be paid. 

3510. The brother is thus brought within its territorial Jurisdiction, the 
Lodge visiting him is required to give him the same attentive care it gives 
its own sick brothers, and its reports as to his physical condition are of the 
same value as though made by the relief committee of his home Lodge. The 
clause as to the doctor's certificate is inoperative unless by special instruc- 
tions from time to time from the home Lodge and at its expense. 

3511. By thus placing its sick brother in the charge of another Lodge 
the Lodge binds itself for benefits to its members as by its By-Laws it is 
bound, and no further, than the same are paid or rendered, as pecuniary 
or attentive, by another Lodge; and any excess in money or services cre- 
ates no legal obligation and the claim therefor by the Lodge paying the 
money or performing the services on account of a transient or visiting 
brother cannot be enforced against his Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 387 

RELIEF. 

3512. A Lodge caring for visiting sick brothers can only collect such ex- 
penses as are allowed by the law of the Jurisdiction to which such sick broth- 
ers belong. 

3513. A Lodge, having a sick brother of anotner Lodge in its charge, has 
not the right to refuse to furnish the sick brother's Lodge with a copy of 
their minutes relating to the sickness of said brother, including the report 
of the Relief Committee. A Lodge is entitled to any information in relation 
to a sick member taken care of by a sister Lodge. 

3514. Should a brother acquire the Semi-Annual Password Improperly, 
and by making use thereof obtains relief from a Lodge of which he is not 
a member, his Lodge is not responsible for funds obtained under such cir- 
cumstances. 

RELIEF COMMITTEE. 

3515. It is the duty of the Relief Committee to visit a brother who may 
be sick, even those who by the provisions of the Constitution, are disqualified 
from receiving benefits until they shall be suspended from the rights and 
privileges of the Order. 

3516. Under a constitution for subordinates, prescribed by a Grand Lodge, 
which provided for visiting sick brothers in "good standing" only it was de- 
cided that brothers in arrears, but not dropped, were not entitled to visits 
whereupon the Sovereign Grand Lodge passed the following: "Resolved, 
that it is a fundamental principle of Odd Fellowship that a brother in arrears 
for dues who is not dropped is entitled to be visited by the officers of hit 
Lodge and cared for in sickness, although he may not be entitled to pecuni- 
ary benefits, and that any provision to the contrary in the Constitution for 
subordinate Lodges prescribed by any State Grand Lodge, is void. 

3517. In this Jurisdiction the Relief Committee of a Lodge is composed 
of the Noble Grand and Vice Grand and such associates as are fixed by the 
By-Laws of the Lodge. 

3518. The question having been presented whether It "Is legal for a 
Lodge to form a Relief Committee consisting of the Noble Grand and two 
other members, not the Vice Grand ; the term of the other members to change 
monthly?" was referred to the Grand Master, which he answered as follows : 
" While the written law of this Grand Lodge does not, except in the ' Form of 
By-Laws,' adopted for the use of Lodges, define who are to be members of the 
Relief Committee, how they are to be appointed, or the length of their term of 
service, yet the almost, if not the entirely uniform practice of our Subordinate 
Lodges, from the establishment of Lodge No. 1, until now, has so engrafted into 
our usages the custom of making the Noble Grand and the Vice Grand part of 
this Committee, as practically to give it the force of law, and can not be set aside 
except by the specific action of the Grand Lodge. 

By the custom of the Order this Committee may also consist of tne Noble 
Grand, Vice Grand, and Recording Secretary of the Lodge; but in some 
Lodges an addition is made to it of the Treasurer and three others, so as to 
have one member for each day of the week. In this case, the Noble Grand 
visits the sick or distressed brother the day after the Lodge meeting and 
leaves with his family the order, drawn for benefits. The Treasurer visit* 
him the day after this, and pays the order. The other members follow In 
succession, one each day. 

3519. It is the duty of the Relief Committee to Investigate the sickneas 
of a brother and report thereon to the Lodge, which report should be noted 
in the records of the Lodge in order that the brother may have the benefit 
of that record in case of an appeal, and that the Lodge may also have the 
benefit of the record in its future dealings with the brother during this sick- 
ness, i 



388 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

BELIEF COMMITTEE. 

3520. By the custom of the Order it is the duty of the Relief Committer 
to keep themselves informed at all times as to the condition of a, brother 
who has been reported sick. To report to the Lodge the benefits he is enti- 
tled to. To provide for his care and watching as the case may require. To 
draw his benefits from the Treasurer after the same shall have been ordered 
by the Lodge to be paid. To visit the sick brother and to pay him the bene- 
fits to which he is entitled. And this duty they will perform to all broth- 
ers reported to them and placed in their care, without regard as to whether 
the sick are members of their own Lodge or not. 

3521. When a brother is in a Jurisdiction other than that to which he 
belongs, and shall need the care and attention of the Lodge, it shall be the 
duty of the Visiting Committee of the Lodge to make report at the last meet- 
ing in the month of the condition of the brother; the same to be forwarded 
by the Secretary to the brother's Lodge, accompanied by any bill the Lodge 
may have contracted en his account. 

3522. The By-Laws of a Lodge required the Visiting Committee to visit 
all brothers reported sick, to render assistance and to continue such visits 
once a week until they are restored to health. A brother had been continu- 
ously sick and received benefits for about three years. A new Noble Grand 
paid him a visit, and was received by the sick brother in a manner deemed 
discourteous and insulting. On this being reported to the Lodge, it was de- 
cided to demand an apology. The brother, in a communication to the Lodge, 
disclaimed any intention of insulting, the officer and regretted having incurred 
the displeasure of the Lodge and asked that benefits be allowed him. No 
further apology was offered, the brother continued sick, Dut the officers did 
not visit him nor report his condition to the Lodge. Held, that he was enti- 
tled to benefits and that the Lodge should have compelled its officers to visit 
the brother. 

3523. It is the duty of the Relief Committee to keep informed by per- 
sonal visitation as to the condition of the sick brothers, in their charge. It 
is expected that they will not only keep constantly informed relative to the 
condition of each sick brother, but will report it to the Lodge, and see that 
the Lodges of sojourning sick brothers through the Secretary are frequently 
informed as to their condition. 

3524. The Relief Committee are the agents of the Lodge, and in the ab- 
sence of evidence otherwise, their reports accepted by the Lodge as to the 
beneficial condition of the sick are binding on the Lodge. 

3525. The record showed that a brother was reported "unwell and enti- 
tled to benefits," and two weeks' benefits were paid him. Afterwards the 
Noble Grand, at various times, reported him as "entitled to benefits or aid 
or sympathy," but no benefits were given him, and the Lodge by resolution 
refused him benefits at the time of the last of such reports. Held, that the 
record showed him entitled. 

3526. The Relief Committee is like any other committee of the Lodge. 
If the Lodge is not satisfied therewith it may use other means of information. 

3527. Owing to the neglect of the Sick and and Visiting Committee to 
do their duty, a special committee was appointed, who reported that "they 
find, from the statements of the different Past Grands, that Brother F is not 
entitled to benefits for the whole time for which he claimed benefits, but they find 
that in the latter part of 1878 Brother F was taken sick and remained so for some 
months. They could not ascertain the exact length of time, but thought it must 
have been at least five months. Therefore they recommended that benefits at the 
rate of seven dollars per week be paid Brother F for that length of time." Held, 
that he was entitled to benefits for five months. 

3528. When the Relief Committee visits a brother, and It is their duty 

to visit him if he is within the territorial Jurisdiction of the Lodge, this dispenses 
with all requirements as to written notices of sickness and claims for benefits. The 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 389 

RELIEF COMMITTEE. 

knowledge of the brother's sickness by the Lodge and the visit of tne Relief 
Committee constitutes legal notice and estoppes the Lodge from claiming that a 
written notice was required. 

3529. Upon an application for sick benefits it is not within the province 
of the Noble Grand or 'Relief Committee to decide whether a member is enti- 
tled to benefits or not. All they or either of them may legally do is to ex- 
press an opinion. 

3530. A Lodge has the right to overrule the recommendation of the Relief 
Committee, and may reject a report therefrom and allow benefits contrary 
thereto. 

3531. If there is no objection to the report of the Relief Committee, the 
Noble Grand may direct an order to be drawn on the Treasurer in favor of 
the Relief Committee for the sums that according to their report appear to 
be due the brothers for weekly benefits. This being such a regular order of 
business as can be transacted by general consent. A Noble Grand, upon the 
report of the Relief Committee can direct the drawing of an order for the 
payment of benefits to those entitled, where there is no objection; any objec- 
tion to such action would necessitate a motion to draw the order. 

3532. A brother who is on the sick list and has been paid benefits cannot 
be stricken off the list without investigation and notice to him. 

3533. A brother who authorized the Relief Committee to report him 
"out of care" abandons his claim to benefits and cannot afterwards claim 
them on the plea that he was induced to do so unless there is evidence of 
that fact or coercion. 

3534. A Lodge directed the benefits to be paid a brother for the first week 
of his sickness, but declined to pay for the second week because the brother 
said to some members of the Lodge, on the day preceding the last day of ex- 
piration of week for which he claimed the benefits, "that he would go to work 
that day," while the evidence of the brother is that he did say so, but that 
he met the doctor afterwards, and he advised him not to go to work for two 
or three days which he concluded to do and did not go to work until after the 
expiration of the second week. The benefits were awarded the brother for this 
week. 

3535. A Lodge cannot fix visiting limits; it cannot provide that the Relief 
Committee shall not be required to visit a sick member residing more than 
three miles from the town or Hall in which the Lodge is located. 

3536. There can be no limit to distance to which the Relief Committee 
shall go to visit sick members within the Territorial Jurisdiction of the Lodge. 

3537. By the local law of the jurisdiction as contained in the skeleton code it 
is provided that a member of the Relief Committee receiving notice of the sickness 
or disability of a member of the Lodge, provided the disease be not conta- 
gious, shall visit him within forty-eight hours thereafter; and at least one 
of the Committee shall continue to do so once a week, or more frequently, 
as the case may require and the Lodge direct, until no further attention is 
required. Should one member of the Committee request another member to 
visit any sick or disabled member with him, it shall be the duty of the mem- 
ber so requested to do so. 

3538. A Subordinate Lodge is bound to have its officers visit the sick 
members during the entre time of sickness, and such requirements should 
be enforced by the sense of duty which every Odd Fellow owes to the Order. 

3539. From the evidence in an appeal for benefits it appears, that th« 
brother was reported sick on September 9, and was visited by the Relief 
Committee and paid benefits to December 2; from that time to January 6 
he was not visited by the Relief Committee, but paid benefits; on February 
3 a certificate from a physician was presented to the Lodge, setting forth 
that the brother has been unable to follow his usual occupation, and upon 



390 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

RELIEF COMMITTEE. 

such certificate, benefits were paid; like certificates were presented to, and 
received by the Lodge on March 3 and 16, and benefits paid. On September 
14, after an interval of nearly six months, a certificate was received by the 
Lodge from the same physician, setting forth that the brother has been un- 
able to follow his usual occupation, and was sick from beptember 9, which 
certificate the Noble Grand declared was not in conformity with tne By-Laws. 
It was held that the Lodge failing to visit the brother who was within bounds 
of the Relief Committee, and in lieu of the Report of said Committee accepted 
a physician's certificate. It was then too late to set up the defense that the 
brother was bound to give ten days' notice; the Lodge or its Relief Commit- 
tee failing to visit the brother weekly until he was declared off the Lodge, 
and according to justice and equity, the Lodge was in fault and it should not 
be allowed to take advantage of its own wrong. 

3540. The Relief Committee of a Lodge having reported favorably upon 
an application for benefits, the Lodge appropriated the amount to which the 
brother would be entitled, but subsequently, and before the Committee had 
paid the brother, they found that they had been entirely mistaken as to his 
beneficial condition. Under these circumstances the Committee were war- 
ranted in withholding the money and in reporting the matter to the Lodge for 
its further order in the premises. 

3541. The Relief Committee of each Lodge shall constitute tne committee 
or trustee of any member of such Lodge disqualified by insanity or otherwise 
from asserting his legal rights; and it shall be their duty to disburse the 
benefits to which such member may be entitled for his support, maintenance 
and proper care. The acts of such committee shall be binding on the Lodge 
and member in every respect. Provided, that their accounts shall be at all 
times subject to examination of the Lodge and the Grand Lodge. And pro- 
vided further, that before any such committee shall be empowered to act, 
they shall procure in writing the assent of the wife, eldest child or next friend 
of the brother in whose case such action is deemed necessary. Provided fur- 
ther, that where there is a wife who was dependent upon the brother at the 
time the insanity occurred, the Lodge shall pay the benefits to the wife, unless 
she be not personally a proper person to receive them. Others cannot main- 
tain a claim on these funds, as the laws of the Order expressly provide for the 
manner s in which such moneys shall be disposed of, and the payment of them 
to the wife will be strictly in accordance with the laws of the Order. 

3542. This important duty of our Order of visiting the sick, should never be 
neglected; but it should also be performed with due regard to the welfare 
of the sick brother, and the comfort of his family. 

First. Ascertain the condition of the sick, and the propriety of visiting 
him at his bedside, either from the family, or, what is better, from his physi- 
cian; and govern yourself strictly by the directions of the latter in all sub- 
sequent calls. 

Second. Be gentle, easy, and noiseless as possible in your approach 
toward a very sick man, to whom you should be announced, before you enter 
the room, by some one of the family or his nurse. Be calm in appearance, 
speak in a moderate, smooth, and pleasant voice (a whisper is more annoy- 
ing to most persons than a loud voice), ask but few questions, and be careful 
not to converse too much, or on trying subjects. When a patient is very 
weak, speaking and hearing are very fatiguing. P rom two to five minutes, in 
such cases, are long enough for an ordinary visit. 

Third. When the patient is recovering, and needs company to cheer him 
up and occupy his time, give him due attention yourself, and induce those 
brethren to call upon him with whom he was particularly intimate, or to 
whom he felt great attachment. A wealthy brother, of respectability and 
influence, can at such times show his sense of our principles by visiting his 
more humble brethren with whom he is well acquainted, and by leaving with 
them books and papers to occupy their time, or sending them such little 
delicacies as their varying and capricious appetites may crave. And the vis- 
its of the brethren generally will be acceptable, and should be made. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 391 

BELIEF COMMITTEE. 

Fourth. In visiting widows and female orphans of the Lodge, greater 
circumspection generally is needed than visiting those of our own sex. Let 
two of the Committee, in such cases, visit in company, or one with the physi- 
cian, or, better still, if married, or if you have near female relatives, induce 
one of the ladies to accompany you; or, best of all, organize a Visiting Com- 
mittee of Daughters of Rebekah, to whom, in connection with their husbands, 
brothers, or sons of the Committee, all visitation under these circumstances 
might be confided. No man can equal woman's tenderness and tact in the sick- 
room, or with the distressed family, or the mourning group. 

Lastly. Time your visits to suit the most convenient hours of the family, 
and especially to meet the best intervals of the patient. Be sympathizing, but 
hopeful and cheerful in your intercourse with them, for much depends on the 
feelings that may be inspired in the patient by the countenances and words of 
those around him. 

Watchers with the sick will find in the above directions a few hints that 
may .guide them in the proper mode of performing their duties. The rest they 
will receive from the physician Oir the regular nurse. 

RENUNCIATION OF THE ORDER. 

See Resignation. 

3543. If any Odd Fellow shall renounce the Order, he thereby forfeits 
all benefits to which by law, he may be entitled, from the time of his renun- 
ciation. Odd Fellowship recognizes the right of its members to worship 
God according to the dictates of their consciences, and holds no fellowship 
with party or sect; therefore when a member of this Order, in good stand- 
is reported to have made so called renunciation of Odd Fellowship, through sec- 
tarian or other influence, upon his death bed, and his family has refused to per- 
mit his Lodge to attend the funeral in a body, the Lodge is not released from the 
prayment of funeral and weekly benefits. 

3544. Where a member of a Lodge in good standing was a member of 
a religious organization, the rules of which required him, before he could 
be the recipient of its last rites to renounce Odd Fellowship; being taken 
sick, he made a verbal renunciation in the^presence and with the consent of his 
family. Held that this so called renunciation did not sever his connection 
with the Order, and his widow did not forfeit her rights to funeral benefits 
by permitting her husband to be buried according to the rites of his church. 

3545. Where a brother is guilty of a so called renunciation of the Order, 
yet afterwards continues his connection with his Lodge, it must be consid- 
ered that he recalls or repents of his so called renunciation, and if the Lodge allows 
his connection with it to continue, it condones and forgives the offense, and 
is estopped from pleading it against him or his widow and children after his 
death. 

3546. There is no doubt that according to the general law of the Order an 
oral renunciation of Odd Fellowship has no effect whatever upon a brother's mem- 
bership or standing in his Lodge. 

3547. In a ca?e where a member, during his sickness, made an oral renuncia- 
tion of Odd Fellowship, it was held that this renunciation was not the resignation 
of membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows contemplated by the 
laws of the Order thereunto relating. The manner by which a member may 
sever his connection with the Order, in case he wants to renounce it, is by written 
resignation addressed to the Lodge, and he must, of course, be clear of every 
charge whatsoever on the books of the Lodge, and this is conclusively applicable 
to the case in question No renunciation of a brother to a party not concerned in 
in the contract between himself and the Order, could, by any rational construc- 
tion, be considered the resignation contemplated, neither could the influence of 
third parties brought to bear in bringing about the renunciation, however un- 
worthy or mistaken, absolve our Order from the execution of its plighted faith. 
In this case the widow was awarded the funeral benefits she claimed. 



392 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



REPORTS. 

3548. By the general law it is made the duty of the Secretaries of Lodges to 
make and of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge to procure correct reports 
of the work of the Subordinates, and the former are therefor the proper officers to 
transmit and the latter is the proper officer to receive these reports when properly 
made. 

3549. The Grand Lodge is compelled by the Sovereign Grand Lodge to 
make such laws and regulations and to enforce such penalties as will enable 
it to compel the Subordinate Lodges to make and send up full reports as re- 
quired by law. 

3550. The failure of State Grand Bodies to pass such laws as may be neces- 
sary to enable them to make their annual report and return each year, is a fruitful 
source of trouble to the Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and inter- 
feres very materially with the operation of the system of returns so necessary for 
the proper working of the Order. In addition thereto, many of the jurisdictions 
have failed to require the returns from their subordinates, made necessary by the 
new regulations from time to time made by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

3551. The officers of Subordinate Lodges shall not be installed, nor furnished 
with the Semi- Annual password unless the reports, returns and moneys due from 
such Lodges to their respective superior jurisdictions be actually made and placed 
in the hands of the proper officer, or be actually in transit to the proper destina- 
tion. 

3552. Where a Past Grand fully qualified, is elected Grand Representative to 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge for two years, but at the expiration of one year his 
Lodge fails to make its Annual Returns, the question was presented. Does this 
prevent him from holding his office to the end of the time for which he was 
elected, and it was held that the mere failure of the Lodge to make proper returns 
would not, of itself, affect the Brother's right to the office as Grand Representa- 
tive, but if, as a result of such failure, the suspension of the Lodge follows, then, 
in that event, the Brother should, within the time limited by local law, deposit 
his card in( or connect himself with another subordinate Lodge. 

3553. The fiscal term ends on election night. The Secretary's Report for 
the term must be m%de out before installation night, and not to include it. Im- 
mediately after the installation the Secretary will forward the report to the Grand 
Secretary, giving or sending to the District Deputy Grand Master the abstract 
copy thereof. 

3554. The general laws of the Order require that all term reports, which 
may be made to Grand Lodges by the Lodges, shall contain in their own hand- 
writing the signatures of the elective officers thereof, and shall be carefully 
preserved by the Grand Secretary. 

3555. The accounts of the term must be settled and audited, the Semi- 
Annual Report made out, and the per capita taxes due for the Grand Lodge 
and for the Orphans' Home, paid to the Grand Secretary before the installa- 
tion of officers of a Subordinate Lodge can take place. Neglect of duty in 
this particular indicates the general unfitness of an officer, for it takes no 
more time nor labor to prepare and present the report and have the receipt 
of the Grand Secretary - for these per capita taxes on installation night than 
it does months afterwards, and failure to_ have these at that time raises a 
presumption that all the work of the Lodge is behind hand, and that the in- 
terests of the Lodge are suffering and the members discouraged by official 
apathy. 

3556. The Secretary is required to enter in a book provided for that pur- 
pose a copy of each Semi- Annual Return: and it shall be the duty of the in- 
stalling officer at the time of installation of officers, to compare the abstract 
received by him with the Secretary's record, and if they do not agree, to require 
the Secretary to make the necessary correction. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 393 

REPORTS. 

3557. The September Report is an Annual Report, and is to cover all the 
operations of the Lodge for the past year. 

3558. The report for the term ends at the closing of the Lodge on elec- 
tion night, and the membership is to be reported as it then stands. The report 
is to be made out during, the ensuing week, and to be ready for presentation 
at the opening of the Lodge on installation night. 

3559. Attention is particularly called to the "Orphan's Home Dues," or 
rather per capita taxes for that purpose paid by the Lodge, to the Grand Lodge, 
as in order to secure uniformity and accuracy in the statistical information re- 
quired by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, this item of Lodge expenditure must 
appear in the Annual Report opposite to the statement " Education of Orphans." 
The Orphan's Home per capita taxes are in no sense " Working Expenses,"' and 
should not so appear in the report, and the statement " Education of Orphans" 
must also include all donations or appropriations made by the Lodge directly to 
the Orphans' Homes. 

Attention is also called to the expenditures made by the Lodge for watchers 
and nurse hire for the members of the Lodge. These should be set down in the 
report opposite the statement " Special Relief," and this intern will also include all 
special donations made by the Lodge for the relief of members of this or any other 
Lodge not included in the regular system of weekly and funeral benefits. 

3560. The Subordinate Lodges shall make a summary of their report in 
the regular form. The form of this report is not fixed by local law, but is 
determined according to the information required by the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
to be furnished to it, by the Grand Secretary, concerning the assets, membership, 
Relief and Working Expenses of the Lodges in this Jurisdiction. 

When the duties of Recording Secretary and Financial Secretary are per- 
formed by one officer, it is the duty of that officer to make out this Report. 

When the duties are performed by a Financial and a Recording Secretary, it 
is the duty of the Financial Secretary to make out this Report. 

3561. The Grand Lodge furnishes an Abstract Book for Reports to the 
Lodges, and it is the duty of the Secretary, as soon as the Semi-Annual Re- 
port is made out, to enter the items thereof in the Book of Abstracts, and 
thereafter examine the abstracts when making out a report, in order that 
discrepancies may not occur, and the Semi-Annual Reports of each Lodge 
of successive terms may harmonize with each other. This is particularly 
important for the reason that if the report of each Lodge is not in harmony 
with its preceding report, it is impossible for the Grand Secretary to make 
his report to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and to the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- 
vania, harmonize with his preceding Annual Reports respectively. 

35'6i2. A sitting Noble Grand has not the right to sign a report returning 
himself as a Past Grand, he not having previously passed the Noble Grands 
chair, for the reason that the report is made out of a date prior to the expira- 
tion of his term of office. 

3563. The report is to be made of the proceedings of the term then ex- 
piring, and must be signed by the officers in the capacity they then fill. In 
a separate schedule in the form of report a return is made of the officers 
elect. These latter officers cannot be installed until such returns has been 
exhibited^ to the installing officer and approved by him, and until this is done 
the officer who signs the returns is Noble Grand and not a Past Grand. This 
does not conflict with the right of a Past Grand sitting pro tempore as Noble 
Grand, or a Past Grand serving subsequently as a regular Noble Grand, to 
certify to his former honors as a Past Grand. 

3564. The Secretary having made out his report and entered the same 
in the Book of Abstracts, will make out an abstract or summary thereof in the 
following form to be handed to the District Deputy Grand Master, or in case he is 

25 



394 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

BEPORTS. 

not the installing officer, the Secretary will forward the same to the District 
Deputy Grand Master of his District immediately after the installation. 

Lodge, No 

,19 

To D. D. G. M. • 

Dear Sir and Brother: The following Items are respectfully furnished 
for your information in compiling your report for the Grand Master: 

Lodge, No , meets on evening. 

Number of members on last meeting night in 19 , 

Number of members initiated during term, 

Number of members reinstated during term, 

Number of members suspended, 

Number of members expelled, 

Number of members deceased, 

Present number of members, 

Number of non-contributing members included in above, 

Amount of receipts during term, $ 

Amount paid for relief during term, $ 

Amount paid for working expenses during the year, $ 

Total funds of Lodge, $ , 

Fraternally yours, 

, Secretary. 

(Seal) Address, 

REPRESENTATIVE TO GRAND LODGE. 

See Credentials. See Past Grand. 

Grand Lodge- Honors of Office. 

Degrees. 

3565. The Grand Lodge has the right to establish a system of representa- 
tion and it is the proper source whence such system should emanate. 

3566. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is a representative body with 
all legislative power vested in representatives, and only such Judicial and 
other power is given to Past Grands who are not representatives, but are 
members of standing committees as is specifically designated. 

3567. The Past Grands who are not representatives can neither originate 
legislation nor enact laws, to do which there must be the right to make mo- 
tions and offer resolutions, and to vote upon them. 

3568. When the fundamental regulation does not otherwise provide, every 
representative body must judge for itself of the qualification of its members. 

3569. 'Representatives to the Grand Lodge must be Past Grands in good 
standing in the Lodge they respectively represent, and each Subordinate Lodge 
(having at least one Past Grand) shall be entitled to elect one Past Grand of its 
body as Representative, to serve one year. ' 

3570. "Good standing" may be required as qualification. Under a consti- 
tutional requirement of "good standing" as a requisite qualification for the 
office of representative the election of a brother not in good standing at the 
time to such office is void. Under such constitutional provision a representa- 
tive-elect cannot pay up after election and thereby qualify himself. 

3571. By virtue of service in the Noble Grand's chair, an officer becomes 
entitled to the rank of Past Grand and a right to a seat in the Grand Lodge. 
A Junior Past Grand can therefore be elected representative to a Grand 
Lodge, but services as Noble Grand to the very last moment is a preliminary 
condition to becoming a Junior Past Grand, and until a Noble Grand becomes 
a Past Grand he cannot be elected representative to his Grand Lodge. 

3572. It is improper for a committee on credentials to accept the resig- 
nation of a duly elected and accredited representative and substitute there- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 395 

BEPRESENTATIVE TO GRAND LODGE. 

for another Past Grand of the same Lodge, even at the request and with the 
consent of such representative. * Only those who have been regularly elected 
by their Lodges and hold the proper credentials can be legally admitted aa 
representatives. 

3573. A Grand Lodge judicially knows nothing of any other degrees than 
those which belong to its jurisdiction, and hence cannot require any of its 
members to be in possession of them, such as the royal purple. 

3574. The removal from the vicinity of a Lodge to a distant part of the 
State will not disqualify one for the office of representative of his Lodge in 
the Grand Lodge. A change of residence does not disqualify one from acting 
as representative. 

3575. Representatives to the Grand Lodge should be elected at the last 
atated meetings of the Lodges in September, to serve for one year, commenc- 
ing on the Third Tuesday in November. If elected subsequently it must be 
for the unexpired term. Should a vacancy be created by resignation, sus- 
pension or decease, the Certificate of the Past Grand elected to fill the va- 
cancy must set forth that fact upon its face in something like the following 

manner, " vice A B resigned " otherwise the brother cannot 

be acknowledged as a Representative. 

3576. Form of Credentials for Lodge Representative: To be filled up, 
signed and sealed in duplicate, one copy to be given to the Representative, 
who will present the same to the Committee on Credentials at the session 
of the Grand Lodge, the other to be mailed without delay by the Secretary 
of the Lodge to the Grand Secretary with the annual or semi-annual report, as 
the case may be. 

After a Past Grand has been admitted to membership in the Grand 
Lodge, and has received the Grand Lodge Degree, this Certificate will entitle 
him to a seat as the Representative of his Lodge, but will not admit him to 
the Grand Lodge. 

To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F. : 

This is to certify, that Past Grand (Write first name in full) has been 

duly elected the Representative of Lodge, No , in your body, 

to serve until the day preceding the third Tuesday in November, 19 . 

In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, and affixed the 
seal of the Lodge, this day of ,19 

(Seal) Noble Grand. 

, Secretary. 

3577. All disputed claims for seats as Representatives shall be referred 
to the Committee on Credentials, who shall examine into the merits of the 
same, and report their judgment to the Grand Lodge. 

3578. No Representative to the Grand Lodge shall be entitled to mileage 
unless he be present at the opening of the Grand Lodge on the second day 
of the Annual Session and answers at roll call. If a Representative to the Grand 
Lodge, not previously admitted to membership in the Grand Lodge, goes to the 
Annual Session, but before he is admitted to the Grand Lodge, he is recalled home 
on urgent business he cannot secure his mileage as a Representative, as he is 
not a member of the Grand Lodge until he has taken its degree. 

3579. If a Representative to the Grand Lodge has not been previously 
admitted to membership as a Past Grand and received the Grand Lodge De- 
gree, he must present two Certificates before he can be admitted to the 
Grand Lodge, viz: a Past Grand's Certificate and also a Rep sentative's Cer- 
tificate, both of which must be signed by the Noble Grand and Secretary, 
and be attested by the seal of the Lodge. 

3580. Any Past Grand in good standing is eligible to the office of Repre- 
sentative. Previous to his taking a seat as such, he must, in addition to a 
Representative's Certificate, have presented a Past Grand's Certificate, and 
have been regularly admitted a member of the Grand Lodge. 



396 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1307. 

REPRESENTATIVE TO GRAND LODGE. 

3581. A neglect by a Subordinate Lodge to elect a Representative to the 
Grand Lodge at the time fixed by law, constitutes a vacancy, which the Lodge 
may fill. 

3582. If the successor of the retiring Noble Grand has been duly installed, 
and if said Past Officer possesses all other requisites at the time of election, 
he is then eligible to the office of Representative. Until the Noble Grand has 
ceased to be such and has become a Past Grand, he cannot be elected a Repre- 
sentative to the Grand Lodge. 

3583. After a Past Grand has been elected Representative, he, and he 
only, can be acknowledged as the Representative, unless he resigns, or is- 
suspended or expelled or withdraws from the Lodge, or dies before the 
Session. 

3584. A Past Grand who has been elected a Representative to the Grand 
Lodge is not thereby debarred from holding an elective office in the Subor- 
dinate Lodge to which he belongs. 

3585. Representatives to the Grand Lodge must be elected in their 
respective Subordinate Lodges by a clear majority of the votes polled; a 
plurality vote is insufficient. All Third Degree members in good standing 
have a right to vote for Representative. 

3586. A Representative duly elected and qualified, cannot be debarred 
from attending the Sessions of the Grand Lodge by a resolution of his Lodge; 
nor can such resolution debar him of any right, privilege or compensation 
he may be entitled to by virtue of his office as Representative, under tne 
By-Laws of his Lodge. 

3587. The Noble Grand cannot appoint a Past Grand to serve as Repre- 
sentative. A Representative cannot depute another Past Grand to fill his 
place and serve as Representative; nor are proxies recognized. 

3588. It shall be the duty of the Noble Grand and Secretary of each 
Lodge in this Jurisdiction, at the time of making their Semi Annual returns, 
in the month of October, to make out and forward the credentials of their 
Representative to the Grand Secretary; and that officer shall deliver them 
to the Chairman of the Committee on Credentials at least three days before 
the meeting of the Grand Lodge, and that committee shall report thereon im- 
mediately after the opening of the Grand Lodge. Any credentials received within 
three days of the session shall be referred to said Committee after the organization 
of the Grand Lodge, and said Committee shall report thereon as soon as convenient 
thereafter. 

3589. At a Session of the Grand Lodge an inquiry was made as to the 
contract for printing the German Journal, the Deputy Grand Master having as- 
sumed the principal chair, stated that he was not familiar with the subject, but 
that the brother who printed the English Journal for the Grand Lodge might 
possibly give some explanation. A point of order was raised as to whether 
the brother was a Representative. The acting Grand Master decided the 
point of order well taken, and that the brother could not speak upon the 
question unless by consent of the Representatives present. It was moved 
that the brother be granted the privilege of addressing the Grand Lodge 
upon the question. The motion was adopted. 

REPRIMAND. 

3590. Where a Lodge punishes a. member by a reprimand, the sentence 
is complied with by the record on the minutes and notice to the brother; 
he does not have to appear personally to receive a lecture in addition unless- 
the verdict clearly requires this as part of the punishment. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 397 

REPKIMAND. 

3591. Charges were preferred against a brother for "conduct unbecoming 
an Odd Fellow," a trial committee was appointed, the accused appeared be- 
fore the trial committee in person and counsel. Immediately after giving 
his own testimony to the committee he left the city for another Jurisdiction, 
where he intends to reside in future. The committee found the accused 
guilty, whereupon the Lodge directed the Noble Grand to reprimand the ac- 
cused in open Lodge but he is out of the jurisdiction of the Lodge. Under the 
foregoing statement of facts the Lodge can require the accused to appear before his 
Lodge to receive the reprimand. If the accused claims inability to come 
before his Lodge because of business, expenses, or otherwise; nevertheless 
the Lodge can require him to appear to receive the reprimand. If the accused 
after being summoned to appear before the Lodge, fails to comply with such 
summons, the Lodge can try him for contempt, and punish him as provided 
by law in such cases. 

RESIDENCE. 

{a,). General Principles. (d). As Affecting Admission to Membership 
(b). "What Constitutes. in Another Jurisdiction 

<c). As Affecting Admission to Member- (e). As Affecting Dues and Benefits, 
ship in this Jurisdiction. 

Se* Change of Eesidence. See Transfer of Membership. 

(a). General Principles. 

3592. The general Law, is that no person can be admitted to membership 
in a Lodge other than the one nearest his residence, either by initiation or 
on deposit of card, or on deposit of any kind of certificate, without consent 
of such nearest Lodge, but if there be two or more equally distant, the option 
which to join is with the applicant. 

3593. Under the general law, a person can be admitted to membership 
in any Lodge in the Jurisdiction where he resides, provided he has the con- 
sent of the Lodge located nearest his residence. 

3594. Under the general law a person can be admitted to a Lodge 
located outside the Jurisdiction where he resides only by complying with 
all the special conditions fixed by law to such admissions, and provided that 
the Lodge to which he desires " admission is the one located nearest his 
residence. 

3595. The Grand Lodge may in the regulation of the subject designate 
that distances are to be measured by an air line or by the nearest traveled 
route. 

3596. Where a brother was initiated, into a Lodge without the consent 
of a Lodge nearer his residence which had previously rejected his applica- 
tion, he informing his Lodge correctly as to his residence and of his rejection by 
his nearer Lodge. Held, that the initiation was irregular, but that the brother 
having been initiated innocently on his part, was entitled to remain in the Order. 

3597. The general law permits the Grand Lodge to so provide that the 
only restriction as to residence and application is that the Lodge to which 
he applies must be in a community of his residence, that is to say, the legally 
recognized political division, such as a township, borough or city, and if two 
or more Lodges are at work in the same general community the applicant 
can apply to either, and should another Lodge in the same community be 
nearer his residence it could not claim fees of the one admitting him. 

3598. By the general law, within this territory, as bounded and determined 
by the nearness of the surrounding Lodges, each Lodge is compelled to extend to 
its own members, and to the members of other Lodges who may come into its 
charge, all the attention, fraternal care and visitation required by the laws of the 
Order and the By-Laws of this or their Lodges. 



398 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

RESIDENCE. 

(b). What Constitutes. 

3599. The laws of the various States ana municipalities, in consequence 
of the diversity of their provisions, would not, as a general rule, be a proper 
guide in determining the question of residence of applicants for membership, 
but Lodges must be governed in this respect by such considerations as would 
prevail in ordinary business or social relations, as, for instance, a married 
man, accompanied by his family and chattels, and engaged in some regular 
business, should be domiciled at the place of application, or a single man 
having with him his goods or the implements of his trade, should be engaged 
in the business of his calling, and tne absence in eitner case of any good 
reason to suppose that the presence of such person was owing to the pursuit 
of a merely temporary object. 

3600. A person was appointed a janitor by the Legislature for the House 
of Representatives, and during all the time of his appointment his family 
resided at their old home, and he visited them as often as convenient. He 
voted and was elected to office at his old home during the time of his ser- 
vice at the Capitol. While living there he applied for and was admitted to 
a Lodge located at the Capitol city. Thereupon his home Lodge objected 
to his membership in that Lodge. It was held that his employment at the 
Capitol was temporary, and that it was his evident intention to return to his 
old home, and in fact he did so return. Therefore he was all the time an 
actual resident of the territorial Jurisdiction of the Lodge located at his old 
home, and could not without its consent legally be admitted to any other 
Lodge, and the brother should without delay make application for a With- 
drawal Card. 

3601. A soldier permanently stationed at any point ipso facto acquires 
such residence there under the laws of the Order as makes him eligible to 
membership in a Lodge at the place where he is so stationed. 

3602. Persons in the military service of the United States, who have been 
stationed continuously at one post for the space of six months or more, may 
make application for membership in our Order; provided they apply to the 
nearest Lodge or otherwise comply with the laws of the Jurisdiction in which 
the application is made. 

3603. A brother is a holder of a Withdrawal Card from Regla Lodge, 
No. 6, Havana, Cuba, which expires the 27th of July next, and he desires to 
join a Lodge in the United States, but finds he cannot be admitted until he has 
been six months in the State, and setting forth that he is a soldier of the 
United States Army. That it is not probable that he would ever be six months in 
one place, and that his card would expire before his six months' residence 
has been acquired, and asking whether he could obtain permission to join 
before he had been a resident of a State six months. First, the Grand Sire 
has no jurisdiction in the case to grant any permission, as the matter is one 
for regulation by the Grand Lodges of the various Jurisdictions. In other 
words, it is a matter of local legislation as to what residence shall be re- 
quired before an application could be made for admission. It is also pro- 
vided that soldiers of the United States Army become eligible for admission 
by being stationed six months in a State. The fact that the brother holds & 
card from a Lodge at work under the immediate jurisdiction of The Sover- 
eign Grand Lodge gives no right to deposit the same in a Juodge working 
under a Subordinate Grand Lodge, except in accordance with the laws in 
regard to residence of such Grand Lodge. 

3604. A brother holding a card from a Lodge under the immediate juris- 
diction of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, can only deposit the same in another 
Lodge, subordinate to a Grand Lodge, in accordance with the laws of sucla 
Grand Lodge with regard to residence. 

3605. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has passed no general law requiring 
any length of residence in a Jurisdiction before application for membership 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 399 

RESIDENCE— What Constitutes. 

can be made, except in the case of a soldier or sailor, as hereinbefore stated. 
Therefore, where a Grand Lodge has fixed no period, Subordinate Lodges may fix 
such period by By-Law, and such periods need not necessarily be uniform. Such 
By-Law must be approved by the Grand Lodge to which such Lodge is subor- 
dinate. 

3606. The Grand Lodge has no right to require a residence for any defi- 
nite period before a brother can deposit a Withdrawal Card from a sister 
Jurisdiction. 

3607. A member who obtains a Withdrawal Card and changes his resi- 
dence to another Jurisdiction, but has no settled residence therein, cannot 
within twelve months of the issuance of the card deposit it and apply for 
membership in the Lodge granting it, he not being a resident of the jurisdic- 
tion of said Lodge. 

3608. Residence is an elementary qualification for membership; hence a 
person, who is a resident and citizen of another State or the subject of a 
foreign power, and only a temporary resident within the Jurisdiction, cannot 
be initiated into the Order in such Jurisdiction. An individual can have only 
one legal residence. 

(c). As Affecting Admission to Membership in this Jurisdiction. 

3609. No person shall be admitted to membership in a Lodge other than 
the one nearest his residence, either by initiation or on deposit of card with- 
out the consent of such nearest Lodge, but if there be two or more equally 
distant the option which to join is with the applicant. When two or more 
Lodges are located in the limits of any township, borough, or city, said 
Lodges shall be considered as having the said township, borough or city, as 
the case may be, for a common location, without regard to whether or not 
they meet in one and the same hall, and therefore any eligible person resident 
of such township, borough or city, as aforesaid, applying for admission 
whether by initiation or card shall have the option as to which of the Lodges 
in his township, borough or city he will make application for membership, 
they being technically equally distant from his residence. Provided, that 
with respect to all other Lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction, except the Lodges 
located in the same township, borough or city, the territorial jurisdiction 
of each Lodge so situated in a township, borough or city, shall be determined 
by the general law as above stated, the measurement to be by an air line 
from the hall where the Lodge meets. Provided, Nevertheless that when- 
ever a person qualified for membership shall apply for admission by initia- 
tion or deposit of card in a Lodge in the territorial jurisdiction of which he 
does not reside it shall only be necessary to obtain the permission of the 
Lodge or Lodges nearest to his place of residence in order to make his elec- 
tion into the Lodge, in whose territorial jurisdiction he does not reside, legal 
and valid. 

[Note.— See Territorial Jurisdiction for form of request to lodge located nearest to the 
residence of applicant, for permission to initiate or admit him to membership in the 
Lodge, to which he has made application.] 

3610. Two questions must be asked concerning every applicant for mem- 
bership, to determine his situation in reference to his initiation or admissi- 
bility to the Order by reason of his residence. First. Does he reside in the 
same township, borough or city as is the location of the Lodge he seeks to 
Join? Second. Does he reside within the boundaries of the State of Penn- 
sylvania, in ''territory" adjoining the township, borough or city which is 
the location of the Lodge he seeks to join, and is his residence so situated 
as to be actually nearer to the Lodge room of this Lodge than to that of any 
other Lodge in his neighborhood or equi distant? If either of these questions 
can be answered affirmatively, he may join this Lodge without its obtaining 
the permission of any other Lodge. If both of these questions be answered 
negatively, then the permission of the Lodge nearest to his residence must 
be first obtained before he can be admitted or initiated into this Lodge. 



400 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

RESIDENCE— As Affecting Admission to Membership in this Jurisdiction. 

3611. The penalty to be inflicted upon a Subordinate Lodge or Rebekah 
Lodge violating the provisions of the law prohibiting Subordinate Lodges 
or Rebekah Lodges from admitting persons as members not residing within 
their territorial jurisdiction, without having secured proper permission as pro- 
vided by law, shall be as follows : Said Subordinate Lodge or Rebekah Lodge 
shall upon conviction of such offence, immediately remit to the Subordinate Lodge 
or Rebekah Lodge having such territorial jurisdiction, the initiation and degree 
fees received from the member so admitted to membership, and that from time to 
time thereafter when requested by the Lodge which has received the initiation and 
degree fees, pay to such Lodge, all dues received from said member so admitted 
to membership, and shall continue to pay all such dues while he or she shall 
retain his or her membership, provided nevertheless that this resolution shall not 
affect the present legislation or any decisions in respect of and in relation to 
members being admitted by cards. 

3612. In case of the institution of a Lodge at the place of residence of 
persons who have already applied for admission in a remote Lodge and be- 
fore their election, they cannot be admitted to the remote Lodge, but must 
join, if at all, the one at their residence. This is, however, a subject for local 
legislation, upon which there being no action by the Grand Lodge, the gen- 
eral law prevails. 

3613. A brother with a Withdrawal Card, admitted to membership in a 
distant Lodge without the consent of the Lodge nearest his place of resi- 
dence, is illegally admitted. For example, if a member of the Order holding 
an unexpired Withdrawal Card, or an Ancient Odd Fellow, should be admit- 
ted to a Lodge in whose Territorial Jurisdiction he does not reside without 
previous permission having thus been obtained his membership would be abso- 
lutely void. A member of a Lodge removed from his Jurisdiction and took a 
Withdrawal Card, which he suffered to expire without depositing it. After 
this, and while he remained a permanent resident of the Jurisdiction to which 
he had removed, he applied to his old Lodge for admission as an Ancient Odd 
Fellow, and was admitted to membership without consent of the Jurisdiction of 
which he was a resident. The applicant knew, or was bound to know, what the 
law was, and that his membership was illegal. The Lodge also knew or was 
bound to know what the law was. Held that his membership being illegal, he 
was not protected, and his status was that of an Ancient Odd Fellow. 

3614. By the general law a Lodge receiving a member by Card in the same 
Jurisdiction at a distance from his residence — further from his residence than 
many other Lodges — violates the law that requires him to join the Lodge nearest 
his residence. 

3615. By the general law a brother, joining a Lodge by card, is presumed to 
know the law requiring him to join the one nearest his residence, and in joining 
one at a greater distance is guilty of a violation of the law. 

3616. By the general law where a brother joins by card a Lodge that is more 
remote from his residence than several others, the Lodge admitting him should 
be required to refund the money and cancel the membership. 

3617. A person whose application for membership in the Lodge located 
nearest his residence has been refused, is not thereby prevented from peti- 
tioning for membership in any other Lodge in the Jurisdiction, provided that 
the Lodge nearest his residence shall consent thereto, and provided the 
Grand Lodge has not prohibited such application. 

3618. Upon an individual applying for membership in a Lodge remote 
from his place of residence, the Lodge to which he makes such application 
shall give immediate notice to the Lodge or Lodges in the vicinity of his 
residence of such application, and shall wait three weeks for a reply thereto. 
If at the expiration of three weeks from the date of such notice, no reply 
shall have been received, a Committee may be appointed, who shall report at 
the next stated meeting as to the fitness of the candidate. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 401 

RESIDENCE. 

(d). As Affecting Admission to Membership in Another Jurisdiction. 

3619. If a person residing on the borders of this State is desirous of con- 
necting himself with a Lodge under the Jurisdiction of an adjoining State, 
he may, with the consent of the Grand Master of this State, make applica- 
tion to a Lodge in an adjoining Jurisdiction; and the consent of the Grand 
Master must accompany the application. 

3620. The privilege is granted to Lodges in adjoining Jurisdictions of 
receiving into membershp residents of the State of Pennsylvania. Provided, 
That such Lodge be at least three miles nearest in point of location to the 
place of residence of such parties. And provided also, That notice in writing 
shall be given to the Lodge or Lodges in this State nearest in point of loca- 
tion to the residence of the applicant, for at least four weeks previous to 
proceeding to an election. 

3621. No citizen of one State, District or Territory wherein Lodges are estab- 
lished shall be admitted to membership in a Lodge of another State, District or 
Territory without the previous consent of the Grand Lodge or Grand Master of 
the State, District or Territory whereof such citizen is a resident. 

3622. Any Lodge violating the foregoing section, upon conviction thereof 
before the Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction within which the same is located, 
shall forfeit and pay to the Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction within which the 
person, admitted to membership in violation of the provisions of said section, 
shall reside, all initiation and degree charges received from such person up to 
date of such conviction. 

3623. A person resident of one Jurisdiction may be admitted to mem- 
bership in another Jurisdiction either by initiation or deposit of card if all 

the following conditions exist. 

First. The Jurisdiction must be contiguous or adjacent. 

Second. He must have the consent of the Grand Lodge or the Grand 
Master of the Jurisdiction in which he resides. 

Third. The Subordinate must be the nearest one to his residence. 

Fourth. He must have the consent of the Jurisdiction under which the 
Subordinate exists that he proposes to join. 

Fifth. The necessary consent, legally authenticated must accompany the 
application for membership. 

3624. When consent has been given by the proper authorities for the 
election and initiation of a non-resident, the Lodge having original jurisdic- 
tion has no claim for fees. 

3625. No permission a Grand Master can give will make it legal to elect 
a candidate outside of this Jurisdiction, unless the Lodge of the contiguous 
Jurisdiction is nearer the candidate's residence than any one of his own. 

3626. When permission is given by the proper authorities for the admis- 
sion of a non-resident candidate to membership in a Lodge out of the Juris- 
diction in which he resides, and the fees for admission are less than are 
charged by the Lodge nearest his residence, he must pay the amount charged 
by the Lodge at his residence, and the Lodge receiving him must pay the dif- 
ference to the Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction where he resides. 

(e). As Affecting Dues and Benefits. 

3627. Subordinate Lodges most clearly have no right to refuse their 
members Visiting Cards or to decline to accept their dues or to refuse to pay 
them full benefits for the reason that they propose a temporary or perma- 
nent residence in any other place than the Territorial Jurisdiction of the Lodge 
in which a change of their ordinary occupations would increase the risk of 
life or health, nor because it is a more dangerous clime than that in which 
the Lodge is located. 

3628. Subordinate Lodges have no right to enact a By-Law that members 
in the receipt of benefits shall forfeit the same in case they leave the Terri- 



402 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

RESIDENCE-As Affecting Dues and Benefits. 

tonal Jurisdiction of the Lodgie, nor to prohibit their members from going to 
any point to which their interests may take them or their welfare or comfort 
demand. 

3629. It is within the jurisdiction of a Grand Body to approve of the 
By-Laws of a Subordinate which provides for the payment of a higher rate 
of dues by those whose occupations are of such a hazardous nature as to 
make them more liable to accident, or by reason of their residing in a local- 
ity where the climatic conditions increase their liability to disease, than is. 
required of the members living under ordinary conditions. 

RESIGNATION. 

u). From Membership- (b). From Oflioe. 

See Renunciation. See Ancient Odd Fellow. 

(a). From Membership. 

3630. The law in regard to resignation from membership had its origin 
in the following decision of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, viz: "A member 
may on his own written application withdraw from the Order without taking 
a clearance card, that is if he be resolved to sever his connection with us 
and refuse to take a card, there is no reasonable or rightful remedy. A 
Lodge cannot (and should not if it could) detain him against his will, and 
it would not be charitable or consistent with our principles to retain his name 
on the books for the express purpose of allowing dues to accumulate that 
we might stigmatize him by suspension or expulsion. If a brother came 
among us with clean hands and faithfully discharges his obligations to the 
Lodge, why should he not be permitted to depart in peace, whether he chose 
to receive from us a certificate of character or not? To say that he could 
only retire from our halls by receiving a certificate would impose a restraint 
on his actions in denying to him the right to choose the time and manner of 
his withdrawal. This has never been the policy of the Order. To all who are 
worthy our doors are open, and if they be not content with us they are free 
to go." 

3631. A written resignation severs the connection oi a brother finally 
and entirely from the Order, provided he be in good standing and no charges 
are pending, or are preferred at the same meeting his resignation is pre- 
»ented, and therefore, when a brother has so separated himself from the 
Order he is no longer in any respect subject to its jurisdiction. 

3632. A member of the Order made arrangement to go into the saloon busi- 
ness. On June 13th he went to the place of business of the Secretary of the 
Lodge and wrote a resignation from the Order and handed it to the Secretary. 
On June 15th he opened a saloon. The regular meeting night of the Lodge was 
June 18th at which time the resignation was read to the Lodge. The question 
was asked, when does this party's membership cease, on June 13th the date the 
resignation was written and came into the possession of the Secretary, or on June 
18th the regular meeting night of the Lodge? It was held that the resignation 
takes effect from the close of the regular meeting of the Lodge at which it was 
presented. 

3633. A resignation received by a Lodge cannot be laid over for one 
week. If the brother is clear of the books and free of charges, either pend- 
ing or presented at the meeting, his membership is at the close of the meeting 
severed. 

3634. A Lodge is guilty of insubordination which accepts the resignation 
of a member at a meeting in which charges are preferred against the mem- 
ber by the Grand Master. 

3635. When a member resigns, he withdraws without a withdrawal card. 
The Lodge should send him a certificate or letter under seal acknowledging 
his resignation, upon which if he care to do so, he can subsequently make 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 403 

RESIGNATION— From Membership. 

application for admission to the Order. The following form of certificate 
may be used: 



Lodge, No , I. O. O. F., 

19.. 



(Former Brother's Name.) 
Dear Sir: 

This certifies that your resignation as a member of this Lodge was pre- 
sented at a meeting of this Lodge held the day of , 

19 , and as you were clear of the books and free of charges, the resig- 
nation immediately became effective according to law. Should you at any 
time hereafter desire to rejoin the Order you may use this certificate upon which to 
base your application and to evidence the fact that your rank in this Lodge 

was that of 

Yours truly, 

(Seal.) , Noble Grand. 

Attest: Secretary. 

3636. Upon resignation, a member becomes an Ancient Odd Fellow at 
once. 

3637. A member who has been suspended for non-payment of dues can- 
not be allowed to resign his membership, although he offers to pay up all 
arrearages existing at the time of his suspension and such as have accumu- 
lated since that time. The Lodge can refuse to receive the money, if he will 
not allow himself to be reinstated or receive a Dismissal Certificate. He 
must be in good standing or he cannot resign his membership. He must 
be reinstated to place him in good standing. 

3638. Where a brother is suspended for non-payment of dues, and after 
the period prescribed by law obtained a Dismissal Certificate from his Lodge, 
He was then admitted on the certificate, and paid up his dues accruing from 
the time of his admission. Held, that he was in good standing, and that if 
he so desired he might sever his connection with the Lodge by resignation 
or Withdrawal Card. 

3639. A member in good standing can resign at any time before charges 
have been preferred against him, except where resignation and charges pre- 
ferred are made at the same meeting. 

3640. A member in good standing sends to his Lodge his resignation. A 
few days later he goes into a retail liquor business. He remained in said 
business a year or so and disposed of his business. Later on he made appli- 
cation to be admitted in his former Lodge as an Ancient Odd Fellow. Can 
he be admitted as such, or should charges be preferred against him for evad- 
ing the laws of the Order ? Held that after a member has resigned his membership 
the Lodge has no more jurisdiction over him, and no charges can be preferred 
against him. Under the laws of the Order a written resignation severs the 
connection of a brother finally and entirely with the Order, provided he is in 
good standing in his Lodge at the time of such resignation. A brother can- 
not resign unless in good standing. If the resignation is properly made he 
is not, under the law, any longer in any respect subject to the jurisdiction 
of the Lodge. If a member went into the saloon business since January 1st, 
1896, prior to resignation, charges should have been preferred against him, 
but if he was in good standing and only engaged in the business after resign- 
ing, and subsequently retired from the business, and applied for membership 
in his Lodge as an Ancient Odd Fellow, he could be received or rejected as 
the Lodge might determine, and the Lodge in passing on his application for 
admission might well consider the circumstances of his resignation, and 
his subsequent conduct in engaging in the saloon business, and if he resigned 
to evade the law he should not be admitted. 



404 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

RESIGNATION. 

(b). From Office. 

3641. A Noble Grand, who resigns before the end of the term is not 
entitled to the honors, though he has served a majority of the nights of the term. 

3642. A Grand Officer who voluntarily withdraws from the duties of a 
station forfeits the honors thereof, and the successor who fulfills the duties 
of the unexpired term becomes entitled to said honors. 

3643. A representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge whose credentials 
are accepted, and who attends a session of that Grand Body and then resigns, 
does "not forfeit the honors of the position, and is entitled to wear the 
regalia and jewel of the rank of Past Grand Representative." 

3644. A Grand Lodge having made the term of its subordinates one year, 
the general rule which requires a Vice Grand in order to become eligible 
as Noble Grand to serve a majority of the nights of the term applies to 
this new term as well as it did to the old term of six months; hence service 
for twenty-six nights will not suffice except in case of excused sickness or 
other contingencies now provided for by law, and if the Vice Grand after 
serving twenty-six nights resigns his office, he thereby forfeits the privileges and 
honors of the term. 

3645. An appointive officer, before he can fill the office of Vice Grand, 
must serve a full term of twenty-six weeks, must be present at least four- 
teen regular meetings and continue in office to the end of the term. If he 
resigns before the end of the term, he is not eligible as Vice Grand. 

3646. An officer of a Subordinate Lodge who resigns after serving but 
a portion of his term forfeits the privileges and honors of the term, but 
where there is a salary attached to the office, he does not forfeit his right 
to his proportionate part of the salary, although the By-Laws of his Lodge 
provide that "a brother elected to fill a vacancy is entitled to the rights, 
privileges and honors of the whole term." 

RESTORATION. 

(a). Of Charter. b). Of Expelled Member. 

See Institution of Lodge. See Elections for Office. 

(a). Of Charter. 

3647. The Grand Lodge may return surrendered charters, that may have 
remained unclaimed for not less than five years, upon the petition of the 
requisite number of qualified brothers, although only one of the petitioners 
may have been a member of said defunct Lodge; provided, however, that 
if the requisite number of original members be not found among the peti- 
tioners it must be apparent that due diligence and effort have been made 
in good faith to procure the required number, or no surrendered funds, 
effects and properties of the defunct Lodge shall be returned with the 
charter; and in all cases the charter fee shall be required as in case of 
issuing a new charter. 

3648. Any third degree member, holding a live Withdrawal Card from 
another Lodge, can join with former members of a defunct Lodge as one ot 
the necessary five petitioners in the application asking for the restoration of 
the charter of such defunct Lodge. 

3649. A Grand Body may allow a Lodge to be restored or resuscitated 
either where the charter was voluntarily surrendered or the Lodge was 
suspended or expelled, upon the application of five of the former members 
of the Lodge, and give the name, charter and effects of such defunct subordi- 
nate to such applicants ; provided, that the petitioners at the time of their 
application shall not be connected with any other Subordinate Lodge. But 
it is illegal for a Grand Lodge to permit any members of a suspended or 
expelled Lodge to become members as petitioners or otherwise, who were 
engaged in the illegal acts that caused the suspension or expulsion. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 405 

RESTORATION-Of Charter. 

The following is the form of petition for restoration: 
To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania: 

The petition of the undersigned, former members of 

Lodge, No. I. O. O. F., and whose Charter fee accompany this petition, 

respectfully represents that it would be consistent with the advantage of the 

Order to re-establish said Lodge, to be located at ....;... County of 

State of Pennsylvania, to be hailed as Lodge, 

No under your Jurisdiction. 

Wherefore your petitioners pray that the Charter may be restored in 
accordance with the laws of your Body, to which we promise to conform. 

This is also to certify that each of the petitioners has donated five dol- 
lars to a common fund, to be paid into the treasury of the Lodge, when re- 
stored as an absolute and unqualified gift to the Lodge ; and it is to be used in 
defraying the expenses of re-establishing the Lodge ; so that the Lodge may start 
with as little debt as possible. 

Dated at this . . day of 19. 

3650. When a defunct Lodge is restored the charter fee is payable the 
same as for a new Lodge. 

3651. The Grand Master has no authority to restore the charter of a sus- 
pended or expelled Lodge except where he has suspended a lodge, then he 
has power to reinstate it without waiting for the action of the Grand Lodge 
upon the charges preferred. 

3652. Where a subordinate became extinct by failure to make returns, 
no application was made as required by law for restoration, but the Dis- 
trict Deputy Grand Master installed the officers of the subordinate and set 
it in motion. This was sanctioned by the Grand Master, and his acts were 
approved by the Grand Lodge. On appeal to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, it was 
held that the rehabilitation of the subordinate was illegal, being in violation of the 
By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. 

3G53. When a defunct Lodge has been resuscitated on the application 
of only a part of its members, such resuscitation does not restore to mem- 
bership all its former members who were in good standing, at the time of its 
dissolution. 

3654. Petitioners for the resuscitation of a defunct Lodge who are not 
present at the organization when the charter is restored are not restored 
to membership. They must come in by petition. 

3655. Upon the restoration of a defunct Lodge, the original charter 
should be returned with a certificate upon the margin thereof, giving the 
names of those who petitioned for its restoration and the date of its restora- 
tion. 

3656. When a charter of a Lodge is suspended, by the Grand Master, 
for insubordination, the Grand Lodge has the right to restore the charter 
upon such terms and conditions as it deems best, so that the rights of the 
innocent are protected. 

3657. After a Lodge has been suspended by a Grand Master and such 
suspension approved and the charter reclaimed by the Grand Lodge, which 
action is subsequently declared illegal by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and which 
action was therefore reconsidered and reversed by the Grand Lodge, the restora- 
tion of the charter by another Grand Master to a portion of the membership of the 
Lodge, and their institution as a Lodge, excluding certain members of the original 
Lodge is void. Such Lodge should be treated as if it had never been suspended. 

3658. When a Lodge becomes defunct and its charter is withdrawn all 
the members are under suspension except such as receive cards from the 
Grand Lodge. When such a lodge is resuscitated by having its charter 
restored on petition of some of the original members, one who was in good 
standing at the time of suspension, but had not received a card from the 
Grand Lodge retains the status of a suspended member and must so 



406 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

BESTORATIOff-Of Charter. 

remain until admitted into the resuscitated Lodge, on such terms as the 
local law prescribes or until he shall have obtained a Dismissal Certificate in 
accordance with law. 

3659. When a defunct Lodge has been resuscitated, by having its char- 
ter restored on the application of only a part of its members, those mem- 
bers making the application only may be restored at once, and the other mem- 
bers who were in good standing may resume membership upon such terms 
as the Local Laws of the Jurisdiction may prescribe. 

(b). Of Expelled Member. 

3660. The return of an expelled member to the Order is a matter of 
State legislation and the form of proceeding has always been left to the local 
law. He must first apply to his former Lodge and if that Lodge wishes to 
pass upon his case it must by petition obtain the consent of its Grand Lodge. 
That consent being obtained, the whole matter goes to tne Subordinate 
Lodge under its By-Laws and the General Laws of the Order. The action 
of the Lodge under these limitations is potent for every purpose and should 
not be clogged with conditions and forms which may be in conflict with the 
regulations now in use for that purpose. The State Grand Bodies are com- 
petent to control this matter. 

3661. The vote necessary to restore an expelled member, with the con- 
sent of the Grand Lodge, or the Grand Lodge Officers, is the same vote which 
expelled him from membership. 

3662. No Subordinate Lodge can restore an expelled member of its own 
motion. The consent of the Grand Lodge or the Board of Grand Lodge 
Officers is absolutely necessary to authorize the restoration. 

3663. The following form of Petition may be used: 

Lodge, No I. O. O. F. 



19. 



To the Board of Grand Officers, 

of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F. 
Dear Sirs and Brothers: 

formerly a member of this Lodge and who, after 

due trial was expelled therefrom for Conduct Unbecoming an Odd Fellow, 

namely 

presented his application for restoration to membership, which application 
was referred to an Investigating Committee who reported in favor of his 
application; whereupon a ballot was had and two-thirds of the ballot were 
in favor of the restoration. Whereupon, the undersigned, at the direction 
of this Lodge, requests that your Board will grant permission to restore said 

to membership therein. 

Fraternally submitted, 

N. G. 

Attest: 

Secretary. 

SEAL. 

[Note.— A copy of the charges and specifications upon which the brother was con- 
victed must accompany this application.] 

3664. Form of permission to restore an expelled member: 

19 

Secretary. 

Lodge, No 

Pa. 
Dear Sir and Brother. 

At a meeting of the Board of Grand Officers, held on the 

day of , 19. . . ., upon the application of your Lodge, permission 

was granted to restore to membership therein. 

Fraternally yours, 

Grand Secretary. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 407 

KESTOBATION-Of Expelled Member. 

3665. A suspended or expelled member shall not be admitted into an- 
other Jurisdiction without the previously obtained consent of the Grand 
Lodge of original Jurisdiction and of the Lodge from which he was sus- 
pended or expelled. 

3666. A member expelled in one jurisdiction can be neither legally nor 
honorably reinstated in another jurisdiction except by the consent of the 
Grand Lodge of original Jurisdiction and of the Lodge expelling, and if rein- 
stated (except by consent) is a member neither of the Lodge expelling him 
nor of the Order. 

3667. A member of the. Order suspended or expelled from a Lodge in 
any Jurisdiction shall not be admitted to membership in a Lodge in another 
Jurisdiction without the previously obtained consent of the Lodge from which he 
is suspended or expelled ; provided, however, that members suspended or dropped 
for non-payment of dues only may be admitted to membership in another Juris- 
diction upon such conditions and under such rules and regulations as the Sov- 
ereign Grand Lodge may have prescribed or may at any time adopt. 

3668. An expelled member restored to membership should again sign the 
Constitution. 

3669. An Initiatory member, expelled for contempt in not appearing to 
answer charges, was afterwards readmitted and paid the admission fee but 
did not again sign the Constitution. He afterwards received the degree without 
protest, was reported as a member and signed the constitution. Held that 
the irregularity did not vitiate his membership. 

3670. One who has been expelled from a Lodge which subsequently be- 
comes extinct can only regain membersnip in the Order through the Grand 
Lodge to which the Lodge he belonged was subordinate. 

3671. Dues of an expelled member, restored to membership by his Lodge 
begin to accrue from the time he again signs the Constitution. 

3672. Dues against an expelled member restored to membership on appeal 
to the Grand Lodge or to the Sovereign Grand Lodge begin to accrue from 
the time the decision reinstating the brother is officially announced to the Lodge, 
unless the brother is claiming benefits that have accrued during the period of his 
expulsion, in which case the dues would run with the benefits and be deducted 
thereform. 

3673. The Grand Master has the authority to enforce the judgment of 
reversal on appeal against a Lodge, restoring an expelled member, either 
absolutely or ordering a new trial. In case of persistent disobedience to his 
mandate, he may proceed against the Lodge for insubordination. 

3674. The Grand Lodge has no authority to compel a Lodge to restore 
an expelled member except on an appeal to it from the Lodge's action in 
expelling the brother. 

3675. If on appeal by a member of a Lodge charged with an offense 
against the Order and expelled therefrom, the decision of the Lodge be re- 
versed, he is thereby restored to membership in the Lodge without any 
action on the part of the Lodge. And where a member who has been expelled 
from a Subordinate Lodge appeals to the Grand Lodge of his Jurisdiction and the 
appeal is dismissed, and an appeal is taken from the action of his Grand Lodge to the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, the appeal is sustained, and the Grand Lodge is in- 
structed to direct the Subordinate Lodge to restore the brother to membership, in 
such case the position of the brother in the Order during the time between 
the adjournment of the session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, at which the 
appeal was sustained and the t ; me the Subordinate Lodge receives official 
notice from its Grand Lodge to restore the brother to membership is that 
he still stands expelled until official notice reaches the subordinate from 
the Grand Lodge, and then he should, of course, be restored to all his rights. 
The action of the Sovereign Grand Lodge takes effect when officially made 



408 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

RESTORATION-Of Expelled Member. 

known to the Subordinate Lodge through the State or Territorial Grand 
Lodge, and not before. 

3676. The Grand Lodge has no authority to permit one of its Lodges to 
admit to membership an individual who has been expelled from another 
Lodge without the consent of that Lodge being first obtained. 

REVENUE. 

See Per Capita Tax. 

3677. The Grand Lodge has full power to assess upon its subordinates 
a per capita tax or assessment for its support. The assessment is not upon 
the individual members, out of their private means, but upon the subordi- 
nates, in the ratio of membership, out of their Lodge funds. 

3678. The right of a Grand Lodge to raise revenue for its legitimate 
purposes by assessment on its subordinates has been recognized and enforced 
by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

REVERSIONARY INTEREST IN GRAND LODGE. 

See Appendix. See Surrender. 

Defunct Lodges. Charter. 

Aged Odd Fellows' Fund. 

3679. A Subordinate Lodge has control over its finances, and may use 
them for such benevolent or other legitimate purposes as the members may 
deem expedient having a due regard for the reversionary interest of tne 
Grand Lodge. 

3680. On the dissolution of a Subordinate Lodge all its property and 
assets, real and personal become the property of the Grand Lodge. 

3681. This property is held for the purpose of assisting working Lodges 
in need of funds to sustain them, or it may also be applied to the assistance 
of the widows and orphans of members of defunct Lodges, or to any relief 
fund which may exist in the Grand Lodge, particularly the Aged Odd Fel- 
lows' Fund. 

3682. Where certain property in a defunct Lodge was held by it as 
trustee for a specific purpose, the Grand Lodge, as reversionary trustee will 
see that such trust is duly executed and the trust fund applied to the purpose 
for which the fund was created. 

3683. The Grand Lodge cannot appropriate the money derived from a 
defunct Lodge as it may deem best, even if the objects of the Order are not 
violated. 

3684. It cannot vote these funds to the payment of sick and funeral bene- 
fits of such members as are unable, by reason of age and infirmity to join 
another Lodge. 

3685. The Grand Lodge is liable, however, to pay out of these funds, 
moneys advanced by any Lodge for relief to a member of the defunct Lodge 
before it was informed of the surrender, but this liability extends only to 
the extent of the assets of the sick brother's defunct Lodge which came into 
the possession of the Grand Lodge, and to no greater extent. 

3686. On the 16th of June, 1896, there was received at the office of the 
Grand Secretary a box, which, upon being opened, proved to contain the 
charter, rituals, ledger, seal and minute book of a Lodge, also a lot of regalia 
belonging to the Lodge. Upon reference to the minute book, it appears that 
at a meeting of the Lodge on June 6, 1896, "on motion it was ordered that 
the Lodge disband after June 6>, 1896." On April 18, 1896, there appears to 
have been a preliminary motion made and adopted by the Lodge, and the 
Noble Grand desired the Secretary to notify the Treasurer, as follows: "By 
the desire of the Noble Grand you are requested to meet with the Lodge next 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 409 

REVERSIONARY INTEREST IN GRAND LODGE. 

Saturday evening, April 23, 1896, for the purpose of delivering up the money 
and railroad stock in your possession." At this meeting the funds were divided 
pro rata among the members. The Grand Lodge began proceedings without delay 
to recover the property, and obtained a decree of the Court of the county where 
the Lodge formerly existed requiring each of the members of the Lodge who par 
ticipated in the illegal distribution to return to the Grand Lodge the amount he 
received out of the unds of the Lodge, and to pay his share of the cost of the 
suit. 

RIGHT SUPPORTER TO THE NOBLE GRAND. 

3687. When the Noble Grand temporarily vacates the chair it is the duty 
of the Right Supporter to occupy it. 

3688. The Noble Grand temporarily vacating the chair means while the 
Noble Grand is present in the Lodge room or ante-room. 

3689. When the Noble Grand leaves the Lodge room then the duty of 
occupying the chair devolves upon the Vice Grand. 

3690. The Right Supporter's occupation of the chair is purely tempor- 
ary, and is dependent upon the Noble Grand being present to perform his 
duty. Therefore held that the Right Supporter to the Noble Grand has no 
authority to authorize a brother to confer the semi-annual password upon 
another brother of the same Lodge to enable him to visit other Lodges, but 
he can put a motion while thus occupying the Noble Grand's chair. 

3691. A third degree member is eligible to appointment as Right Sup- 
porter of the Noble Grand. 

3692. The Right Supporter of the Noble Grand, temporarily occupying the 
Noble Grand's chair, has no right to authorize a brother to confer the term 
word upon another brother of the same Lodge, to enable him to visit other 
Lodges. 

RITUALS. 

See Cipher and Key. See Work. 

3693. The Ritual of 1896 takes precedence over a constitutional or statu- 
tory law in all matters purely ritualistic, such as opening and closing Lodges, 
or conferring degrees. 

3694. The Grand Lodge has authority to compel Lodges to purchase a 
given number of rituals not exceeding the number allowed by law. 

3695. Each Subordinate Lodge is permitted to buy, not exceeding four 
Rituals for the use of the Lodge. • 

3696. Extracts cannot be taken from the Rituals for any purpose except 
under authority granted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, neither is it admiss- 
able to photograph groups of ritualistic characters, etc., without special 
permission of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

3697. The question of dispensing with the use of books in the work of the 
Order is a subject for legislation of Grand Bodies. 

3698. The question whether the obligations should be memorized or read 
from the Ritual should, in the absence of local legislation, be left to the Sub- 
ordinate Lodges as the best judges of the manner by which their officers 
can most impressively render the work. 

3699. In any conflict between the " floor work " and the Ritual or General 
Law, the latter must prevail. 

3700. A Subordinate or Rebekah Degree Lodge may use any form of floor 
work it prefers, provided it conforms in all respects to the Ritual. The 
forms authorized by the Sovereign Grand Lodge are only guides, and are 
not obligatory. But if a Lodge uses any other form than that provided by the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge it is not proper to print and publish the same, as 

26 



410 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

BITT7ALS. 

it must of necessity contain reference to the 'Ritual and Ceremonies of the 
Order, which can only be printed or published by authority of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge. 

3701. A Lodge may procure as many copies of the authorized floor work 
as it requires, but they should be retained in the custody of the Noble Grand 
of the Lodge for the use of its officers. They are not to be sold to or held by in- 
dividual members as personal property. 

3702. It is unlawful for the rituals or other books containing or relating 
to the secret work of the. Order to be taken from the Lodge room. The 
Noble Grand of a Lodge, being the proper custodian of such books, may 
intrust them to his Subordinate Officers for the purpose of qualification while 
in the Lodge room. The laws of the Order prohibit the writing of the 
initiatory charges, as well as all other parts of the secret work. 

3703. The law does not permit the Rituals being, taken from the Lodge 
room, but if they can be bound in the Lodge Room there can be no objec- 
tion; provided, the binder is a member of the Order, who has obtained suf- 
ficient rank and instruction therein. 

3704. The obligation to a candidate must be administered by a Vice 
Grand or a Past Vice Grand. Where the instructions in "floor work" say that 
"positions on a staff are to be governed by the question of fitness," it means 
fitness within the limitations of law. 

3705. The Rituals belonging to a Subordinate Lodge are in the ofhcial 
keeping of the Noble Grand; he shall neither take, nor allow them to be 
taken from the Lodge room at any time; he shall place them in the Archives 
previous to closing the Lodge, and no copies of or extracts from any part 
or parts of those books shall be taken for any purpose whatever. The Noble 
Grand is especially charged with the care of the Rituals, and with the en- 
forcement of the above regulation. 

3706. A Lodge may provide in its By-Laws that officers may be fined who 
cannot repeat their charges without the book. 

3707. No officer, excepting the Noble Grand, or in his absence the Vice 
Grand, shall be entrusted with the key of the receptacle of the Rituals; and 
any other officer or member opening the same with other keys, or breaking it 
open, subjects himself to charges, and is liable to expulsion. 

3708. A member of the Order cannot lawfully take the Ritual out of the 
Lodge room into the banquet room, which is connected with the Lodge room 
by a hall. The Rituals are in charge of the Noble Grand, and he has no right 
to allow them to be taken out of his possession or out of the Lodge room. 

ROLL CALL. 

3709. Upon an officer entering the Lodge after roll call he should report 
himself to the Secretary as present, whose duty it shall be to make a 
minute of such officer's presence on the book of records. The Roll Book is a 
prima facie evidence of absence, yet is not conclusive. If an officer can prove by 
the records or other competent evidence that he was present a majority of the 
nights and to the end of a term, he is entitled to the honors of the office. The 
sufficiency of evidence of presence is to be determined by a majority of the Lodge 

3710. It is the duty of Secretaries to mark as present any officer of the 
Lodge who reports himself as present within fifteen minutes after roll call. 
Other evidence than the roll book to prove presence may be admitted, the 
sufficiency of such evidence of presence to be determined by a vote of the 
Lodge. 

3711. At the Annual Sessions of the Grand Lodge, the Roll or Representa- 
tives shall be called immediately after the opening of the Grand Lodge on 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 411* 

KOLL CALL. 

the morning of the second day's session, and as often, during the session, 
as a call may be ordered by two-thirds of the members present (the vote to 
be taken without debate). 

RULES OF ORDER. 

3712. The Rules of Order by which a deliberate body is governed are its 
laws on the subject to which they apply and votes amending the Bj Laws of 
a Lodge are taken like any other vote subject to the Rules of Order. Any 
constitutional amendment made at a session of the Grand Lodge may be 
amended at any time during that session. 

3713. It is not according to parliamentary usage to make a motion to 
establish a negative of a proposition and the affirmative of another, or, in 
other words, to move to reject a proposition and adopt or substitute another. 
Such a motion is unparliamentary and unknown to our legislation. 

3714. A Grand Lodge, like any other legislative assembly, has the right 
to consider and adopt such legislation as to it seems best. Such right is 
limited only by the rules of the Body, and the fact that the legislation 
adopted is inconsistent with that previously adopted, cannot of itself deprive 
the body of its inherent power to consider any proposition submitted to it, 
and to take such action thereon, as it may determine to be best. The wis- 
dom of adopting inharmonious rules or of following inconsistent courses is 
not a subject for the consideration of the Sovereign Grand Lodge on appeal. The 
advisability of adopting rules which apparently conflict, rest on the discre- 
tion of the Body acting. That the Grand Lodge has the power to adopt 
such rules is settled by universal and parliamentary practice. 

SALARY. 

3715. When a brother is injured to such an extent that he is not able 
to work, but his salary continues, he is not entitled to benefits, provided, his 
ability to earn a livelihood is not lessened by the disability so as to make Aim 
unable to earn a livelihood. For example, a Judge in receipt of a salary and who 
attends court occasionally, but is disabled from otherwise procuring the means of 
subsistence is, nevertheless, not entitled to benefits. 

3716. The resignation of a salaried officer of a Lodge entitles him to 
receive the proportionate pnrt of the salary he has earned, according to the 
number of meeting nights of the term that he has served. 

3717. The fact of the continuance of his salary or wages by his employer 
shall not be construed to deny the right of benefits to a brother whose ability 
to" personally earn a livelihood has been lessened by the disability. 

3718. A Lodge may enact a By Law fixing the compensation of the Secre- 
tary and provide therein that it shall take effect at a past date. And by the an- 
cient usage and custom of this jurisdiction the salaries payable to the proper 
officers of a Lodge must be a clearly stated and stipulated amount, ar/d be paya- 
ble at a specified time. 

3719. By the General Laws of the Order where the governing constitution 
does not forbid the enactment of retroactive laws, it is within the power of a 
Subordinate Lodge, subject to such approval as is required by local law, to 
enact a By Law fixing the compensation, say of the Secretary, and providing 
that such law shall take effect from a past date, but such retroactive clause 
must be stated in express terms in the By Law, and not affect salary then 
received. The Grand Lodge has, however, declared that it will not approve the 
By-Laws of a Lodge that reduces the salary of a Secretary during the term for 
which he was elected. 

3720. Whilst a Lodge is actually indebted to an officer for salary he cannot 
be suspended for non-payment of dues, but a claim for salary cannot be made an 
offset for dues as they are to be paid by a salaried officer the same as by the other 



412 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SALARY. 

members, and non-payment subjects him to the same penalties as to his benefi- 
cial and good standing in the Lodge. 

3721. When a brother who is an officer of his Lodge is taken sick and he 
claims benefits, it is found that he is indebted to the Lodge for more than thir- 
teen weeks dues and the Lodge is indebted to him for salary to the amount of his 
indebtedness, it was held that inasmuch as the account stands open, no settle- 
ment having been made between him and the Lodge, and no order having been 
directed to be drawn on the treasurer for the salary therefore the brother is not 
entitled to the benefits claimed. 

3722. An officer, serving without a salary fixed by the By Laws from time to 
time credited himself with his dues in payment for his services. The Auditing 
Committee examined his books each term, and reported them correct. This was 
afterwards discovered and a demand was made for the payment of the arrears of 
dues. This the brother refused to pay, and he was suspended for non-payment of 
dues, he thereupon appealed. It was held that the brother had no right to credit 
himself with his dues without authority of the Lodge. Though the auditing com- 
mittee passed his accounts and reported them correct, as in the absence of evi- 
dence that their attention was called to the particular matter in question, it does 
not appear that the credits were allowed by the committee, therefore the brother 
was legally suspended for non-payment of dues. 

3723. While a brother who neglects to pay his dues for more than thirteen 
weeks would not be beneficial, although the Lodge may owe him a sum equal to 
his indebtedness for uncredited salary, nevertheless when the Lodge is indebted 
to the brother enough to have made him beneficial at the time of his death had 
he been credited with the amount, his widow will be entitled to the funeral 
benefits. 



SALOON KEEPER, BARTENDER AND PROFESSIONAL GAMBLER. 

3724. No saloon keeper, bar tender or professional gambler shall be 
eligible to membership in the Order. [Adopted by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, 1895; became operative January 1 ? 1896.] 

3725 This law is not retroactive, but should a brother who was on Janu- 
ary 1, 1896, within the prohibited class, in any way cease to follow it, he 
cannot resume the occupation, nor may he change from one prohibited occu- 
pation to either of the other two without coming within the terms or this law. 

3726. A saloon keeper is a person who is the owner or proprietor In whole 
or in part of a place of any kind or description where intoxicating liquors are 
sold as a beverage, and to be drunk in the place or on the premises jwhere 
sold. 

3727. A bartender is a person who tends bar or waits on customers in a 
place of any kind or description where intoxicating liquors are sold as a 
beverage and to be drunk in the place or on the premises where sold. 

3728. A professional gambler is a person who is the owner or proprietor 
of a place in whole or in part where gambling is permitted, or a person who 
engages in gambling as a means of livelihood. 

3729. All vinous malt and distilled liquors containing alcohol which are 
used as a beverage and when so used produce, or tend to produce, an entire 
dr partial state of intoxication, are intoxicating liquors. 

3730. A saloon keeper is an owner of the liquor business, while a bar- 
tender is an employee in such business. 

3731. A member within the prohibited classes, but protected by reason 
of his membership in the Order by being engaged as a saloon keeper, bar- 
tender or professional gambler, prior to January 1, 1896, and who has continu- 
ously followed the occupation since, may transfer his membership by deposit 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 413 

SALOON KEEPEK, BARTENDER AND PROFESSIONAL GAMBLER. 

of Visiting Card or he may visit and acquire membership in a Lodge by a 
Withdrawal Card within one year from its date, or if in the saloon business 
when suspended for non-payment of dues and has not abandoned it, he is 
eligible to reinstatement in his Lodge. 

.3732. A brother who was engaged in either of these occupations at the 
time this amendment to the law went into effect and thereby protected and 
has since gone into either of the other two excepted lines of business is sub- 
ject to the penalty of the law. For example, it is illegal to retain as a mem- 
ber one who was a bartender at the time of the amendment and who has since 
purchased a saloon which he conducts himself with the aid of a bartender. 

3733. If a brother has gone into either of these prohibited kinds of 
business since he was suspended for non-payment of dues and at the time of 
his application for reinstatement continue in the same, he cannot be rein- 
stated. 

3734. By business is not meant not only engaging therein for gain, profit 
or wages, but in any way, without qualification as to time or quantity. If being 
so engaged for gain or wages is "conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow," how 
much more so, for a member with the law before him, voluntarily to engage 
in it? Therefore, a member of the Order, not in the business when the law 
went into effect and who voluntarily engages in either of the prohibited 
forms, is guilty of "conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow," and liable to 
charges. This must not be understood to apply to those who were members 
and so engaged at the time the law was passed. They had acquired vested 
rights under the law as it previously existed, and cannot be disturbed. But 
when they give up the business they cannot again return to it without a 
violation of the law. 

3735. In a case where a brother admitted having, served liquor over a 
bar, but denied being a saloon keeper or clerk in a bar. The brother also 
stated that he stayed in the said saloon, not for gain but just to accommo- 
date a friend who wanted to visit his family for a few days. He also stated 
that he did not know that he was violating any of the rules of the Order, and 
if he had the sin was ignorance and that it would never occur again. Held 
that the brother was a bartender within the meaning of the la\^ as the Con- 
stitution said simply "bartender" without qualification or limitation as to time 
or quantity. 

3736. And likewise, when a brother started a hotel, with a bar, but did 
not tend the bar himself. The name of the hotel being the Vail Hotel, which 
is the brother's name, and the license was taken out in the name of the 
"Vail Hotel." The brother was held to be a saloon keeper. 

3737. One engaged in either of these callings cannot regain admission in 
the Order on a Dismissal Certificate or as an Ancient Odd Fellow. 

3738. The penalty to be inflicted upon an Odd Fellow convicted of being a 
saloon keeper, contrary to the law of our Order, and who, at the time of his con- 
viction, continues in such business, is expulsion ; but if the offending member has, 
prior to his conviction, in good faith, discontinued such business, then the penalty 
is such as may be determined by the trial Lodge. 

3739. A brother having started in the saloon business contrary to the laws 
of the Order, the Lodge may, upon his application therefor, grant him a With- 
drawal Card, unless charges have been preferred against him, or shall be preferred 
at the meeting to which the application for a Withdrawal Card is made. 

3740. As the Constitution declares that saloon keepers are ineligible to 
membership in the Order, whenever it is discovered that such inhibited 
individual has by any means been initiated in the Order, his further pro- 
gress should be arrested. As he is not eligible to membership he is not 
-qualified to receive any of the degrees. 



414 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SALOON KEEPER, BARTENDER AND PROFESSIONAL GAMBLER. 

3741. A member of the Order who, when initiated, was in the saloon 
business as proprietor or as bartender, but failed to make known that fact 
in his application for membership, when it is ascertained at some subse- 
quent time that he was a saloon keeper or bartender, it is the duty of the 
Lodge in which he was initiated and in which he holds membership, to pre- 
fer charges against him. » 

3742. A candidate applied for membership in a Lodge of this Jurisdiction, 
giving, his occupation either as a merchant or grocer. After being a member 
of the Lodge for several months, it is discovered that he is engaged in the 
saloon business. The Lodge at first refused to prefer charges, but finally did 
bo, and the accused, in his pleading before the Trial Committee, filed the 
following statement: "First, that it is out of the jurisdiction of the Lodge 
on these grounds, that he was engaged in the saloon business at the time 
that he joined the Lodge, and has been a member of the Lodge for twenty- 
two months or thereabouts, and did not intend to commit a fraud when he 
made the statement that he was not a saloon keeper, but at that time he held 
an interest in a saloon, and he was under the impression that the law referred 
to bartenders. Second, the accused admits the fact that he is a barkeeper, 
and was at the time he joined the Order, but did not intend to commit a 
fraud when he joined the Order; it was purely an error on his part." Held 
that this amounted to a plea of guilty. 

3743. A hotel keeper is not a saloon keeper. If there is a bar the license for 
which is not in his name, and he tends it, he is a bartender and likewise as to a 
tavern keeper. 

3744. A license taken out in a brother's name makes him a saloon, 
keeper. For example, when a brother of the Order owns a Lodge Room rent- 
ed by an Odd Fellows' Lodge. On the second floor of the building is a dance 
hall, which he rents with bar privileges. He also rents out a room in the 
same building for saloon purposes. He claims that it is necessary to take 
out a saloon license in his own name in order to rent the hall and store room, 
but says he only gets the rent money. He is a saloon keeper within the mean- 
ing of our laws. In the intendment of the laws of the various States in respect 
to granting of licenses, the license is granted to a person because of his peculiar 
fitness for the business. It must be assumed, therefore, that when the court 
granted a license to this brother it had in view these facts, and that he was to be 
the keeper of the saloon, and to exercise the powers and privileges given by the 
license. If he procures some one else to do the actual work, it does not 
change the fact that he is a licensed saloon keeper. 

3745. But holding stock in a hotel corporation, in whose hotel there is a 
bar owned and conducted by the hotel, does not constitute the owner of stock 
therein a saloon keeper. 

3746. "Waiters in the dining room of a hotel who serve meals to guests 
and incidentally serve liquors, cannot be classed as bar tenders. 

3747. The agent of a brewery, not a dispenser of liquors over a bar. The 
manager of a wholesale liquor house. A wholesale or retail grocer who 
sells liquor in original packages, not to be drank on the premises keeping 
no bar or side board, or a druggist who sells liquors not for a beverage, are 
not saloon keepers or bar tenders. A driver for a wholesale liquor house is 
eligible to membership in the Order. 

3748. A member who violates the penal laws of a state or country in 
respect to gambling is guilty of conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow, and ia 
amenable to the laws of the Order. 

3749. A clerk in a pool room is a professional gambler within the mean- 
ing of the prohibition. 

[Note.— This does not refer to a Pool and Billiard room. A Pool, as used in this law 
means the combination of a number of persons, each staking a sum of money on the 
success of a horse in a race, a contestant in a game, etc., the money to be divided among 
the successful betters according to the amount put in by each. It also means the money 
staked, or the right to stake the money.] 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 415 

SALOON KEEPEK, BARTENDER AND PROFESSIONAL GAMBLER. 

3750. When the holder of a Dismissal Certificate who has been a saloon 
keeper continuously from a period prior to the enactment of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, applies for membership and conceals the nature of his business 
from the Lodge and is admitted, he is liable under the amendment, and the 
penalty upon conviction would be expulsion. 

3751. A man who owns or controls a hotel in which there is a bar is a 
taloon keeper, and if he attends the bar he is a bartender. 

3752. A brother who was a partner in the saloon business prior to Janu- 
ary 1, 1896, and who afterwards buys his partner's interest, does not violate 
the law by such purchase. 

3753. If a member entered into the saloon business after the prohibitory 
legislation on that subject by the Sovereign Grand Dodge, and while engaged 
in that business, and as a consequence thereof he became injured. Under the 
legislation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge on the subject of saloon keeping, 
and the decisions under that legislation the engaging in such business by an 
Odd Fellow must be assumed to be immoral conduct, and if an ailment or 
injury is received in or consequent upon such business he would not be en- 
titled to benefits. 

3754. The question of granting a -Withdrawal Card to a brother who be- 
comes engaged in the saloon business depends upon the discretion of the 
Lodge. 

3755. If one who owns a saloon becomes initiated into a Lodge, his initia- 
tion is illegal, but his membership must be recognized until terminated in a 
manner provided by law. It is the duty of the Lodge to terminate his mem- 
bership unless the brother has since retired or shall retire from the busi- 
ness or shall voluntarily resign his membership. 

3756. A brother resigning membership, and engaging in the saloon busi- 
ness, who subsequently retires from such business and seeks membership in 
his former Lodge or in any other Lodge as an Ancient Odd Fellow, may be re- 
ceived or rejected, as the Lodge may determine. 

SANITARIUM. 

See Appropriations. See Funds. 

3757. A nervous affection necessitating treatment in a sanitarium, en- 
titles a member to sick benefits. 

3758. The question was asked, We have a brother who is in a sanitarium 
for consumptives. Should we pay him benefits? Answer. Yes, It is mani- 
fest that the brother cannot follow his usual occupation while a patient in 
the sanitarium, and is therefore entitled to benefits. 

SATISFACTORY EVIDENCE OF FORMER CONNECTION WITH 

THE ORDER. 

See Cards. See Resignation. 
Admission to the Order. Evidence. 

Investigating Committee. Application for Membership. 

Ancient Odd Fellow. 

3759. Satisfactory evidence of former connection with the Order within 
the meaning of the law must come from the Lodge of which the brother 
was formerly a member, or in the event of such Lodge being inaccess- 
ible by reason of its being defunct or otherwise, then from the Grand Body 
under whose Jurisdiction the subordinate existed and should neither of these 
be accessible or obtainable then such evidence shall be regulated by the 
Grand Lodge. Should the applicant fail to meet these requirements he may 
make petition for admission into the Order by initiation, as would be required 
of a new applicant for original membership. 



416 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SATISFACTORY EVIDENCE OF FORMER CONNECTION WITH THE ORDER. 

3760. If an applicant can establish his claim to be considered an Ancient 
Odd Fellow and can prove himself in the initiatory work, he is not required to 
be reinitiated in the. Order. 

3761. A brother who has withdrawn by card, which has been lost or 
destroyed, and who is unable to get a duplicate, on satisfactory proof of 
former membership, may be readmitted as an Ancient Odd Fellow, and will 
be entitled to the rank he may prove himself as having attained. Any sucn 
person shall be required to set forth in his petition for membership that 
he has never been suspended or expelled from any Lodge and that he is un- 
able to obtain evidence of his former connection with the Order. 

SEAL. 

3762. A Lodge is justified in refusing attention to documents from an- 
other Lodge not attested by its seal. 

3763. Lodge communications, with the seal and signatures of the officers 
attached, must, under all circumstances, when mailed, be enclosed in sealed 
envelopes; and where unsealed communications of such character are re- 
ceived by Lodges, they must be regarded as unofficial. 

3764. All documents emanating from a Lodge require the impress of its 
seal for their authentication. 

3765. The seal of a Lodge should be used only to authenticate its official 
correspondence and action. It is not proper to impress the seal upon letter 
envelopes or postal cards. The sending out of circulars with the seal thereon, 
in open envelopes is prohibited. 

3766. The seal of the Lodge, to be authentic, must be printed or im- 
pressed upon the instrument it is designed to authenticate, and not affixed 
thereto. 

3767. There is nothing illegal in the use of the seal of a Lodge in authenti- 
cating documents ordered or authorized by the Lodge, provided such seal be 
used by the proper officer thereof, as in the case of certificates, resolutions 
Of thanks, etc., even although not in correspondence purely within the 
Order. 

3768. It is legitimate and proper for Subordinate and Grand Lodges to 
use a printed impression of the seal on official documents when it is not con- 
renient to actually impress it. While it is legal to print the Lodge impression 
of the seal upon official certificates or other legal documents appertaining to Lodge 
business, it is subject to the proviso that the printed seal is the adopted seal of the 
Lodge. 

3769. The seal of a Lodge should only be used in transacting the legiti- 
mate business of the Lodge. 

3770. Cutting a copy of the seal from a letter heading and pasting it on 
a communication, is not a legal sealing of the paper. 

3771. Officers of a Subordinate Lodge have no power to use the seal of 
their Lodge, unless they are ordered to do so by the Lodge, or unless it be 
done in accordance with a positive enactment of the Grand Lodge or Sover- 
eign Grand Lodge. 

3772. The seal of a Lodge is in the official care of the Secretary. He has 
no right to use the same except as authorized by his Lodge, or in the legiti- 
mate business of the Lodge, when it may be necessary to use the seal. 

3773. An order for the Pass Word to be communicated to a brother must 
be under the seal of the Lodge. 

3774. All cards and certificates of each kind relating to membership or 
visitation, which are intended as an acknowledgment of payment of dues or 
relief, must have the seal of the Lodge attached, or they are of no value. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 417 

SEAL. 

3775. The Sovereign Grand Lodge will not recognize as an official paper 
a mere printed pamphlet, purporting to be the proceedings of a Grand Body 
without authentication by the seal and signatures of the Grand Officers of the 
Grand Lodge. 

3776. Grand Bodies are hereby required to expel from their own member- 
ship, and Subordinate Lodges to expel from the Order, any member thereof 
who shall attach to any chart, certificate, diploma or other document any copy 
or impression of the seal of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, or of the seal of any 
Grand or Subordinate Lodge of which he has not the official use and custody. 

3777. Where a Lodge has two Secretaries, the Recording Secretary has 
the custody of the seal. In the Installation Ceremony the seal is put into the 
hands of the Recording Secretary- He is the only one authorized to use it 
and he alone can officially attest anything for or on behalf of the Lodge. 

SECOND TRIAL. 

(a). For Same Offense. (b). For Benefits. 

(a). For Same Offense. 

3778. There can be no second trial and conviction by the Lodge for the same 
offense. A brother having once been put upon his trial and a penalty imposed, 
cannot again be called upon to defend against the same charge. 

3779. A brother was convicted upon charges and a penalty of reprimand 
imposed and inflicted. At a subsequent meeting the Lodge voted' to set aside 
the penalty because of an alleged irregularity in voting, and thereupon ex- 
pelled the brother. Held that such expulsion was void. The lodge was estop- 
ped from reopening the case, as its Jurisdiction was exhausted even if there 
had been an irregularity in the balloting, as the Lodge could not take advan- 
tage in such case of its own' wrong. 

3780. The action of a Grand Lodge on an appeal by a brother expelled by 
his Lodge is final and conclusive, no appeal being taken to the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge cannot, at a subsequent session, reopen the 
case and again hear and determine it. 

3781. In such case, when an appeal is taken to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, which appeal is sustained and the Grand Lodge directed to restore the 
appellant to membership, the Sovereign Grand Lodge cannot, at a subsequent 
session reopen and again consider the case. 

3782. A new trial may be ordered by the Grand Lodge, or by the District 
Appeal Committee or by the Committee on the State of the Order, under the 
appeal procedure as that, or an acquittal, is the substantial purpose of the 
defendant's appeal. 

3783. "Where an appeal is taken by the prosecutor from the action of a 
Lodge dismissing charges another trial can be legally had when such appeal 
is sustained. In such case when a member was expelled on a second trial, 
such expulsion is valid. 

3784. When a brother of a Subordinate Lodge had been suspended or 
expelled and appealed from the decision of his Lodge to his Grand Lodge 
on the ground of "informality or want of fairness," the Grand Lodge has not 
the power to grant a new trial unless informality or want of fairness be 
shown on the former trial or new testimony be discovered. 

3785. Where the Committee reported the record very incomplete "and In- 
asmuch as substantial injustice may be done a worthy brother" and recom- 
mended that a new trial be granted. Held that a new trial should be 
granted. 



418 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SECOND TRIAL. 

(b). For Benefits. 

3786. The By Laws of a Lodge provided that in cases of doubt as to the 
right of an applicant for benefits, the question of sickness or disability should 
be referred to one or more respectable physicians, to be appointed by the 
Lodge and that their decision should be final. The case of an applicant for 
benefits was so referred and the physicians decided that the applicant was 
not disabled. Two or three months afterward, he again applied for benefits 
and presented the certificate of ten reputable physicians, including the two 
who had first examined the case certifying that he was then disabled. The 
Lodge refused to reopen the case or take new evidence, claiming that the 
brother was in the same condition as when first examined, and that it being 
the same sickness he was not entitled to benefits. Held, that the Lodge 
should have re-examined the case, and if the disease he had when first examin- 
ed had so far developed as to render him disabled he was entitled to benefits 
and that the former examiDation was only final as to his then condition. Tne 
Lodge was directed to pay him benefits from the time of his last application 
until such time as, on an investigation by the Lodge, of which he should 
have notice, the Lodge should determine that he had so far recovered as to 
be able to pursue his usual business or otherwise earn a livelihood. Held, 
also, that his claiming too much did not debar him from receiving his dues. 

3787. A brother was on the sick list, and the Lodge, without notice, ap- 
pointed a committee to inquire into the state of his health; they made inquiry 
ex parte, and upon their report the Lodge ceased to pay benefits. Charges 
were then preferred for receiving benefits when not sick and he was acquitted 
after trial, but the committee reported him not entitled to benefits. PTe had 
not been reported well except by this committee. Certificates were presented 
showing the brother to be suffering from an organic disease of the heart, 
which incapacitated him from performing manual labor. Held, that the 
Lodge must reopen the case and give the brother an opportunity to be 
heard. 

3788. Charges were preferred against a brother for representing that 
he was unable to do work of any kind, alleging that he had been assisting his wife 
in doing housework and in the tailoring business," and on the trial he was 
acquitted. Held, that having been acquitted of the charges he was entitled 
to the benefits withheld on account of the charges. 

3789. A brother applied for benefits, and an investigation was made by 
two physicians appointed by the Noble Grand in accordance with the By-Liaws. 
The physicians reported against the claim and the Lodge refused to pay The 
benefits and no appeal was taken from the refusal. Over a year afterwards 
a claim was made for two weeks' benefits and refused. No* appeal was taken 
from this refusal. About two months after this the brother made application 
for benefits from a period anterior to the first refusal and produced certifi- 
cates from physicians showing a prima facie case entitling him to benefits, 
when the Lodge, on the certificate of the physicians made on behalf of the 
Lodge nearly two years before, again refused to pay benefits. Held, that the 
Subordinate Lodge should further investigate the claim for benefits. 

3790. The law of a Jurisdiction provides that "no appeal relative to the 
non-payment of benefits which may be due or claimed from a Lodge shall 
be acted on, when it appears that more than six months have elapsed from 
the time the benefits have accrued, or claimed to have accrued, and the filing 
of the appeal." A brother claimed benefits which were refused him, and he 
appealed therefrom. The appeal was pending over a year, and in the mean- 
time, although he claimed to have been continuously disabled and entitled 
to benefits, he neglected to appeal again from the refusal of the Lodge to pay 
the benefits. Held, that the statute of limitations operated to cut off all bene- 
fits six months prior to any appeal, and that in all cases of continued sickness 
or disability under the law in question, when the brother intends to claim 
benefits while his appeal is pending, he should, at the end of the limited time, 
make a new demand and upon his Lodge again refusing payment, he must again 
appeal. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEbf. 419 

SECRECY. 

See Ballot.' See Election for Officer*. 

3791. The general obligation of secrecy refers primarily to ritualistic and 
to such other matters as should not be spoken of to those not members ot 
the Order. It does not prohibit a brother trom speaking of Lodge business 
to a member of the Lodge not present at a Lodge meeting. 

3792. The law does not prohibit the printing of such extracts from the 
Lodge's minutes judiciously selected with reference to the general obligation 
to secrecy, as may be necessary to the presentation of a brother's case or 
argument on appeal. But while in preparing that which is technically known 
as a paper book (or a printed abstract of the case and argument), consider- 
able liberty should be allowed so that all the necessary facts could be made 
known. Nevertheless, there is a limit to this liberty, and he who steps over the 
line becomes himself a transgressor. 

3793. The obligation cannot be used in evidence in a court of law against 
a member in his suit against his Lodge. 

3794. A brother endeavoring to ascertain the names of those voting for 
officers where written ballots were used is not guilty of any offense under 
our laws. It is otherwise with respect to balloting on candidates for admis- 
sion. 

SECRETARY. 

(a). Duties of. (b). Mistake of. 

See Salary, Dues, Cards, Official Certificate, Good Standing. 
(a). Duties of. 

3795. It is the duty of the Secretary to be present on every meeting night 
whether there is a quorum present and a meeting held or not, and credit those 
brothers who pay their dues upon the night that they are received, otherwise 
they would sometime get in arrears through no fault of their own. 

3796. A brother does not have to serve a term in some subordinate office 
before he is eligible to the office of Secretary. Any third degree member in 
good standing is eligible to the office of Secretary in a Subordinate Lodge. 

3797. A brother may lawfully be elected to the office of Recording Secre- 
tary upon the night he receives the third degree. 

3798. Where two Secretaries are elected by the Lodge, their titles must 
respectively be Recording Secretary and Financial Secretary. 

3799. A law requiring service for one term as Recording Secretary as a 
qualification for Vice Grand is illegal. 

3800. In the installation ceremony the seal is put into the hands of the 
Recording Secretary. He is the only one authorized to use it, and he alone 
can officially attest anything for or on behalf of the Lodge. 

3801. Where a Lodge has two Secretaries the Finincial Secretary signs 
the Official Certificate or card or endorses thereon all required information 
concerning the brother's good standing or otherwise, x'he Recording Secre- 
tary must affix the seal and endorse on the card the information concerning 
the benefits to which the brother would be entitled in case of sickness or 
death. 

3802. As to the offices of Secretary, Recording Secretary and Financial 
Secretary of Lodges so far as correspondence and business wltn these respec- 
tive officers is concerned, the officers to be addressed and communicated with 
can easily be determined by the character of the business under consider- 
ation. 



420 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SECRET ARY-Duties of. 

3803. The question was asked is it the duty of the retiring Secretary to 
deliver the books and money into the hands of the new officers until they have 
been audited ? Answer. They should be audited before, the transfer is made. 

3804. The Secretary of a Lodge, as an officer of the Lodge, is bound as 
such to present all communications addressed to him as such to the Lodge 
in its regular order of business, and they become the property of the Lodge. 

3805. If there is no quorum on a regular meeting night, and the Secre- 
tary and a few brothers are present, the Secretary is to taKe a brother's dues 
and give him credit on the books on that night. The Secretary has a right 
to receive a brother's money for dues upon a regular meeting night, even 
though no quorum be present, and give him credit accordingly. If such were 
not the case the brother might become in arrears before the next meeting 
night, and no brother who is present should suffer on account of the absence 
of others. 

3806. He shall, upon the election to membership of a brother transferring 
his membership under the Transfer of Membership Law, at once notify the broth- 
er's Lodge of the action of this Lodge, and apply for Withdrawal Card, and his 
signature to the communication and the seal of the Lodge shall be suffi- 
cient authority to the member's Lodge to grant the necessary severance of 
membership. 

3807. A Secretary has no right to withhold a card which has been granted 
by his Lodge, and for doing so he is liable to arraignment, even if the respon- 
sibility be assumed on alleged discovery of crime on the part of the intended 
recipient. 

3808. Upon an officer entering the Lodge after roll call, he should report 
himself to the Secretary as present, whose duty it is to make a minute of 
such officer's presence on the Book of Eecords. 

3809. A Secretary has no right to credit himself with his dues without 
authority of his Lodge, though the Auditing Committee pass his accounts and 
report them correct. 

3810. It is the undoubted meaning and intent of the law that the Secre- 
tary should pay to the Treasurer all money in his hands forth witn; that is at 
each Lodge meeting. There can be no possible authority for the Secretary re- 
taining the funds of the Lodge in his possession; if he fails to pay them to 
the Treasurer each meeting night, the Treasurer should then demand the 
same from him at the close of each meeting and if on demand he refuses to 
pay the money to the Treasurer, it would be good grounds for the Lodge to 
suspend him from office, as he would then undoubtedly be refusing to perform 
a very important part of his duty as Secretary. 

3811. He shall, in making up the innual and Semi-Annual Reports, refer to 
the book of abstracts of previous Reports, to ascertain the number of members re- 
ported, add the gain and deduct the loss of the current term, to show the present 
actual number of members. The money that has been advanced to members of 
other Lodges for sick benefits and that will be refunded, is not to be included in 
the Relief Report made to the Grand Lodge. Money that has been received by 
the Secretary from the disposal of investments, is not in the report to the Grand 
Lodge, to be included in the receipts, nor is money invested in mortgages, stock, 
building associations, or in any other mode of investing money to be included in 
the expenditures or working expenses of the Lodge. In the Grand Lodge report 
contributions for charitable purposes must be included in the amount reported as 
"Special Relief." 

3812. The Secretary shall keep a record of the names of the brothers 
receiving the degrees and the date at which each degree has been con- 
ferred. 

3813. The Secretary must close his accounts with the closing of the 
Lodge, on the last stated meeting night of March and September respectively, 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 421 

SECRET AEY-Duties of. 

so that his report be made out and accounts audited before installation 
night. 

3814. It shall be the duty of the Scribe of each Subordinate Encampment to 
furnish to the Secretary of each Subordinate Lodge, a list of the members of said 
Lodges who are also members of such Encampment. Secretaries of Lodges are 
required to keep a register of the members of their respective lodges who are 
members of Encampments, and also report to said Encampments respectively 
whenever a member of the same is suspended for non-payment of dues, withdrawn 
from, transfers his membership from, is expelled, or in any way loses his member- 
ship in the Lodge, or is suspended for cause, and likewise when a brother is rein- 
stated or restored to membership. 

3815. The Scribes of Encampments are required to notify each Lodge 
whose member becomes a Patriarch on admission to the said Encampment, 
in order to promptly transmit one to the other, reciprocal official notifica- 
tion. 

3816. A certificate of the Secretary of a Lodge of which the applicant is 
a member, with the seal attached, shall accompany all applications for mem- 
bership made to an Encampment, and it is made the duty of every Secretary 
to fill out and furnish to any Scarlet Degree member of his Lodge who is in 
good standing, such certificate upon application therefor. 

3817. It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary of each Eebekah 
Lodge to furnish to the Recording Secretary of each Subordinate Lodge to 
which any member of such Rebekah Lodge belongs a list of the members of 
said Rebekah Lodge, who are also members of such Rebekah Lodge, and there- 
after to notify the Recording Secretary of the proper Subordinate Lodge when 
any brother shall become a member of such Rebekah Lodge; and it shall be 
the duty of the Recording Secretary of each Subordinate Lodge thus notified 
that a member or members of his Lodge are members of such Rebekah Lodge, 
to inform the Recording Secretary of such Rebekah Lodge, without unneces- 
sary delay, of the withdrawal by card, dropping, suspension, expulsion, rein- 
statement, or restoration of such member. 

3818. When a financial officer of a Subordinate Lodge refuses to settle his 
accounts and deliver all moneys, books and papers belonging to the same over 
to the Lodge, he cannot of right demand a Withdrawal Card and a Lodge 
may refuse to grant such card until the brother's accounts are adjusted and 
the Lodge is satisfied that he is clear of the books and free from all charges 
of whatsoever kind. 

3819. Unless forbidden by the Constitution adopted by the Grand Lodge, 
for the government of Subordinate Lodges, a subordinate may enact a By- 
Law fixing the compensation of the Secretary and (if the Lodge so desires and 
clearly expresses its intentions to do so), providing therein that the salary 
shall take effect at a past date. But this must not affect salary then re- 
ceived. 

(b). Mistake of. 

3820. The Lodge is bound by any errors the Secretary may make in informing 
members as to their financial standing, therefore he should exercise great 
care in every way in their behalf. 

3821. A Lodge is responsible for the error of its Secretary in giving in- 
correct information to a member of the amount of weekly dues. For example, 
a member inquired of the Secretary the amount of his dues, and upon being in- 
formed by that officer, paid to him the amount stated ; after a short time he died,, 
and on a claim being made for funeral benefits the Lodge set up as its only de- 
fense to the claim that the member at the time he paid his dues as above, was, in 
fact indebted to a greater amount than the sum named to him by the Secretary, 
which together with the dues that had accumulated since then had made him 



422 '.THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1307. 

SECRET ARY-Mistake of. 

non-beneficial. The Lodge must pay the benefit claimed, as it was the fault of the 
Secretary and not of the brother, that the dues were not paid in full at the time 
of the last payment by the brother. 

3822. A member having paid his dues, took a printed receipt, on the bot- 
torn of which was a notice that the dues were one cent per week less than 
they in fact were. The member thereafter died and was in arrears two cents 
more than for thirteen weeks and the Lodge refused to pay his benefits for 
that reason. As the erroneous statement on the bottom of the receipt may 
have misled the brother so that he was in arrears for two cents more than 
thirteen weeks, the Lodge should pay the benefits. 

3823. A claim for $50.00 due upon the death of a member of a Lodge, 
"Which it declined to pay for the reason that the brother was in arrears when 
taken sick. From the evidence it appears that the brother was taken sick 
on the 17th day of March, 1891, and died April 19th, 1891. A receipt was given 
the brother on December 6th, 1890, for $1.50 dues to January 1, 1891, which in 
fact was an error. There also was given him a certificate, under the signa- 
ture of the Noble Grand and Secretary pro tern of the Lodge, with the seal 
attached and dated, certifying that the brother was in good standing and 
entitled to the Semi-Annual Pass Word for the term. The Lodge pro- 
duced testimony of witnesses endeavoring to show that the brother knew 
of his standing in the Lodge by claiming that they had conversations with 
him where he voluntarily admitted this, but the Committee on Appeals held 
that this evidence should not be considered as the brother is dead and can- 
not contradict them and therefore the testimony should be excluded. The 
case was appealed to the Grand Lodge where the Appeal Committee was re- 
versed and it was held that the principle stated by the appellant is not disputed 
and a Lodge is bound by the mistake of its Secretary, if thereby a brother is 
misled as to his good standing in the Lodge. But that the law is not to be 
stated so strongly, as to say that if a member, by a mistake of the Secre- 
tary, made no matter when, no matter how, is informed that he is clear upon 
the Lodge books, when such is not the case, the Lodge cannot afterwards set 
up the mistake to defeat a claim based upon it, for if the brother is not misled 
by the mistake, it will not avail him, if he knows the mistake to be a mistake, he 
cannot claim under it, or, if he has been notified of the mistake, he cannot after- 
wards plead it. In this case, the excluded testimony plainly shows that the brother 
knew himself to be in arrears for dues and non-beneficial, and none knew better 
than he, that this payment could not restore him to beneficial standing during the 
continuation of that sickness. Held, that the Lodge was not responsible for the 
funeral benefits. 

3824. A brother met with a severe accident, by getting his thumb caught 
in machinery, which disabled him from work. Two days after the accident 
he was on his road to a Lodge, to get them to report him to his own Lodge, 
the brother being a resident of another place than his Lodge; he met with 
a brother, who was going down to< the place where the said brother's lodge 
met, and he said he would report him to his own Lodge that evening, and did 
so report him to the Secretary; but the Secretary did not report him to the 
Lodge, it having slipped his recollection, and the Brother was not reported 
until August 6th, and on the 17th he resumed work. His claim was for 
three weeks' benefits, which the Lodge refused to pay, deciding he was only 
entitled to one week, ana! from this act he appealed. The Lodge was directed 
to pay the brother the three weeks' benefits claimed, the Secretary admitting 
that he forgot to report him to the Lodge. 

3825. Should the Secretary neglect to credit a member for money paid by 
him as dues in the Lodge, and the member should thereby get in arrears 
on the books, the error of the Secretary in keeping the accounts of a member 
cannot be made to result to his disadvantage and injury, as a Lodge cannot 
take advantage of its own wrong or that of its officers when acting in their 
official capacity. He must be credited with the amount that he has proved 
to have been paid, and on the date of payment. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 423 

SECRETARY-Mistake of. 

3826. If the Secretary receives money from a member between the ses- 
sions and neglects to credit the brother on the books of the Lodge, the Lodge 
is not responsible for the act of the Secretary during the recess. All dues 
should be paid in the Lodge room on the meeting night. If, however, the Lodge 
accepts the money then the payment in the Lodge dates as of the next suc- 
ceeding meeting of the Lodge, after the payment to the Secretary, even 
though the Secretary, by absence or neglect, should fail to credit the amount 
until a subsequent meeting. 

3827. When a brother paid his dues the Secretary informed the represen- 
tative of the brother who made the payment for him in the Lodge, that he 
then had a credit of 20 cents, this was an error of the Secretary which the 
brother relying on, became in arrears. Held, that the brother was entitled 
to benefits. 

3828. A claim for funeral benefits was refused by a Lodge for the reason 
that, at the time of death, sufficient time had not elapsed since the brother 
received his third degree to entitle him to benefits. It is shown that the brother 
did not have the third degree, the required length of time. It is also shown that 
the brother was reported sick, and that on September 23rd the Secretary informed 
the Lodge that the brother was beneficial, and that an order for $5 — one week's 
benefit — was drawn in his favor, and that the same was paid to him Sunday, the 
24th. and that he and his uncle, the appellant, were informed that he was bene- 
ficial. On the 25th he died. On the morning of the 26th the Secretary informed 
the Noble Grand that he was in error in stating that the brother was beneficial, 
when in fact he was not so. The Noble Grand informed the appellant of this on 
the evening of the 26th. The appellant stated that all arrangements had been 
made for the funeral The appellant in company with the Noble Grand, visited 
the undertaker, who informed them that the body had been placed in the casket 
and that no change could be made. Appellant claims that by being wrongly in- 
formed, he was led to contract a larger bill for the funeVal than he would 
otherwise have done; and that, therefore, the Lodge is liable for the error of 
the Secretary. The Lodge claims that information of the error was con- 
veyed to appellant in sufficient time to have allowed him to materially reduce 
Mb expenses, which on appeal, was sustained by the Grand Lodge. 

SEMI-ANNUAL PASSWORD. 

See Password. See Conductor. 

Good Standing. Right Supporter to Noble Grand. 

Noble Grand. Visitation. 

Degrees. Grand Lodge. 

Meetings, Entering and Retiring. 

Seal. Cards. 

Special Sessions. Official Certificate. 

"Warden. 

3829. The Semi-Annual Password is determined upon by the Grand 
Master and he communicates it to the District Deputy Grand Masters, who in 
turn communicate it to the first two officers of the Lodge. 

3830. The matter of the regulation of the Semi-Annual Password is a 
subject within the jurisdiction of the several Grand Bodies. 

3831. Prior to 1847, the Order used a Quarterly Password. In that yeai 
the term for Subordinate Lodge officers w r as changed to six months, and the 
Quarterly Password was changed to a Semi-Annual Password. Neverthe- 
less it was deemed possible that a Quarterly Password might be of advan- 
tage to the Order in securing a compliance with the pecuniary duties of 
members, the option was therefore given to State Grand Lodges to change 
the Password quarterly instead of semi-annually, when in their opinion it 
shall be for the interest of the Order in their respective jurisdictions. 



424 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SEMI-ANNUAL PASSWORD. 

3832. A member of a Subordinate Lodge who is in arrears for weekly 
dues or funeral assessments for more than thirteen weeks, is not entitled 
to the Semi-Annual Password or to vote in the Lodge, but is entitled to visit 
his own Lodge until dropped, suspended or expelled. 

3833. A member who has been in arrears for weekly dues for a period 
exceeding thirteen weeks, upon paying said arrearages, is entitled to the 
Semi-Annual Password; provided, he is not disqualified by the penal laws of 
the Order by being under suspension for cause. 

3834. A brother is not justified in refusing to give the Password to a 
Past Grand acting temporarily as Warden because he has not assumed the 
regalia of that chair. .It is sufficient if the presiding officer recognize him as 
Warden and give him orders accordingly. 

3835. By direction of the Noble Grand the Conductor may assist the 
Warden in taking up the Password. 

3836. An Acting Noble Grand can communicate the Password. 

3837. The Noble Grand can authorize the Wjarden to communicate the 
Semi-Annual Password to a brother in the Lodge room entitled to it. 

3838. The Right Supporter of the Noble Grand, temporarily occupying 
the Noble Grand's chair, has no right to authorize a brother to confer the 
term word upon another brother of the same Lodge, to enable him to visit 
other Lodges. 

3839. The Noble Grand of a Lodge has not the right to admit a member 
belonging to another Lodge in his State Jurisdiction without the Term Pass- 
word. But when visiting upon an Official Certificate the brother may use the 
Annual Traveling Password. The Semi-Annual Password not being necessary 
under these circumstances. 

3840. A member has no right to visit a Lodge of which he is not a mem- 
ber on the old Semi-Annual Password, when such Lodge is in possession of 
the new Semi-Annual Password, after installation, although the old word 
remains in force or is still good in the Lodge to which he belongs. 

3841. An initiate, or a member lower than the Third Degree, is an Odd 
Fellow and is entitled to admission into his Lodge when opened in a degree 
to which he has attained, the brother is, therefore, entitled to receive the 
Semi-Annual Password. 

3842. On the examination prior to the opening of the Lodge, the Noble 
Grand being the custodian of the Password, should communicate it to the 
Warden. 

3843. If the visiting brother present an Official Certificate or Visiting 
Card showing dues paid to a later date than when presented and properly 
executed', the Noble Grand of any Lodge, if the visiting brother be from the 
same Jurisdiction, and he passes a satisfactory examination, shall com- 
municate to him the Semi-Annual Password of the Jurisdiction. 

3844. There, can be but one Semi-Annual Password in force at a time, 
and a brother of this Jurisdiction presenting a card bearing a date which 
extends to a date later than when presented or an Official Certificate show- 
ing dues to have been paid to a date in advance of its presentation, is entitled 
to the Semi-Annual Password then in force. 

3845. A member in good standing, residing at a distance from his Lodge, 
but in the same Jurisdiction, is entitled to the Semi-Annual Password; and 
it is the duty of the Noble Grand of the Lodge to which the brother belongs 
upon proper application being made, to request the Noble Grand of the 
nearest Lodge to the brother's abode, to impart unto him the Semi-Annual 
Password. This is, however, not generally used as it has practically fallen 
into disuse by later legislation concerning the communication of the proper 
Password on presentation of a Visiting Card or Official Certificate. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 425 

SEMI-ANNUAL PASSWORD. 

3846. It is competent for the Noble Grand of a Lodge to give the Semi- 
Annual Password to a brother of another Lodge upon the written request 
of the Noble Grand, under seal of the Lodge of which said brother is a 
member. The law only applies, however, to the Noble Grands in the same 
Jurisdiction and not in different Jurisdictions. 

3847. The Noble 'Grand and Secretary of a Lodge may issue an order 
for the Semi-Annual Password which will extend beyond their term N of 
office and be good up to the time the brother is entitled thereto according 
to the date to which he has paid his dues. 

3848. When a Noble Grand receives a request from another Lodge to 
communicate the Semi-Annual Password to one of its members, he shall, in 
the first place, satisfy himself of the personal identity of the member. He 
shall then require the member to prove himself in the unwritten work of the 
Order, before he communicates the Password. 

3849. The following form of request to communicate the Semi-Annual 
Password may be used: 

Lodge No 

19.. 

To the Noble Grand of any Lodge in the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania 

I. O. O. P. 
Sir and Brother: 

The bearer, Brother , who is a member in good stand- 
ing in Lodge No , I. O. O. F., of this Jurisdiction, 

is entitled to the current Semi-Annual Password which please communicate 

to him on presentation of this order at any time prior to 19. . . ., 

and after proper identification and examination, whereupon you will retain 
or destroy this letter. 

Thanking you for your fraternal kindness and courtesy in this matter, 
we are 

Yours Fraternally, 

Noble Grand. 

Attest. Secretary. 

(Seal) 

3850. A brother presenting an Official Certificate showing dues to have 
been paid to a date prior to the date of such presentation or Visiting Card,, 
which does not extend to a date later than when presented, is not entitled 
to receive any Password from or visit a Lodge. Inasmuch as a brother 
in this Jurisdiction is by law entitled to all the rights and privileges of 
membership until he is delinquent in the payment of his dues for over thir- 
teen weeks, and is thus entitled to the Semi-Annual Password, therefore, if 
visiting in the same Jurisdiction and in good standing, although his Official 
Certificate shows that the dues have not been paid up to the date of visit, 
nevertheless, a properly executed order for the current Term Password 
would, within thirteen weeks of the date of its expiration, authorize the NobK 
Grand of any Lodge in this Jurisdiction to communicate the Semi-Annual 
Password to the brother, independently of the conditions of his Official 
Certificate. 

3851. The officers of Subordinate Lodges shall not be installed nor fur- 
nished with the Semi-Annual Password unless the reports, returns and 
moneys due from such Lodges to the Grand Lodge be actually made and 
placed in the hands of the Grand Secretary or be actually in transit to him. 

3852. A member sixty years of age who has been a contributing mem- 
ber for twenty-five consecutive years, cannot be suspended for non-payment 
of dues, but shall be retained on the roll as a non-contributing member, and 
as such is entitled to the Semi-Annual Password and fellowship of the 
Lodge. 

27 



426 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SEMI-MOHTHLY MEETINGS. 

3853. Semi-monthly meetings of the Subordinate Lodges are contrary to 
General Law. The Grand Lodge may when it is deemed beneficial, permit its 
subordinates to meet once in a fortnight, making the term twelve months; 
but lack of interest, instead of being diminished, would naturally be increased 
by fewer meetings, and the dissolution of the Lodge would be hastened with 
two-fold rapidity. The necessary extension of the term to twelve months 
would make it difficult to induce members to accept the principal offices, and 
serve upon the Relief Committee, when it would take three years to qualify 
for and pass the chairs; the sick brethren would not probably be properly 
attended to, the office work of the Lodge would be considered burdensome 
and be avoided. 

SICKNESS. 
See Presumption. 

3854. The term " sickness " as used in the Order, implies that state 
of health which prevents one from attending to his ordinary vocation. This 
is settled by the general language used in reference thereto in the rules and 
regulations of the Lodges in the different Jurisdictions, and in those of the 
proceedings and enactments of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. One who is not 
so afflicted as to prevent attendance on ordinary business, though laboring 
under a peculiar disease which would eventually terminate his life, cannot 
be regarded as a sick man entitled to benefits. The Grand Lodge cannot var> the 
above definition of "sickness" given by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

3815. The sickness suffered by a brother who is non-beneficial is no 
charge against his < dge. 

3856. In case a member has neglected to pay his dues for such length of 
time as to be debarred by the rules of his Lodge from drawing benefits 
while sick, he cannot be permitted, while he continues sick, to come in and 
pay his dues so as to entitle himself to benefits during that sickness. 

3857. While a member was in arrears for dues and not entitled to bene- 
fits he was shot and in a few hours died. After the accident and before he 
died, the amount of his dues was presented to the Secretary of his Lodge and 
accepted by that officer. This was not during a Lodge meeting, but the Secre- 
tary afterwards gave credit for the amount, and the Lodge, assuming, that this 
payment placed the deceased in good standing, granted his family funeral 
benefits. Held, to be error. 

38">8. A Brother was reported sick, and being in arrears, was non-bene- 
ficial. His dues were paid while he was sick. He thereafter died, but 
there being no creditable testimony to show that he recovered from the first 
sickness before his death, his widow was held not to be entitled to benefits. 

3 k 59. Insanity, total blindness, and total paralysis have been declared to 
be prima facie beneficial sicknesses. 

3860. A brother who by sickness or accident has become blind has become 
prima facie entitled to benefits, although in other respects his bodily health may 
be good. Of course, if such brother has or can reasonably obtain an occupation 
whereby he can make a living, he would not be entitled to benefits. This, how- 
ever, cannot be presumed but must be made to appear. 

3861. Age and indigence alone are not prima facie beneficial sicknesses. 

3862. A Lodge has no right to initiate a person with a chronic disease, 
say consumption, upon the applicant's signing an agreement not to claim 
benefits in consequence of sickness or disability from such disease. Our 
Order is beneficial and our laws require that benefits be paid in case of sick- 
ness to the rich as well as to the poor, and the brother having been initiated 
under such agreement regularly and without fault is entitled to the same 
<oare, kindness and benefits when sick as other members. The agreement 
foeing void would not release the Lodge from the obligation to pay benefits, 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 427 

SICKNESS. 

nor would the brother be liable to trial and expulsion for a violation of his 
agreement not to receive them. 

3863. A brother was sick from a disease he contracted in the army before 
he became a memuer. He stated at the time of his admission that he was 
not suffering from any disease. An affidavit upon which he procured a pen- 
sion from the United States Government was produced in which he testified 
that the disease was contracted in the army during trie war. Held, that his 
affidavit was sufficient to show that he knew at the time he was admitted that 
he was suffering from such disease and benefits were denied him. When, however, 
it was found as a face that the claimant honestly thought he was in sound health 
when he applied for admission, and he testified " that he considered his health at 
that time as good as ever in his life," which testimony was uncontradicted, he 
was entitled to benefits. 

3864. A member joined the Order in 1871, and represented himself to be 
in sound health. His application for a pension as a soldier of the Civil War 
was filed October 31, 1864, alleging disease of the eyes. The application was 
granted, May 21, 1881, allowing back pay to date of application. His pension 
was increased May 3, 1890; August 25, 1897; January 6, 1900; and January 21, 
1904. In the winter of 1894-1895 his left eye became so much inflamed that 
it was removed and his Lodge paid him benefits for sixteen weeks. In 1903, 
the brother became totally blind; his Lodge paid him two weeks' sick benefits 
and then refused further payments on the ground that his disability was from 
a cause which existed prior to his becoming a member of the Order in 1871. 
It was held that he was entitled to the benefits. The distinction between un- 
sound health and physical infirmity has been before the Sovereign Grand Lodge upon 
several occasions, and it has been fully and well established that by the 
General Law a physical infirmity which does not impair a man's ability to 
follow his usual vocation and does not affect his health of body is not a bar 
to his admittance to the Order. 

SLAETDEB,. 

3865. Circulating among the members of the Lodge false and malicious 
slanders, to the injury of a brother's character as a member and officer of the 
Lodge and a citizen of the Commonwealth, is an offense that is cognizable by 
the Order. In a certain case the slander, which was of a most serious and damag- 
ing nature, is fully proven by the evidence, a part of which is an agreement 
between the accuser and the accused, in which the first asks the Committee 
en Charges to withdraw the same in consideration of a paper signed by the 
latter, stating that he never claimed that the said slanders were truth, and tnat 
he himself did not believe them. The Lodge refused to receive this agree- 
ment, and the case proceeded to trial. He was found guility by a majority 
report of the Committee, and was suspended for six months. 

SMOKING. 

3866. Smoking in the Lodge room is forbidden. It lowers the tone and 
dignity of a Lodge and is very offensive to those who do> not smoke; the feel- 
ings of those brothers should be respected, and Noble Grands, under their 
prescribed obligation to "preserve order and decorum in the Lodge," should 
rule with firmness that smoking in the Lodge room is a "breach of decorum." 

SOCIAL CLUB. 

3867. A purely social club or organization having no other object or purpose 
and composed of the Order only and using no emblems and no work of the Order 
and not paying benefits and not claiming to be a part of Odd Fellowship would 
not be a violation of the laws of the Order. 

3868. The Grand Master has no right to permit the use of the name of 
the Order in the formation of an. Odd Fellows' Bowling League to be com- 
posed of teams to be selected from the various Lodges, etc., under the law 
the name of the Order can not be used in connection with such an organi- 
zation. 



428 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [19()7, 



SOLDIER-SAILOR. 

3869. A soldier permanently stationed at any point ipso facto acquires 
such a residence there under the laws of the Order as makes him eligible to 
membership in a Lodge at a place where he is so stationed. 

3870. Persons in the military service of the United States who have been 
continuously stationed at one post for the space of six months or more may 
make application for membership in our Order, provided they apply to the 
nearest Lodge or otherwise comply with the laws of the Jurisdiction in which 
the application is made. 

3871. Either a soldier or a sailor, a member of the Order, sick in a hospital, 
if in good standing, and there supported by the Government, is entitled to benefits. 

SOVEREIGN GRAND LODGE. 

See Grand Sire, General Law, Local Law, Work. 

3872. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has supreme Jurisdiction over the 
Work of the Order in all its departments and all Subordinate Lodges in this 
Jurisdiction are bound to use the regular forms and ceremonies, with such 
discretionary alterations only as are allowed by the existing laws of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

3873. The Sovereign Grand Lodge is the source of all true and legitimate 
Odd Fellowship in the United States of America and possesses such powers 
and Jurisdiction over the whole Brotherhood as are provided in the Constitu- 
tion and Ritual of the Order. Its authority extends also to such Lodges and 
Encampments as may be organized under its charter in foreign countries. 

3874. The Sovereign Grand Lodge is composed of the following members, 
to wit. A Grand Sire, Deputy Grand Sire, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, 
Grand Chaplain, Grand Marshal, Grand Guardian, Grand Messenger and 
Grand Representatives from the several State, District or Territorial Grand 
Lodges and Grand Encampments working under legal, unreclaimed charters 
granted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

3875. Every Grand Body has one Grand Representative; if it has over 
one thousand members in its subordinates, it has two Grand Representa- 
tives. But no Grand Jurisdiction shall have over two Grand Representa- 
tives. A Grand .Representative of a Jurisdiction entitled to two Repre- 
sentatives may cast two votes in the absence of his colleague upon all ques- 
tions except in the election for Grand Officers. 

3876. The Sovereign Grand Lodge will neither entertain nor consider 
any inquiry as to what are the laws or usages of the Order unless the same is 
brought before it by an appeal from the decision of a Lodge, through the appeal 
procedure, and where the appellant is a Subordinate Lodge, or is a member of the 
Order not a member of the Grand Lodge, the record must show the consent of the 
Grand Lodge to the appeal, nor unless the same be presented by a Grand Lodge or 
Grand Encampment. 

SPEAK EASY. 

3877. Any member of the Order keeping an unlicensed house for the 
sale of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws, shall be formally pro- 
ceeded against, and if found guilty be expelled. 

3878. A member who deals in liquors contrary to the penal law of the 
State or country, is guilty of conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow, and is 
amenable to the laws of the Order. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 429 

SPECIAL FIVE PER CENT FUND. 

See Appropriations. See Funds. 

3879. Grand Lodges are invested with the power to permit Subordinate 
and Rebekah Lodges, under their respective Jurisdictions, to set aside five 
per cent of their receipts for dues as a contiDgent fund to be expended in the pay- 
ment of necessary and proper obligations, which every Lodge must meet, and for 
which purpose a Subordinate Lodge under existing laws cannot expend its 
funds. 

3880. It is necessary for a Grand Lodge to grant permission to create a 
contingent fund, before a subordinate in its Jurisdiction can thus apply its 
funds; and in case the Grand Lodge does not take action its Grand Master 
has no power to grant such permission. Therefore, the Grand Lodge constitution 
provides as follows : Each Subordinate Lodge may, by its By Laws, set aside hve 
per cent of its receipts for dues, as a contingent fund, to be expended in the pay- 
ment of necessary and proper obligations, which every Lodge must meet, and for 
which purpose a Subordinate Lodge under existing leave cannot expend its funds. 

3881. The contingent fund, authorized as above, cannot be used for 
pleasure excursions or the mere gratification of individual members, but 
may be appropriated for flowers or music at the funeral of a member, car- 
riages, railroad fares, etc., or in such ways as are calculated to advance in- 
terest in the Order and its work. 

3882. This contingent fund cannot, even under dispensation, be used 
to pay for a public entertainment or dance, followed by a supper, to arouse 
interest in the Order. 

3883. This contingent fund may be used to pay for suppers where none 
but members are present, the object being to arouse interest in the Order, and 
under dispensation, this contingent fund may be used to pay for a public 
celebration of the anniversary of the Order, with entertainment and banquet fol 
lowing. 

3884. The question was asked: — Can a Subordinate Lodge pass a reso- 
lution providing that if any of its members enlist in tne present war be- 
tween the United States and Spain, that their dues and assessments will be 
paid by the Lodge out of the Treasury, so that said members may be kept 
in good standing until their return home? To which it was answered: — 
Under our laws a Lodge cannot remit dues, nor can it draw money from 
its treasury to pay dues for any class of members, no matter how meri- 
torious such members may be; the question, therefore, must be decided in 
the negative, with this qualification, however, that the Lodge may, out of 
the five per cent fund which it is authorized to set apart for any purpose it 
may see proper, pay the dues of any class of its members. 

3885. Neither in the laws of the Order or in ine rules of justice, is there 
a single reason why the brothers who pay their dues should be taxed to 
pay the arrearages of those who do not. The words of the Grand Sire's 
decision when he says, "A Lodge may set apart a fund for any purpose they 
see proper and from that pay the dues for any class of its members," can 
only have reference to those who are meritorious members of the institu- 
tion, and who, except for some special reason otherwise, would be among 
the Lodge's best supporters. The very class he has in mind — to wit, the 
soldiers clearly proves that he did not thereby expect to place a premium on 
delinquency and a penalty on go*od standing. The fire per cent, fund cannot be 
used for this purpose where the intention is that any and every member of a 
Lodge shall, as a matter of right, have the benefit of the fund to make good his 
shortage. 

3886. An appropriation for flowers for a funeral of a brother is a legal 
appropriation from the special five per cent contingent fund. 

3887. It is not lawful for a Lodge to draw money from its funds for a 
banquet or entertainment of the Lodge, without a By Law setting aside five 



430 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SPECIAL FIVE PER CENT FUND. 

per cent of the receipts for dues as a contingent fund, to be expended 
in the payment of necessary and proper obligations, which every Lodge must- 
meet, and for which purpose a Subordinate Lodge, under existing laws cannot 
expend its funds, when it may appropriate the money from this fund for this pur- 
pose. 

3888. A Lodge cannot legally set aside five per cent of its general fund 
for entertainment purposes. But a Lodge may, by a By Law, set aside five 
per cent, of the dues for any legal purpose where the general fund cannot 
be used. 

3889. The By-Laws may determine whether or not the five per cent con- 
tingent fund may be set aside for any particular purpose such as nurse hire. 

SPECIAL MEETINGS. 

See Meetings. See Degrees. 

3890. It is not legal or permissible for a Lodge of I. O. O. F., when the 
anniversary of the Order falls on a week day, to defer the celebration to the 
following Sunday and hold a meeting private or public for such celebration 
on such Sunday. 

3891. A Lodge cannot hold adjourned meetings, but must close its 
weekly sessions in due form. If an extra meeting is required, it can be 
called in the manner pointed out by the By Laws. 

3892. If a Lodge shall require a special meeting for any purpose, the 
constitution for Subordinate Lodges authorizes the Noble Grand to call such 
a meeting at the request of five members in writing. 

389§. Tne cal1 f° r a special meeting must distinctly state the business to 
be transacted, and no business can be transacted except that named in the 
call, or is a necessary and natural consequence of the business the meeting is called 
to consider. For example, a Lodge cannot legally draw an order for money at a 
special meeting, the meeting not called for that purpose, unless the By 
Laws provide otherwise or the appropriation is a necessity consequent upon the 
business named in the call. 

3894. Where the By Laws are silent on the subject every member of the 
Lodge must have due and timely notice of a special meeting, or the notice 
may be such as is fixed by the By Laws. For example, a meeting of a Lodge 
was called informally and not in accordance with the requirements of law, 
to receive the Grand Master and listen to his instructions. Held, that the 
Lodge could not vote money to pay the Grand Master's expense or do any 
legal business at such meeting. 

3895. A By Law of a Subordinate Lodge granting to the Vice Grand the 
privilege of calling special meetings in the absence from town of the Noble 
Grand is legal. Without such a By Law, however, the Noble Grand is the 
only one authorized by the General Laws of the Order to call his Lodge 
together. 

3896. A Subordinate Lodge cannot legally call a special meeting for the 
purpose of receiving propositions for membersnip and appointing Com- 
mittee on character. 

3897. On the question if it was lawful for^an Investigating Committee to 
report and a ballot to be taken at a special meeting of a Lodge, it was 
decided that what the constitution requires to be done at a regular meet- 
ing of the Lodge cannot be done at a special meeting, even if 
the special meeting be called for this particular purpose, unless 
the constitution also provides that said things may be done at special 
meetings; therefore, it is not lawful for a Lodge to receive a proposition 
for membership, hear the report of a Committee on Investigation, or ballot 
upon an application for membership at a special meeting. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 431 

SPECIAL MEETINGS. 

3898. It is not legal to ballot on an application, even if called for that 
purpose, for any degree at a special meeting in the absence of a provision 
for such special meetings by the Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction. 

3899. By the General Law a Lodge cannot receive propositions or bal- 
lot for membership at a special meeting even with the consent of the Grand 
Master. 

3900* A brother cannot be reinstated at a special meeting nor with- 
out application, reference and report, as in other cases. 

3901. While a candidate's application for membership must be received 
and acted upon at a regular meeting, his initiation may take place at a 
special meeting called in accordance with the By Laws. 

3902. The three degrees, or either one of them, may, in due course be 
conferred at a special meeting or meetings called for that purpose. 

3903. Any member of a Subordinate Lodge has the right to protest and 
to have his protest spread upon the minutes, and this is so in respect to a 
special meeting. 

SPECIAL SESSIONS. 

3904. The nomination of candidates for the several elective offices shall be 
made in open session of the Grand Lodge at a special session thereof held in the 
city of Philadelphia on the evening of the Monday preceding the third Tuesday 
of November, of which session each Lodge shall receive due and timely notice. 
At this session nominations may be made by any Past Grand of this jurisdiction in 
good standing, either by word of mouth at the meeting of the Grand Lodge, or by 
a letter or other written nomination received by the Grand Secretary prior to the 
meeting, and no member not so nominated shall be eligible, except as provided in 
the Grand Lodge constitution. No other business can be transacted at this session 
except the admission of Past Grands to membership in the Grand Lodge. 

3905. By the General Law the Grand Lodge may hold special sessions as often 
as may be deemed necessary in this Jurisdiction to give instructions in the unwrit- 
ten work of the Order, and to confer the Past Grand's and Grand Lodge Degrees. 

3906. By the Local Law such special sessions limited may be held at such 
places within the Jurisdiction as may be determined by the Grand Master, unless 
otherwise provided by the Grand Lodge. 

3907. At such sessions no business shall be transacted other than is 
provided for in the foregoing paragraph. 

3908. The Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master or the Grand War- 
den and the Grand Secretary shall be required to attend such special ses- 
sions, but it shall not be obligatory on any other officer or Lodge Repre- 
sentative to attend. 

3909. Either the Grand Master or the Deputy Grand Master or the 
Grand Warden with the Grand Secretary, can hold a session; that is, either 
one of the first three named and the Grand Secretary are sufficient so far 
as officers are concerned. Of course, a quorum under the law is re- 
quisite. 

3910. Any Past Grand of this Jurisdiction being in good standing may 
attend a special session, limited, and five Past Grands shall constitute a quorum 
for the transaction of the business of such meetings or special degree sessions. 

3911. Past Grands from any part of the Jurisdiction and entitled to 
membership in the Grand Lodge shall be privileged to attend and receive 
the degrees and instruction to be given by the Grand Officers. Provided, 
of course, that they severally produce the necessary Past Grand's certifi- 
cate signed by the officers of their respective Lodge, with the Lodge seal, 
and have the Semi-Annual Pass Word. 



432 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SPECIAL SESSIONS. 

3912. In case of the absence of an elective or appointive Grand. Officer his 
place shall be supplied by an appointment to be made pro tern by the presiding 
officer. 

3913. Special Sessions for the admission of Past Grands to membership in 
the Grand Lodge and for instructions in the work and principles of the Order may 
be held in any district in the jurisdiction upon the call of the Grand Master, of 
which meeting every Lodge in the District shall be given due and timely- notice. 

3914. The following is the form of the call issued by the Grand Master for a 
Special Session of the Grand Lodge to admit Past Grands to membership in the 
Grand Lodge. 

Philadelphia, 19 

To the Subordinate Lodges ; Fraternal Greeting . 

A Special Session of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania will be held by 

, Grand Master, and other officers of the Grand Lodge, at each of 

the following places, on the dates named, at o'clock in the evening, for the ad- 
mission of Past Grands to membership ; and a Lodge of Instruction for Third 

Degree members will be opened at each place at o'clock in the evening. 

*■**'#,# # * * * -* * 

Secretaries will please give due notice of the Special Session and notify the 
Past Grands of their Lodges and furnish them with properly authenticated Past 
Grand's Certificates if they have not previously been admitted to membership in 
the Grand Lodge and received the Grand Lodge Degree ; for without said certifi- 
cates no Past Grand can, under any circumstances, be admitted to membership in 
the Grand Lodge. The Grand Officers cannot override the Constitution nor vio- 
late their obligations. 

Blank Past Grand's Certificates can be had upon application to the under- 
signed by the Secretaries of Lodges. 

Fraternally yours, 



Grand Secretary. 
SPURIOUS BOOKS. 

See Printing and Publishing, Work. 

3915. Usually once or twice a year officers of Lodges receive numerous 
circulars advertising books professing to be of great service in giving the 
work of the Order, especially the degree work, that the books are published 
by the authority of the Grand Lodge, and are approved by eminent brothers 
and .guaranteed to be absolutely correct, etc.; and some of the younger 
brothers, anxious to excel in the knowledge of the work, have been deceived 
by these pretentions into buying such spurious books. The Grand Master 
has repeatedly put our brothers and Lodges on their guard against this scheme 
to impose upon them, and accordingly issued circulars to be used in all the 
Lodges, in which was recited the action of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and 
the proclamation of the Grand Sire thereof, with directions that books of 
this character should be immediately destroyed, and Noble Grands were 
directed to prefer charges against brothers failing to do this, who, upon con- 
viction, must be expelled from the Order. In most cases where brothers have 
been informed of the law, they unhesitatingly destroyed the proscribed 
books. 

3916. The Lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction have been deluged with 
circulars setting forth the excellence and usefulness of certain publications 
professing to give the work of the Order, and pretending to be endorsed 
by some of its eminent members. It is needless to say that these publica- 
tions are sold by parties' who are enemies to our Organization, whose pro- 
fessed friendliness and helpfulness to the officers and members of^ our Lodges, 
is to beguile them into buying books sold at a profit, which enrich their publishers 
at the expense of those whom they have deceived. Not only is the use, or having 
in possession any such work, absolutely prohibited under proper and severe 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 433 

SPUKIOUS BOOKS. 

penalties, but the same is based on error, is misleading and injurious, and will only 
work evil and mischief to thuse who have them. 

3917. Secretaries and officers, or other members of Lodges receiving 
circulars advertising such publications are directed and required to imme- 
diately destroy them. They are not to be read in the Lodge. Members hav- 
ing such publications in their possession are required to destroy them at 
once. Failing to do this, the Noble Grand must prefer cnarges against such 
members, who, upon conviction, must be expelled from the Order. Lodges 
refusing or neglecting to do their duty in this respect, are liable to be sus- 
pended and have their charters recalled. 

3918. The Sovereign Grand Lodge alone has the authority to regulate 
the work of the Order, and to issue such instructions relating thereto, as 
are necessary for the information of the membership. Whatever comes 
from any other source, or through other channels than the Grand Officers, 
is spurious, false and misleading, and will work only evil and mischief to 
those who have them. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has, therefore, enacted, 
"Any member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows who shall compose, 
write, print, sell, exhibit, use, or have in his possession, or who shall in any 
way aid or abet in composing or writing, or printing or exhibiting, or using 
any publication, or writing, or other device purporting to be the Unwritten 
Work of Odd Fellowship, or any part, abbreviation or memorandum of such 
Unwritten Work, shall be deemed guilty of conduct grossly unbecoming an 
Odd Fellow, and shall, upon conviction, be expelled from the Order." The 
above law was sent to all the Lodges in this Jurisdiction, by a Proclama- 
tion issued by Grand Sire White, in 1887, which concluded with the following 
paragraph: — "A very large number of members, have been initiated since 
its enactment, and but a small percentage of the other members are aware 
of its existence. All persons in authority are urged to promulgate it to the 
organizations under their charge, and to "see that it is rigidly enforced. It 
will be observed that it is an offense against the law of the Order to have in 
possession, or use, or in any way abet the using of the prohibited publica- 
tions, and they should at once be destroyed." 



STAY OF PROCEEDINGS. 

3919. When the charges against a brother bear upon his right to bene- 
fits, they suspend the payment thereof until a final decision. 

3920. Charges were preferred against a brother for representing that 
"he was unable to do work of any kind, while he had been assisting his wife 
in doing housework and in the tailoring business," and on the trial he was 
acquitted. Held, that having been acquitted of the charges he was entitled 
to the benefits withheld on account of the charges. 

3921. A member of a Lodge was charged with fraud, etc. He failed to 
appear before the Trial Committee, and the Committee resolved to report 
him guilty of contempt, but before the report was made the brother died. 
He had not been summoned to appear and answer a charge of contempt, no 
such charge having been preferred against him. He left a widow, and at 
his death was in good standing, and the JBy Laws provided that the widow 
of a brother who was in good standing at the time of his death shall be en- 
titled to funeral benefits. Held, that in this case the charge did not bear 

upon the right to benefits, and that the Lodge had no right to refuse to bury 
the deceased brother with funeral honors, and was liable for the payment of the 
benefits prescribed by the By Laws. 

3922. In the absence of any local law providing for a stay of proceed- 
ings pending an appeal, a Lodge is bound to obey the mandate of the Grand 
Master, based on the final decision of a proper committee, under the appeal pro- 
cedure, or the Grand Lodge, and pay benefits in accordance with the decis- 



434 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907.. 

STAY OF PROCEEDINGS. 

ion on payment being demanded, and the Grand Lodge has, therefore, the 
right to demand that the Lodge before its appeal is perfected, shall be 
required to deposit with the Grand Secretary an order on the Treasurer or 
the Lodge for the whole amount adjudged to be due to be held by the Grand 
Secretary awaiting the final adjudication of the controversy. 

3923. An expelled member does not pay dues pending his appeal to the 
Grand Lodge, as his appeal does not stay the proceedings. His dues begin 
to accrue from the time the decision of reversal is announced to the Lodge. 

3924. A suspended member, in order to keep himself beneficial, must 
pay up his dues and arrearages to his Lodge the same as any other con- 
tributing member, pending his appeal to the Grand Lodge, as his appeal 
stays the proceedings. 

3925. A brother having been expelled November 14th, 1870, appealed 
to his Grand Lodge, which reinstated him without acting on his appeal. Jan- 
uary 17, 1872, his Grand Lodge reconsidered its action and approved his 
expulsion. February 20, 1873, this action was reversed and his appeal sus- 
tained. July 3, 1873, he was suspended for non-payment of dues, accruing 
from November 14, 1870, to that time. Held, that he had never lost his 
membership, and his suspension should be approved. 

3926. Undecided charges stay all proceedings whereby a member may 
withdraw or otherwise sever his connection with the Order, whether by 
Withdrawal Card, Dismissal Certificate or Eesie-nation. 



STREET UNIFORMS. 

3927. Uniform street dress to be worn by Subordinate Lodges when in. 
public procession: 

1. The style of hat or cap and dress shall be left to the Jurisdiction of 
the individual Subordinate Lodges, provided, that in each case strict uni- 
formity shall be enjoined and observed. 

2. Plain white gloves only shall be worn. 

3. A jewel collar two and one-half inches wide (no more nor less) at 
the widest part uniting in a point in front in accordance with the official 
pattern, made of light blue silk, Italian cloth or other material (ex- 
cepting velvet, which shall not be used), edged with silver lace or braid one- 
fourth of an inch wide, and without embroidery or other ornamentation of 
any kind whatever. 

4. A medal, to be suspended from the collar, or white metal one and 
three-fourths inches in diameter, having on the obverse side in raised work 
the All-seeing Eye encircled by rays of light, and on the reverse also in 
raised work, the three links of the Order surrounded by the legend, "In God 
We Trust." — "Friendship, Love and Truth." 

Officers and Past Officers may wear instead thereof or in addition there- 
to such jewel or jewels of the Order as they may be entitled to wear else- 
where in conformity with the existing regulations. 

3928. The wearing of uniforms is purely a voluntary matter and anything 
that would directly or indirectly compel members to procure them would 
be highly objectionable. 

3929. It is unlawful to use the funds of a Lodge to procure street uni- 
forms. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 435 

SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

(a). Purposes. (O. Limitations, 

(b). Powers and Authority. 

(a). Purposes. 

3930. Subordinate Lodges are instituted for the encouragement and sup- 
port of brothers of the Order when in sickness, distress or on travel, and 
for the purposes of benevolence and charity. The peculiar office of a Sub- 
ordinate Lodge "is to provide the means to meet the claims of the sick and 
distressed members, to care for them properly during their illness, to bury 
the dead, to succor the widow and educate the orphan. " Among its objects 
shall be the formation of a fund for the benefit of members, their widows 
and orphans in time of sickness and distress. 

3931. One of the primary objects of the Order is the cultivation of the 
social principle; the frequent comingling of the members; the habitude of 
thought which frequent access to the teachings of the Kitual creates and its 
practices enjoin, ail combined to give an exalted tone and character to the 
membership, and to promote the spread and ultimate recognition of the 
benign principles of our beloved Order. 

3932. A Subordinate Lodge, duly formed, is authorized and empowered 
to initiate into the mysteries of the Order any person or persons duly pro- 
posed, and approved according to the laws of Odd Fellowship, and the regu- 
lations and charges adopted by the Grand Lodge, and to administer to true 
brothers all the privileges and benefits arising therefrom, and to enact By- 
Laws for its government. Provided, always, that the Lodge does act accord- 
ing to the Laws, Euies, Regulations, Customs and usages of the Order in con- 
unction with and in obedience to the Grand Lodge b adhering and supporting 

the Constitution and laws of the Grand Lodge, and the regulations, charges 
and degrees of Odd Fellowship. And, provided, also, that the Lodge shall be 
held at the place named in its warrant or c har ter and shall not be removed 
therefrom without the consent of the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master during 
a recess. 

3933. The payment of weekly benefits of some stipulated amount, how- 
ever small, by Subordinate Lodges to sick members is regarded as the dis- 
tinguishing characteristic of our Order, and may be regarded as funda- 
mental principles of Odd Fellowship, and it is the duty of Lodges to tax their 
members in order to pay said benefits. 

3934. To care for the orphans of its members is also a distinguishing 
purpose of Subordinate Lodges, and the Lodge is not relieved from this re- 
sponsibility by the fact that they are removed to a distance from the Lodge 
by their mother an unworthy woman. 

3935. Another purpose peculiar to a Subordinate Lodge is that toward 
brothers travelling or sojourning in its Territorial Jurisdiction who are sick 
or disabled, and who either have visiting cards or are placed in its care by 
their own Lodge, the Lodge shall render the same fraternal sympathy and 
attention as it would bestow on its own sick or disabled brothers. 

3936. Another characteristic purpose of a subordinate Lodge is that the 
Relief Committee of the Lodge having charge of a travelling or sojourn- 
ing brother will take charge of his case and visit him at least once weekly, 
and keep in constant information relative to his condition and that such 
information will be sent ^monthly by the Lodge to his own Lodge, in order 
that it may be informed concerning this member's beneficial condition, and 
that he may get his benefits, which may be forwarded to the Lodge in whose 
charge he is and paid to him by its Relief Committee. 

3937. Another purpose for a subordinate Lodge is to afford a brother 
who may take up his residence away from the vicinity of his Lodge an 
opportunity to assist in extending attentive benefits to the members of the 
Lodge nearest to his new residence, so that he may watch with, and be 
watched by the members of said Lodge when he or they are sick, as though 
lie were a member of said Lodge. 



436 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [19U7. 

SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

(b). Powers and Authority 

See By Laws. See Assessments!. 

3938. A Lodge is restricted to tlie exercise of powers conferred by its 
charter and the laws of the Grand Lodge. It has no legislative power what- 
ever, except to make By-Laws for its own internal government. 

1939. The Grand Lodge has authority to adopt a uniform Constitution 
for the government of Subordinate Lodges. 

3940. It is the duty of the Subordinate Lodge and its officers to obey and 
enforce the laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, anything in the Constitution 
of Grand or Subordinate Lodges to the contrary notwithstanding. 

3941. The right of Subordinate Lodges to re-elect their officers is under 
the control of the several State, District and Territorial Grand Bodies. 

3942. A Lodge has the authority to remit fines imposed by its By-Laws 
and it is not limited by General Law as to the existence of peculiar condi- 
tions before it may exercise this power. It has the power to remit, if it chooses 
to do so. 

S943. A Lodge has the right and it is its duty to correct an error which 
it may have committed through ignorance. 

3944. A Lodge has the legal right to require proficiency in the Un- 
written Work of the last degree taken, as a condition precedent to a candi- 
date advancing to the next higher degree. 

3945. It has been a well established practice of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge to recognize the power of a Subordinate Lodge over its financial affairs 
as a delicate, sacred and highly cherished prerogative. 

3946. The Sovereign Grand Lodge will not permit a Lodge even with the ap- 
proval of the Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction, to loan funds without ample 
security and a reasonable interest being paid, and it must exercise this power to 
loan its funds with due regard to the reversionary interests therein vested in the 
Grand Lodge. 

3947. If a Lodge on being instructed by the Grand Master to cease violat- 
ing the laws complies, there is no law which forbids it from doing so under 
protest. 

3948. There is no law to prevent a Lodge from protesting against the 
instructions of a Grand Master, where the Lodge is clearly of the opinion that 
the instructions are wrong. While a Lodge would have no right to disregard 
the instructions of the Grand Master, and while it would be its duty to obey 
them, yet the right to respectfully protest should not and cannot be taken 
away. 

3949. The matter of using the funds of a Subordinate Lodge, for the 
purpose of paying for the services of their officers, is one which properly 
belongs to the legislation of the Grand Lodge. 

3950. Refusing to pay assessments to the Grand Lodge and to recognize 
the Grand Master de facto is insubordination, and the suspension of the 
Lodge by the acting Grand Master is a proper and adequate punishment for 
such acts. 

(c). Limitations. 

3951. A Lodge has no authority to ask advice or counsel from any other 
quarter than the Grand Lodge by which it is governed or of the Grand 
Master during recess. 

3952. It is not within the Jurisdiction of one Lodge to try the members 
of another, much less to declare a sentence of exclusion without a trial. The 
only proper course for a Lodge or member to pursue, in cases where mem- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 437 

SUB DEDICATE LODGES-Limitations. 

bers of other Lodges are regarded unworthy, is to prefer charges against 
them in pursuance of the well established laws of the Order. 

3953. A Lodge cannot levy an assessment for any purpose not connected with. 
the scheme of benefits, no matter how lawful the purpose in itself may be, as for 
example to furnish the Lodge room, procuriug regalia, or to buy a library. 

3954. A Lodge cannot permit its Lodge room to be used for conferring 
any degrees or secret works not provided for by the existing laws of the 
Order, and any officer of any Subordinate or other Lodge or Lodges, who 
may aid or permit such degrees to be conferred in such Lodge room shall 
be guilty of a violation of the laws of the Order; provided, that this resolu- 
tion shall not be interpreted so as to affect any such proceedings as may 
be had m such Lodge rooms by other secret associations not under the 
color of Odd Fellowship. 

3955. A Lodge without the brothers consent or request therefor, cannot 
lawfully certify with or without seal to the amount of benefits paid to the 
standing of a member as a matter of courtesy to outside organizations. 

3956. Neither a Lodge or any of the members thereof shall in the name 
of the Order resort to any scheme or raffles, lotteries or gift enterprises or 
schemes of hazard or chance of any kind, as a means to raise funds for any 
purpose of relief or assistance to such subordinates or to individual mem- 
bers. 

3957. A Lodge has no authority to hold any anniversary or other celebra- 
tion, ball, party, entertainment, supper or other public function or meeting 
where the regalia may be worn or the name of the Order assumed without 
the permission of the Grand Master, first obtained in writing, predicated upon 
the direct promise through its officers that no intoxicating beverages of any 
kind shall be offered to the members or guests present on the occasion. 

3958. A Lodge is violating the laws of the Order which permits vinous 
or malt liquors in the Lodge room, or ante-room or passage way connected 
with and adjoining thereto and under its control. 

3959. Questions of the construction of By-Laws cannot be referred to 
a Committee for decision; such questions are first to be determined by the 
Presiding Officer of the Lodge, and on appeal from him by the Lodge itself. 
An appeal lies from the action of the Lodge. 

3960. A Lodge cannot assemble in convention with other Lodges. The 
recognition of the right on the part of Subordinate Lodges to assemble in 
conventions and legislate on matters relating to the internal affairs of the 
Grand Lodges would have the dangerous tendency of establishing a power 
superior to the, acknowledged legislative head of the Order. 

3961. k Lodge cannot, by law pay out of its General Fund the assess- 
ments upon a brother for insurance he holding a certificate for member- 
ship in a Beneficial Association, although he constitutes the Lodge his beneficiary . 

3962. A Lodge in this Jurisdiction cannot legally employ a physician to 
attend members in good standing and pay a certain sum per memjer per year 
out of the General Fund. 

3963. Whenever the Board of Health of any State, city, town or village 
declares a contagious diseases to be epidemic, Subordinate Lodges and En- 
campments either separately or in conjunction, may hire physicians to attend 
such Odd Fellows and their families as may be taken sick during the preval- 
ence of such epidemic. 

3964. After a brother has become sixty years of age and has been a 
contributing member for twenty-five consecutive years, his name shall not 
be dropped from the roll by virtue of his being more than one year in arrears 
for non-payment of dues, but he shall be retained as a non-contributing 
member, and as such- shall be entitled to the pass word and fellowship of 



438 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SUBORDINATE LGDGES-Limitations. 

lodges. He shall have all the privileges of active members, except benefits, 
and Subordinate Lodges shall not be compelled to pay per capita tax on such 
non-contributing member. He may be reinstated in the manner provided 
for the reinstatement of dropped members by the Constitution and By-Laws of 
the several Jurisdictions. 

SUICIDE. 

3965. A Lodge cannot refuse to pay funeral expenses to the family of a 
deceased brother on the ground that he committed suicide. 

3966. Suicide is no bar to funeral benefits. 

3967. On an appeal from certain brothers, from a Lodge against the 
decision of said Lodge in fining them for refusal to sit up with a brother 
of another Lodge, who had attempted suicide by cutting his throat, and who 
lingered nine days, needing constant care, and then died — on the double 
ground that he was a member of another Lodge, and that they "were not 
compelled by their obligation to attend a brother who had attempted his own 
life." It was decided that the fine had been righteously imposed and the 
appeal was dismissed for the reasons: First, that attentive benefits are due 
to every brother, not only because he is a member of a Lodge, but for a 
wider reason — that he is a member of the Order — an Odd Fellow. Second, 
that the law establishes the principle governing the case wnen it declares 
that "A member committing suicide, his family are not thereby debarred 
from funeral benefits." 

SUNDAY. 

3968. While there ia no positive law against a Lodge holding a meet- 
ing on Sunday for the purpose of presenting the Order in its true light to 
the public, and to advance interest therein and to instruct in its tenets and 
work, nevertheless our Order does not favor it, except on occasions of reli- 
gious or semi-religious character, such as funerals, memorial services, etc. 

39*69. It is illegal to hold meetings of a General Relief Committee on 
Sunday. 

3970. Where a member of the Order plays base ball on Sunday and in 
the game is severely injured, and for a time totally disabled. The fact 
that he brought on the disability while playing on Sunday would relieve the 
Lodge from paying sick benefits on the ground that the injury was caused 
by his own immorality, if the laws of the State prohibit the playing of base 
ball on Sunday, otherwise he would be entitled to benefits. 

3971. A meeting of a Subordinate Lodge on Sunday to confer degrees, 
®r to perform any duties other than those of strict necessity, charity or 
mercy, is not only derogatory to the moral character, but in direct viola- 
tion of the principles and laws of the Order. The above applies as fully 
to the learning, practicing or rehearsal of the degrees in the Lodge room 
on Sunday, as it does to the actual conferring of the Degrees. 

3972. A brother is not bound to attend committee meetings held on 
Sunday. In fact, it is illegal to hold committee meetings on that day. 

3973. The Anniversary of the Order may be celebrated on Sunday, but unless 
the celebration consists of attendance at church, it is good taste to select another 
day. 

3974. It is proper to celebrate Memorial Day on Sunday. 

3975. It is proper for a Lodge to meet and attend a funeral on Sunday. 

3976. The regular meetings of all Subordinate Lodges must be held oa 
a week day. 

3977. It is improper to institute a Lodge on Sunday. 

3978. In all matters pertaining to the Order Sunday should be regularly 
•observed by members and all organizations of the Order. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 439 

SUNDAY. 

3979. A Lodge cannot give a go-called sacred concert to be given on some 
Sunday, in a theatre or public hall, using the name of the Order, charging 
an admission fee and using the proceeds for its benefit without violating the 
laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

SUPERVISION. 

3980. The Grand Master has entire supervision over the Subordinate 
Lodges during the recess of the Grand Lodge, and it'is his duty to interfere upon 
all violations of the law, and, in case of persistent disobedience, may suspend the 
refractory Lodge until the case is tried and determined by the Grand Lodge. 

3981. It is the duty of a Lodge to obey the mandate of the Grand Mas- 
ter, and if aggrieved to appeal to the Grand Lodge. 

3982. A Lodge must obey the mandate of the Grand Master or th® Grand 
Lodge as the case may happen to be before it can appeal. 

SUPPLIES. 

3983. In order to simplify the accounts of the Grand Lodge, the Grand 
Secretary is required to strictly conform to the law requiring that all orders 
for supplies furnished from the office be accompanied with the cash. Cards 
cannot be delivered except upon a special order signed by the Secretary 
and attested by the seal, of the Lodge. Not less than one dollar's worth of 
cards should be ordered at one time. Rituals cannot oe forwarded except 
upon a special order of a Lodge, signed by the Noble Grand, and Secretary, 
and attested by the seal of the Lodge, nor unless the old books have been re- 
turned to the Grand Secretary. If they cannot be returned through a member 
of the Order, they must be securely sealed up and sent to the Grand Secretary s 
office by express, prepaid, with the money enclosed and a letter of instruc- 
tions as to the forwarding of new books. 

3984. All other supplies relating to the Work of the Order can only be 
delivered upon the order of the Secretary, attested by the seal Oi the Lodge. 
The Secretary must sign his own signature, else on comparison, it will appear 
not to be genuine, and the supplies will not be forwarded. 

SUPPORTED AT PUBLIC EXPENSE. 

3985. The following provision in the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges 
in a Grand Jurisdiction: ""When a member of unsound mind is entitled to 
benefits and has no family or dependent relatives, is cared for and Sup- 
ported at pub ic expense his Lodge may from time to time appropriate and 
aipply, on account of his benefits, such sums as may ameliorate or better his 
condition, to be a credit on any final accounting for benefits/' was an appeal 
to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, declared illegal. 

3986. A Lodge cannot refuse to pay benefits to a brother otherwise bene- 
ficial because he entered an almshouse against their desire^ or because he 
becomes a charge upon the public. 

3987. An insane brother in a State lunatic asylum and in the exclusive 
charge of the institution is entitled to benefits, and the Lodge is compelled 
to pay them to his duly appointed guardian or to the General Relief Com- 
mittee having him in charge. 

3988. By the General Law a soldier sick in a hospital for soldiers and 
there supported is entitled to benefits if in good standing. 

3989. A sailor sick in Government hospital is, if in good standing, en- 
titled under the General Laws of the Order to sick benefits. 

3990. Where a brother was in good standing at the time of his admis- 
sion to a Home of the Order, the Lodge cannot absolve itself from the payment 



440 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SUPPORTED AT PUBLIC EXPENSE. 

of either pecuniary or attentive benefits, unless the Grand Lodge has so legislated 
in accordance with the provisions of the General Law. 

3991. A brother insane and supported at public expense is entitled to 
benefits and cannot be dropped from the rolls of his Lodge for non-payment 
of dues, if in good standing when taken insane. The minor children of the de- 
ceased, his wife being dead, were '■ such beneficiaries as are contemplated by 
law as entitled to benefits." 

3992. While a brother is an inmate of a hospital for the insane the lia- 
bility for such brother's benefits is the same as that towards other mem- 
bers. 

SUPPORTERS. 

See Eight Supporter to Noble Grand. 

SURRENDER. 

See Defunct Lodges. 

3993. A Lodge, in surrendering its charter and effects, must also relin- 
quish into the control and custody of the Grand Lodge all its books, and all 
its available funds and property. 

3994. Where a Lodge claimed to have done this, although it retain in its 
own possession all the emblems, regalia and other useful effects of the 
Lodge, but did surrender its working books, charter, seal, treasurer's book 
and one record book. It was held that this was not such a surrender of 
its effects as the General Law contemplates. 

3995. The Lodge should relinquish unavailable as well as available funds. 

3996. The Lodge should transfer to the Board of Grand Lodge Officers or to 
a Trustee selected by it, the title to all its real estate. 

3997. The charter of a Lodge cannot be surrendered so long as five 
brothers desire to retain it. But before any action is taken to surrender the 
charter, notice thereof should be sent to all members. It is not necessary, 
however, to wait to hear from absent members, residing at great distances 
from the Lodge. 

3998. It is not legal at an adjourned meeting of a Lodge, to entertain a 
motion to surrender the charter of the Lodge and appoint a special meeting 
to consider and vote upon such motion. 

3999. The merger or consolidation of two Lodges is in effect a surrender 
and the consolidation cannot be effected as long as five members in either 
Lodge object thereto. ; 

4000. After a Lodge has voluntarily delivered some of its effects and its 
charter to the Grand Lodge .whose officers have accepted the same, the Lodge 
has ceased to exist as a separate organization and all its functions and prop- 
erty are vested in the Grand Lodge. It is illegal, therefore, for certain mem- 
bers of the Lodge who were not at the meeting when the surrender was 
authorized to set themselves up as the Lodge; to claim that the Lodge could 
not surrender as long as five members desired to continue its organization 
and demand the return of the charter and effects so far as they have come 
into the hands of the Grand Officers, and thus defeat the efforts of the Grand 
Officers to recover the property of the Lodge which was unlawfully given 
away to or taken or received by other members of the Lodge. A charter 
once surrendered is to all practical purposes defunct and it can only be re- 
stored, resuscitated or reissued in the manner pointed out by law. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 441 



SUSPENDED MEMBERS. 

(a). For Non-payment of Duet. (b). For Cans*. 

See [Reinstatement. See Trial. 
Dismissal Certificate. Dues. 

Charges. Funerals. 

Suspension. 

(a). For Non-payment of Dues. 

4001. A brother suspended for non-payment of dues is suspended as a 
means of punishment. 

4002. A member suspended for non-payment of dues is still a member 
of his Lodge, although deprived of certain rights and privileges, and is sub- 
ject to the laws in relation to discipline for unworthy conduct. 

4003. A suspended member may be arraigned and tried without first 
being reinstated, but when arraigned for trial and punishment he must be 
temporarily admitted to the Lodge for the purpose of making his defense 
without being restored to his rights of membership. 

4004. A member suspended for non-payment of dues by complying with 
the law and on a favorable ballot, may be reinstated in his Lodge or he may 
receive a dismissal certificate. 

4005. As a member suspended for non-payment of dues is still a member, 
therefore a brother, if in the saloon business when suspended and who was 
continuously in the business since before January 1, 1896, and who has not 
abandoned it, may be reinstated in his Lodge. 

4006. A member suspended for non-payment of dues, may afterwards be 
expelled for criminal or unworthy conduct. A brother under suspension is 
a quasi member of his Lodge although deprived of certain rights and privi- 
leges and is subject to the law in relation to discipline for unworthy con- 
duct. 

4007. A brother suspended for non-payment of dues by one Lodge, can- 
not be admitted to membership in another, without being reinstated in the 
Lodge from which he was suspended, and obtaining a regular Withdrawal 
Card or by receiving a Dismissal Certificate, or, if the Lodge be defunct, a card 
from the Grand Secretary. 

4008. The election of a member, suspended for non-payment of dues In 
another Lodge pending his application for a Dismissal Certificate is Illegal 
and void. 

4009. A brother who is under suspension for non-payment of dues and 
who is over fifty years of age, is eligible for reinstatement to beneficial 
membership, the Grand Lodge not having legislated to the contrary. Nor Is 
the enactment by the Grand Lodge of the prov '^< ns in the Subordinate Con- 
stitution concerning the admission as non-beneficial members of aged mem- 
bers of defunct L <iges and aged non-affiliated Odd Fellows such legislation as 
would render such brother ineligible to reinstatement as a beneficial member. 

4010. A member suspended for non-payment of dues has no right to visit 
his Lodge, his membership and all his privileges, except those relating to 
reinstatement in the Order in his own Lodge or to obtain a Dismissal Certi- 
ficate whereby he may join another Lodge, are in abeyance. 

4011. When B was initiated into a Lodge, while being a suspended mem- 
ber of another Lodge, the question to be determined was simply whether 
he gained such standing (if any) in the second Lodge he joined as to be 

28 



442 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SUSPENDED MEMBEES— For Non-payment of Dues. 

entitled to receive benefits. The Committee appointed by the Lodge reported 
that he was still a member of the other Lodge (although under suspension), 
and that the other Lodge had jurisdiction over him. The Lodge adopted 
this report and placed a formal resolution on their minutes that they would 
pay him no benefits because of this condition of affairs. If a brother cannot 
be a member of two Subordinate Lodges at the same time, and if he cannot 
after suspension from one Lodge be admitted to membership in another 
without complying with the conditions just cited the conclusion is irresistible 
that his initiation and membership in the second Lodge was simply a mat- 
ter of form which could in no sense hold it to the payment of benefits, when 
there was no collision proven on its part. That they were innocent in the mat- 
ter was evidenced by the prompt action they took, after due proof, to de- 
clare him not a member of their Lodge, and the resolution they at once 
passed to refund him every cent he had paid under the guise of member- 
ship. An order was drawn in his favor for $19.20 to cover all such pay- 
ments made to the Lodge by him; although he refused to receive it and 
demanded benefits, it still remains subject to the order of his widow. No 
man, either in law or equity, can benefit by his own wrong when others 
sustain loss or injury thereby. And as the law is explicit that membership 
in a Lodge cannot be gained as he entered this Lodge, it is therefore in no 
way indebted to him or his representative for one cent of benefits. 

4012. Funeral honors cannot lawfully be extended to a deceased brother 
who has been lawfully suspended from membership. 



(b). For Cause. 

4013. A member under suspension for cause is still amenable to the 
laws of his Lodge, and cannot be deprived of the right of petition and the 
privilege of making acknowledgment of errors committed. If his communica- 
tions are disrespectful he may be punished even to expulsion if the cause 
be sufficient. 

4014. A brother suspended from membership in his Lodge is thereby 
cut off from all benefits and privileges, and in case of his death the Lodge 
incurs no new liability on account of his decease. 

4015. A By Law which provided "that a member suspended for cause 
shall not be entitled to benefits until after the expiration of six months from 
the expiration of his term of suspension," is against the law of the Order 
for the reason that it is punishing the brother twice for the same offense. 

4016. Every Lodge holds its members, while suspended as punishment 
for an offense, responsible for dues accruing during the time of such sus- 
pension. 

4017. In cases in which a Subordinate Lodge has suspended a mem- 
ber for cause other than non-payment of dues, the Lodge may commute 
or remit such portion of his accumulated dues (if unpaid) as it may de- 
termine, upon the reinstatement of such brother, such matters being properly 
the subject of local legislation. 

4018. The law provides that a member who has been suspended for 
cause, his dues shall accumulate during such suspension, and in another 
place the law reads that the Financial Secretary can not refuse to accept 
dues at any time when tendered, and the Sovereign Grand Lodge requires 
that when any receipt is given it shall be the official certificate, and farther 
that when a member presents such certificate to any Lodge in this Jurisdic- 
tion he can obtain the Semi-Annual Pass Word. The question was asked: 
How shall a Lodge act in the premises in order that such suspended member 
shall not be entitled to visit Lodges? Held, that in issuing an Official 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 443 

SUSPENDED MEMBERS-For Cause. 

Certificate to a member who is under suspension for cause, the Secretary 
write on the face of such Certificate a statement as follows : " The holder 

of this Certificate is under suspension for cause until the day of 

, 190 " 

4019. Suspension for cause terminates "good standing" and not being 
restored until after the expiration of one year, breaks the continuity of 
years, so that the member though restored is not entitled to the "twenty- 
five years' Veteran Jewel" if the twenty-five years embrace the year of sus- 
pension. 

4020. A member of an expelled or suspended Lodge is suspended from his 
privileges in the Order. A member thus situated is not allowed to visit in 
the Brotherhood or to represent the Lodge in the Grand Lodge. In fact, 
he is to all legal intendments in the same position as though he has per- 
sonally been suspended for cause, and it is only when his Lodge is rein- 
stated, or he has been granted a proper card by the Grand Lodge Officers, 
that his standing in the Order is restored. 

4021. A Lodge cannot terminate a suspension of a member for a given 
time before the expiration of that time, except by the consent of the Grand 
Lodge or the Board of Grand Lodge Officers. 

4022. An Odd Fellow who is under sentence of suspension for five years, 
may, if not contrary to local law, be reinstated upon a dispensation or con- 
sent from the Grand Master. 

4023. Upon the suspension of an officer from membership, there is there- 
by a vacancy created which the Lodge may proceed to fill by election or 
appointment, as the case may be; the suspended officer, when reinstated, is 
simply restored to membership, and has no right to the office he formerly 
held. 

4024. When a suspended member of a Subordinate Lodge is restored to 
membership by a mandate of the Grand Lodge, he is admitted to the same 
as a member in good standing on payment of all the dues that have accrued 
against him. 

4025. A member who has been suspended from the Lodge for improper 
conduct, when the term expires for which he was declared suspended, re- 
turns to his former standing in the Lodge without any action on his part, 
upon his paying all dues that may have accrued up to the date of the expira- 
tion of his suspension. 

4026. Suspension for non-payment of dues is a mode of punishment, 
and arrears of dues continue to run during such suspension. The whole 
amount accruing before and after suspension in the absence of legislation to 
the contrary would be payable on reinstatement. 

4027. The dues of a member accrue during the time of suspension just 
the same as if he was not suspended. The payment of dues by a member 
is not a privilege, but a duty. The Lodge, therefore, has an undoubted 
right to receive his dues during suspension; but he would not thereby be 
entitled to any benefits during such suspension. But this is not to be so 
construed as to conflict with the provisions of the law, which reads as fol- 
lows: "A member who has been suspended for improper conduct, when the 
time expires for which he was declared suspended, returns to his former 
standing in the Lodge without any action on its part, upon his paying all 
dues that may have accrued up to the date of the expiration of his sus- 
pension." 



414 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SUSPENSION. 

(a). For Non-payment of Dues. (d). Of Dues. 

(b). For Cause. (e). Of a Lodge. 

(c). Of Benefits. (f). Of Lodge Meeting. 

See Suspended Members. See Reinstatement- 

Penalty. Restoration. 

Trial. 

(a). For Non-payment of Dues. 

4028. The Constitution for Subordinate Lodges contemplates that when 
a brother is twelve months in arrears he shall be notified by the Secre- 
tary at once, and a notice sent out months afterwards is not a compliance 
with the spirit of the law. 

4029. A Lodge cannot refuse to receive in full or in part the dues of a 
member prior to his suspension, and no member can be suspended or dropped 
from membership in the Order for non-payment of dues unless at the time 
of his suspension he shall be indebted to the Lodge for one year's dues. 

4030. To suspend or drop a member for the non-payment of dues, the 
time fixed by law must be regarded, and not the amount due. A brother 
clear on the books on the first of January, for instance, cannot be suspended 
or dropped until a year thereafter, no matter to what amount his dues may 
accumulate in the intermediate time by fines or otherwise. 

4031. In determining what is the amount of yearly dues, funeral and 
all other assessments are to be included and counted as well as the dues, but 
a member whose dues were paid to January 1, 1906, could not be suspended 
on December 28, 1906, the period not being one year, no matter how much or 
little the dues may aggregate. 

4032. A brother cannot be suspended for non-payment of dues while his 
Lodge is indebted to him for benefits, which, if deducted from the amount 
against him, would reduce his indebtedness for dues within the limit of the 
Constitutional provision on that subject. 

4033. Nor if the Lodge is owing him on any account a sum sufficient to 
make him, if credited, in good standing. 

4034. A Veteran member that is over sixty years of age and has been 
a contributing member for twenty-five consecutive years cannot be sus- 
pended for non-payment of dues. He must be transferred to the non-con- 
tributing roll. 

4035. It is not necessary to ballot on the suspension of a member for 
non-payment of dues. Any action of the Lodge whereby the sense of the 
Lodge is reached and declared and made a matter of record complies with 
the law. 

4036. The notice of contemplated suspension must be given after a full 
year's dues have accrued. It cannot legally be given before that time. 

4037. The important part, in fact, the vitally necessary part of the pro- 
ceedings is that notice was given the brother as required by law, of the 
contemplated suspension after a full year's dues have accrued. 

4038. The Secretary notifies the delinquent in writing giving four weeks' 
aotice, and he should report his action to the Lodge and have it noted in the 
minutes, although the Lodge may not have specially directed him to do so. 

4039. The mere fact of a member being over twelve months in arrears 
to a Lodge does not constitute him a suspended member. To render him 
such the Secretary must have given him the proper notice and the Noble 
Grand or the Lodge must have formally declared him to be suspended. 

4040. When a member who has been suspended under the allegation of 
non-payment of dues is able to prove that the action of the Lodge in sus- 
pending him originated in a manifest error in his account as kept by the 
Secretary, and is not sustained by his actual indebtedness, his suspension 
becomes and should be declared, in point of fact, null and void. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 445 

STJSPEN SION— Fcr Non-payment of Dues. 

4041. A member who is over twelve months in arrears can pay the 
same, or a portion thereof, at any time prior to the declaration of suspen- 
sion by the Noble Grand. 

4042. A member, or officer of the Lodge, cannot be suspended from 
the rights and privileges of the Order (excepting for non-payment of dues) 
or be expelled therefrom, unless a specific charge has been preferred against 
him, and the case has been regularly proceeded with in accordance with 
the requirements of the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges. 

4043. An insane member cannot be suspended for non-payment of dues. 

4044. A member became insane when he was seven months in arrears, 
and is sent to an insane asylum where he remained for more than five 
months. There was nothing paid on his account after he became insane, 
nevertheless he was not liable to suspension. 

4045. The question was asked whether a Lodge Dy By Law in relation 
to suspension of members for non-payment of dues, who were over one year 
in arrears can make the suspension mandatory. To which it was replied 
that the By Law referred to cannot be made mandatory, because in that 
case it would conflict with the Constitution. The Constitution clearly leaves 
this subject at the discretion of a Lodge, and this right of a Lodge to decide 
each case on its own merits, cannot be taken away by any By Law. 

4046. A Lodge cannot legally suspend a brother for non-payment of 
dues who owes considerably more than one year's dues, without giving him 
notice that he will be suspended, even though the brother be fully aware of the 
amount of his indebtedness to the Lodge. Before suspension the brother should 
be notified by the Secretary in writing that the matter of suspension will be con- 
sidered on a certain stated meeting of the Lodge unless the indebtedness shall in 
the meantime be reduced to less than the amount of one year's dues. 

4047. Where a brother was suspended for a fixed period of time, he 
eould not, during that time, be suspended for non-payment of dues, but re- 
sumed his standing in the Lodge after paying up all arrearages immediately 
after the expiration of his period of suspension. 

4048. A brother being in arrears for more than one year's dues, was 
sent a written notice by the Secretary that he should pay the same at the 
meeting of the Lodge to be held on November 19th next, or he would be 
suspended for non-payment of dues. On November 17th the brother sent a 
registered letter with the necessary amount of money enclosed, and addressed 
to the Secretary, which letter was not received by the 'Secretary until after 
November 19th. It was held that when the Lodge opened on the evening of 
that date the brother was twelve months, and over, in arrears, and he had 
been notified thereof by the Secretary and that action would be taken 
on that evening in the matter of his suspension for non-payment of dues. 
He had, undoubtedly, a right to pay, on that evening, at any time before his 
suspension was declared; and he had a right to a reasonable opportunity 
so to do, after the opening of the Lodge on that evening; but that right 
arises by implication merely from the fact that the notice required by law 
to be given to the delinquent brother must be intended to afford him an 
opportunity to pay his- dues and avoid the impending suspension. It cannot, 
therefore, be extended by construction beyond the limits reasonably neces- 
sary to effect that purpose; and there is no reason for extending it beyond 
the period in the order of business of the Lodge at which such matters are 
usually considered. The mailing of the registered letter did not constitute a 
payment to the Lodge. The postmasters were not agents of the Lodge, but 
were agents of the brother, and their failure to transmit or deliver the let- 
ter in time was his failure. The fact that the brother disputed tfie correct- 
ness of the Secretary's account against him is immaterial. The Secretary's 
account was, in fact, correct, and the brother in delaying payment upon his 
own judgment to the contrary, did so at his peril. 



446 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SUSPENSION— For Non-payment of Dues. 

4049. It is not sufficient notice to a brother that he will be suspended 
for non-payment of dues for the Secretary of the Lodge to mail to his ad- 
dress as it appears on the books of the Lodge a letter enclosed in an en- 
velope with a return request thereon to the postmaster to return the letter in a 
certain number of days, if not delivered. The letter not being returned by the 
postal authorities does not raise a presumption of its receipt by the brother. 

4050. A Lodge cannot refuse to receive part of the arrears for dues owing 
by a brother and give as a reason for the refusal that the brother was liable 
to suspension, and that he must pay the total amount against him on the 
books. 

4051. Various remedies have been proposed to save the continued loss to 
the Order through suspensions for dues, but the right one has not been 
found yet. To punish these members with severity, it seems is not justified 
by their offence. We place an almost prohibitive reinstatement fee, forget- 
ting that in the majority of cases financial inability to pay brought about 
the suspension. Before suspending a brother we should go to him in the 
spirit of brotherly love, and inquire into his circumstances, find out why he 
cannot pay, and use every effort, if necessary, to place him in a condition 
so that he can pay. A member over three months in arrears is not entitled 
to benefits in any Lodge in this State, and therefore all the accrued dues are 
of no service to the. brother from a beneficial standpoint. In other words, 
he is charged with the same dues as the brother who keeps himself in good 
standing, but. differently from him, is entitled to no benefits; hence he is 
charged with dues which during nine months of the time assure him no 
beneficial consideration. 

4052. To notify a brother who owes over one year's dues, that he will be 
suspended unless he reduces his arrearage to less than the amount of one 
year's dues, the following form may be used: 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. F. 

19 

Brother 

, You are hereby notified that you are indebted to the Lodge $ 

for dues and assessments, being the amount of over years dues and 

assessments. 

In accordance with the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, you are 
hereby notified that the matter of your suspension for non-payment of dues 

will be considered at a stated meeting of the Lodge to be held at 

; unless the amount of your indebtedness shall, in the 

meantime be reduced to less than one year's dues, or ? , or unless 

the Lodge directs otherwise at that time, you will be suspended. 

Kindly give this notice the attention it deserves, and make an effort to> 
retain your membership. 

Yours in F. L. and T., 

Secretary. 

4053. When the suspension of a brother for non-payment of dues has been 
consummated, he does not cease to be a member of the Lodge, but has been trans- 
ferred from active contributing membership, to a relationship of quasi ^ member- 
ship. For example when one E has been proposed, elected and initiated into 
Lodge, and subsequently it was discovered that he was already a member of 
another Lodge under suspension for non-payment of dues. It was held that his 
initiation into the second Lodge was null and void, and of no effect and his 
original Lodge was directed to prefer charges against him. 

(b). For Cause. 

4054. Suspensions for cause cannot be indefinite nor for an unreasonable 
length of t me. 

4055. A By Law which requires that the vote to suspend a member for 
two years shall be two-thirds of the members present, is illegal as being con- 
trary to the Constitution. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 447 

SUSPENSION-For Cause. 

4056. The penalty, that he, the brother, he required to return to the 
Lodge the sum of $26.00 received by him for sick benefits, and stand sus- 
pended until the same be done is illegal as an indefinite suspension. 

4057. The action of a Lodge was as follows: "That the brother be 
suspended for six months and [return the eight dollars illegally received as 
benefits, and stand suspended until paid.] Only the part in brackets can 
be declared illegal, and the former stands as the judgment of the Lodge. 

4058. Charges were preferred against a brother. The charges were 
sustained and the brother expelled. The brother appealed. The Commit- 
tee on Appeals reversed the Lodge in that the penalty was excessive. The 
Lodge took a vote upon suspension and suspended the brother for two years. 
The date of suspension must begin at the date of final action. 

4059. Where the Constitution of a Lodge provides a penalty of expul- 
sion or suspension for the offense of which a member is convicted, and 
does not fix a minimum period of suspension, the Lodge has the right to 
fix any period it chooses when it enforces the penalty of suspension. A 
suspension of twenty-four hours from Saturday night (the night of meet- 
ing) is within the terms of the law, although apparently an inadequate punish- 
ment. 

. (c). Of Benefits. 

4060. Neither the Grand Lodge nor the Grand Master can grant a dis- 
pensation to enable a Lodge to suspend the payment of weekly benefits. 

4061. Nor can a Subordinate, by vote, suspend the payment of benefits. 

4062. Nor can a Lodge by tacit consent of its members, keep in force 
a By Law which has been actually repealed, and deprive thereby a brother 
of benefits to which he is fairly entitled under existing law. 

4063. A By Law of a Lodge depriving a contributing member in good 
standing of benefits after reaching the age of 65 is illegal and void. 

4064. In 1899 The Grand Lodge requested of the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
that it legislate so as to permit Grand Lodges to grant dispensations to 
Lodges under proper conditions, to suspend the payment of benefits for one 
year. The request was refused, and it was held as follows: We have duly 
considered the subject, which we deem one of great importance. We have 
in recent years had before the Sovereign Grand Lodge substantially the same 
proposition, have at length set forth reasons which seem to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge good why the proposed suggestion should not receive favorable considera- 
tion. It strikes at the foundation of the Order. It has ever been a fundamental 
principle of Odd Fellowship that some fixed continuous benefits should be paid 
to members who are sick. The suggestion to allow Grand Lodges to permit sub- 
ordinates to suspend payment of benefits for a year would, in the opinion of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, not afford any substantial relief to Lodges on the verge of 
bankruptcy ; nor would a resort to so doubtful an expedient be of any benefit to 
the Order. If a Lodge cannot, under the reasonable requirements of General Law, 
so control its fiscal affairs as to maintain itself and fulfil its obligations to pay sick 
benefits, it were better that it cease to exist. The minimum benefit law of our 
Order provides that two dollars per week shall be paid for one year, and that if a 
member receive benefits for fifty-two consecutive weeks, that thereafter the Lodge 
may pay him one dollar per week. Surely, if a Lodge cannot fix. its dues high 
enough to enable it to comply w 7 ith such requirement, the permission to allow it to 
suspend payment of benefits for one year would not sustain it; and the 
probable result would be. that another year would need be given it, and so 
on, so that it would practically cease to carry out one of the chief purposes 
for which it was organized, namely, to afford to its members the relief to 
which they were entitled in the time of sickness. 



448 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SUSPENSION-Of Benefits. 

4065. In 1900 the Grand Lodge renewed its request and it was again 
refused for the reason that "The very fact that a Subordinate Lodge desires 
to suspend payment of sick benefits for a period of one year, or any other 
time, establishes the further fact that said Lodge has members who are sick, 
and entitled under the existing law to receive benefits. Now, the proposition 
is simply this: for some reason, a Subordinate Lodge has become financially 
embarrassed, and, in order to cure this trouble, it is proposed to tax the 
sick member, and let the well member go untaxed. If a Lodge's treasury be- 
comes depleted, the proper way to replenish it is by collecting, in the way 
prescribed by law, a sufficient sum from each member, thus requiring each 
member to pay his proportionate part. We do not believe that this Sovereign 
Grand Lodge will ever enact any law permitting a Subordinate Lodge to place the 
burden of its adversity upon the sick and helpless. It is one of the funda- 
mental principles of Odd Fellowship to pay sick benefits. It has always 
been a command to care for the sick, and in every Lodge one of the first 
questions asked by the Noble Grand at each meeting is, 'Does any brother 
know of a sick brother or a brother's family in distress?' It would be worse 
than mockery to ask such a question, and at the same time say to the brother 
who is sick and in distress, we can do nothing for you, for the reason we 
have suspended payment of sick benefits for a period." 

(d). Suspension of Dues. 

4066. The payment of dues is a fundamental principle of the Order, 
which neither the Grand nor any Subordinate Lodge can dispense with or 
evade. 

406(7. Where a Lodge has suspended a member for cause other than the 
non-payment of dues the Lodge may remit such portion of his accumulated 
dues, if unpaid as it may determine at the expiration of his suspension, but 
without such remission the dues are chargeable and payable. 

4068. By the General Law a Lodge may remit as much of a member's dues 
as are in excess of one year's dues as it may deem proper, but not any part 
of the arrears of dues for a less period than one year, provided it be done 
with all the formalities required for reinstatement for non-payment of dues. 

(e). Of a Lodge. 

See Reinstatement of Lodge. See Suspended Member. 

Restoration of Charter. 

4069. For "persistent disobedience" a Grand Master, under the General 
Law has power to suspend a Lodge until the Grand Lodge shall hear and 
determine the case. 

4070. The power and duty of a Grand Master to suspend a Lodge actual- 
ly in a state of insubordination is unquestioned. 

4071. The power given to a Grand Master to suspend and take from a 
Lodge its charter is a highly penal power, and should be exercised only in 
extreme cases when injury to the Order is imminent. 

4072. The authority specially given to a Grand Master to suspend a 
Lodge he cannot delegate to the judgment of another to determine the necessity 
for its exercise. 

4073. A Grand Master has no power summarily to remove an officer of 
a Subordinate Lodge, as his official relations are not with the officers of 
Lodges, but with the Lodges themselves in their Lodge capacity, and there- 
fore, if a Noble Grand persists in permitting improper work in violation of 
his instructions, it is the duty of the Grand Master to inform the Lodge that 
unless it shall require of its officer to conform to the work it will be dealt 
with for insubordination. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 449 

SUSPENSION-Of a Lodge. 

4074. The Grand Master has authority to suspend a Lodge during the 
recess of the Grand Lodge. The continuation of the suspension for any defi- 
nite period or expulsion, depends upon the action of the Grand Lodge at its 
session. 

4075. A Lodge may be suspended by the Grand Master after charges have 
been preferred against it, or to sustain his mandate where the Lodge is 
actually in a state of insubordination. 

4076. A Lodge may also be suspended by the Grand Lodge as a result of 
proceedings on charges. 

4077. Wlhen the Grand Master suspends a Lodge for insubordination, the 
proper practice would seem to be to refer the charge to a Committee for in- 
vestigation to hear the charge and to report to the Grand Lodge at its ses- 
sion so that it may be able to act properly and intelligently in the matter, 
and the Lodge be given an opportunity to vindicate its course. 

4078. The suspension of a Lodge takes effect from the time such sus- 
pension is published or proclaimed, and as soon as practicable, after the sus- 
pension is determined on, it is the duty of the Grand Master to make such 
proclamation. 

4079. When a Lodge is suspended or expelled its functions cease not 
merely as to a certain purposes, but to all purposes. The Lodge is defunct and 
the rights of the members are likewise in abeyance. 

4080. By the suspension of a Lodge its rights as a Lodge cease tem- 
porarily and this temporary disability attaches as well to the mem- 
bers individually as collectively. A member thus situated is not 
allowed to visit in the Brotherhood or to represent his Lodge 
in the Grand Lodge. If he is a member of a Subordinate Encamp- 
ment, his membership is affected in such Encampment, and he has 
no right, while the disability lasts, to visit that or any other Encamp- 
ment, any more than he is permitted to visit any other Subordinate Lodge. 
He cannot hold office in or visit a Grand Encampment. 

4081. The period of a Lodge's suspension must be considered as a blank 
In its existence. No act performed after tfie suspension was published 
should be considered legal, and it is not competent for a Grand Lodge to 
legalize initiations made by the Lodge during this period. Nor is the elec- 
tion and installation of officers held and performed by a Lodge during its 
suspension recognized as legal. Nor can the Grand Lodge allow to persons 
who were elected to and installed into office and whose terms expire during 
the suspension of the Lodge the honors of the term. 

4082. Should the Lodge be reinstated, those persons who were in office 
at the time of its suspension, will resume their several offices without re- 
gard to the duration of time intervening, between the date of such suspen- 
sion and the reinstatement. 

4083. When the disability is removed then the Lodge starts again into 
the exercise of its various functions, and the right of the several members 
to . the office they held when the disability was imposed revive with Its 
revival and they should proceed at once with their respective duties as though 
there had been no interruption. 

4084. If the Grand Lodge sustains the action of the Grand Master and 
determines to reorganize the Lodge, it should order the charter returned 
to such members of the Lodge as may petition for it, who are otherwise 
entitled excluding the disloyal and insubordinate members, and until such 
reorganization the suspension of the Lodge should continue. 



450 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

SUSPENSION. 

(f ). Of Lodge Meetings. 

4085. There is no General Law of the Order which confers upon the 
Grand Lodge or the Grand Master the privilege of granting a dispensation 
to a Lodge to dispense with its regular meetings. Such a dispensation is,, 
therefore, illegal and improper and cannot be exercised. 

4086. A dispensation cannot be granted to a Lodge to suspend its regu- 
lar meetings except in cases of absolute necessity arising from want of a 
place to meet in. 

4087. In the case a Lodge whose meeting place was destroyed by the 
improvement the landlord was making and there was no other place that 
could be procured, the Grand Lodge has no hesitation in approving the action 
of the Grand Master in permitting this Lodge to suspend meetings until a 
room could be obtained in which they might safely hold their regular meet- 
ings; inasmuch "as the local law gives him the undoubted implied right so 
to do, when a Lodge can secure no immediate place of meetings that would 
properly guard the secrets of our Order. 

TELEGRAPHIC CIPHER AND KEY. 

4088. Benefit — What sick and funeral benefits do you pay? 

Black — He is a fraud, and if he has a card or other papers from this 
Lodge, they are forgeries. 

Boat — He is an expelled member, and has not been in good standing 

Cash — Is in our city asking financial assistance, and claims membership 
in your Lodge in good standing. 

Caution — Look out for a fraud named . 

Final — A member of your Lodge died here. 

Funds — Shall we aid him and draw on you to the extent of ? ? 

Grip — Draw on us for the amount of expenses incurred. 

Help — Will your Lodge pay nurse hire, and how much per day? 

House — 4s in our city, holding a Visiting Card from your Lodge and 
asking of us financial assistance. 

Lodge — Forward remains to this plac.e by . 

Purple — We think best to bury him there. 

Red — Holding a visiting card from your Lodge died here. 

Regalia — Assist him and we will honor draft to the extent of $ . 

River — Has your lodge a member in good standing by the name of 

Secretary — He has a fraudulent card. 

White — We don't know any such party, and he does not belong to our 
Lodge. 

Widow — Wife or child of a deceased member of your Lodge is in our 
city asking assistance. Shall we draw on you to the extent of $ ? 

Yellow — Is in our city and very sick. Claims membership in your Lodge. 
Shall we give him attendance on your account? 

4089. Grand Lodges of the several Grand Jurisdictions are directed to 
insert the above telegraphic cipher and key in all future editions of their 
General Laws. 

TERMS OF OFFICE. 

See Honors of Office. See Eligibility to Office. 

4090. The term of service for Grand Officers as recognized by all the 
proceedings of the Sovereign Grand Lodge is one year. Grand Officers who 
are elected for the brief period of three or four months are not entitled to 
the official honors of said office except that when an officer dies or volun 
tarily withdraws, or is removed from the duties of a station he forfeits the 
honors thereof, and the successor who fulfils the duties of the unexpired 
term becomes entitled to said honors. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 451 

TERMS OF OFFICE. 

4091. The term of service of Grand Lodge Officers is one year, if, there- 
fore, the Grand Lodge should amend its Constitution so as to change its 
annual meeting, the terms of the serving Grand Lodge Officers cannot be 
abridged. If necessary these officers must serve longer than one year so as 
to render the service in office they are required to give in order to have the 
honors of the offices they respectively fill and so as to bring the beginning 
of the term in harmony with the annual sessions of the Grand Lodge. 

4092. Twenty-six meetings of a Subordinate Lodge beginning with the 
first meeting in April and October, are required to constitute a term. In 
all cases the preceding terms end at the time appointed for the commence- 
ment of the succeeding term. 

4093. In some cases, owing to the calendar there will be twenty-seven 
meetings in a term. 

4094. Where a Lodge is instituted or resuscitated during the first half 
of a term, this shall constitute a short term which shall end on the first 
meeting night of the succeeding term. But when the Lodge is instituted or 
resuscitated during the last half of a term, such term extends to the end of 
the succeeding regular term. 

4095. The terms of officers of Subordinate Lodges begin and end on 
installation night, viz: On the meeting night following the last stated meet- 
ing in March and September respectively. The term of the Noble Grand 
continues until his successor is installed. 

4096. The Grand Lodge is authorized to provide that in Subordinate 
Lodges meeting weekly the terms of the Secretary, Financial Secretary and 
Treasurer of any such Lodge, or of any of said officers, shall be one year, 
without establishing a yearly term for other officers. 

4097. Neither a Grand Lodge nor any body subordinate to the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge can change the terms of office. 

4098. A Trustee is not an officer of a Lodge within the meaning of the law 
defining and determining the terms of officers of a Subordinate Lodge. It is within 
the power of such Subordinate body to determine by its By Laws the terms of office 
of its Trustees; provided, that such By Laws do not conflict with the provisions of 
the constitution for the government of Subordinates adopted by the Grand Lodge 
of the Jurisdiction within which such Subordinate is located. 

TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION. 

See Residence. See Withdrawal Card. 
Relief Committee. Cards. 

Transfer of Membership. Application for Membership. 

Official Certificate- 

4099. The term has reference entirely to the Territory within which the 
authority of the Grand Lodge or the Subordinate Lodge is exclusive of every 
other Grand Lodge or Subordinate Lodge as the case may be, except that 
where two or more Subordinate Lodges are working in the same community 
or political division, township, borough or city, they have concurrent author- 
ity therein. 

4100. The Territorial Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge is determined by 
the boundaries of the State of Pennsylvania. No citizen of one State, Dis- 
trict or Territory wherein Lodges are established shall be admitted to mem- 
bership in a Lodge of another State or Territory without the previous con- 
sent of the Grand Lodge or Grand Master of the State, District or Terri- 
tory wherein such citizen is a resident. 

4101. By the Territorial Jurisdiction of a Subordinate Lodge is meant 
primarily the territory from the residents of which a Lodge may recruit its 
membership without asking the permission of any other Lodge. This does 



452 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION. 

not, however, necessarily imply that within this territory a Lodge has ex- 
clusive authority for in most instances it will be found that within the boun- 
daries of this territory it exercises concurrent jurisdiction either in whole 
or in part with other Lodges. The boundaries of the Territorial Jurisdiction of the 
Subordinate Lodge are determined first by the boundaries of the township, 
borough or city within which it is located, and second, where no Lodges in 
the township, borough or city intervene, by the location of the nearest 
Lodges in the adjoining territory, provided that the adjoining territory is 
located within the boundaries of the State. 

The questions to be asked concerning every applicant for membership 
to determine his situation in reference- to his initiation or admissibility to 
the Order by reason of his residence, are: 

1. Does he reside in the same township, borough or city as is the loca- 
tion of the Lodge he seeks to join? 

2. Does he' reside within the boundaries of the State of Pennsylvania 
in "territory" adjoining the township, borough or city which is the location 
of the Lodge he seeks to join, and is his residence so situated as to be 
actually nearer to the Lodge room of this Lodge than to that of any other 
Lodge in his neighborhood or equi-distant? 

If either of these questions can be answered affirmatively, he may join 
this Lodge without its obtaining the permission of any other Lodge. 

If both of these questions be answered negatively, then the permissioD 
of the Lodge nearest to his residence must be first obtained before he can 
be admitted or initiated into this Lodge. 

4102. No person shall be admitted to membership in a Lodge other 
than the one nearest his residence either by initiation or on deposit of card 
without the consent of such nearest Lodge, but if there be two or more 
equally distant the option which to join is with the applicant. 

Where two or more Lodges are located in the limits of any township, 
borough, or city, said Lodges shall be considered as having said township, 
borough or city, as the case may be, for a common location, without regard 
to whether or not they meet in one and the same hall, and therefore any 
eligible person resident of such township, borough or city, as aforesaid, 
applying for admission whether by initiation or card shall have the option 
as to which of the Lodges in his township, borough or city he will make 
application for membership, they being technically equally distant from his 
residence. Provided, that with respect to all other Lodges in this Grand 
Jurisdiction, except the Lodges located in the same township, borough or 
city, the territorial jurisdiction of each Lodge so situated in a township, 
borough or city, shall be determined by the General Law as above stated, the 
measurement to be by an air line from the hall where the Lodge meets. 
Provided, nevertheless, that whenever a person qualified for membership 
shall apply for admission by initiation or deposit of card in a Lodge in the 
territorial jurisdiction of which he does not reside it shall only be necessary 
to obtain the permission of the Lodge or Lodges nearest to his place of resi- 
dence in order to make his election into the Lodge, in whose Territorial Juris- 
diction he does not reside, legal and valid. 

The Lodge may use the following form of request to Lodge located near- 
est to the residence of applicant, for permission to initiate or admit him to 
membership in the Lodge to which he has made application: 

To Lodge, No I. O. O. F. 

County, Penn'a. 

Sirs and Brothers: 

This Lodge has received a proposition for initiation and membership 
from 

Name , N 

Age years. Occupation ■ 

Residence 

which residence is nearest the location of your Lodge and beyond the limits 
of the Territorial Jurisdiction of this Lodge. Therefore, in accordance with 
the Laws of the Order, and in the event of favorable action upon this propo- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 453 

TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION. 

sition, permission is asked from your Lodge for his admission to member- 
ship in this Lodge. Any additional information you may see proper to sub- 
mit in regard to the propriety of the admission of this applicant will be fully 
appreciated. 

A prompt reply is requested. 

Thanking you in advance for your courtesy in this matter, I am 
Yours fraternally, 
(Seal) Sec'y. 

4103. Within the bounds of its Territorial Jurisdiction no matter how 
large it may be each Lodge is required to visit the sick and attend to the 
duties of fraternal visitation and attention required of Lodges by the laws of 
the Order. There can be no limit to distance to which brothers shall go to 
visit sick members within the Territorial Jurisdiction of the Lodge. 

4104. 'Residence in the Territorial Jurisdiction of the Lodge is an ele- 
mentary qualification for membership; hence a person, who is a resident 
and citizen of another State or the subject of a foreign power, and only a 
temporary resident within the Jurisdiction, cannot be initiated into the 
Order in such Jurisdiction. An individual can have only one legal residence. 

4105. The penalty to be inflicted upon a Subordinate Lodge violating 
the provisions of the law prohibiting Subordinate Lodges from admitting 
persons as members not residing within their Territorial Jurisdiction with- 
out having secured proper permission as provided by law, shall be as fol- 
lows: Said Subordinate Lodge shall upon conviction of such offense, im- 
mediately remit to the Subordinate Lodge having Territorial Jurisdiction 
the initiation and degree fees received from the member so admitted to mem- 
bership, and from time to time thereafter when requested by the Lodge 
which has received the initiation and degree fees to pay to such Lodge all 
dues received from said member so admitted to membership and shall so 
continue to pay all such dues while he or she shall retain his or her member- 
ship. Provided, nevertheless, that this resolution shall not affect the present 
legislation or any decisions in respect of and in relation to members being 
admitted by cards under facts herebefore recited. 

4106. When a brother holding a card, applies for membership in a 
Lodge within whose Territorial Jurisdiction he does not reside, and was 
admitted without the consent of the Lodge nearest his residence within and 
to whose Territorial Jurisdiction he necessarily was subject. The applicant 
knew or is bound to know what the law is and that his membership is illegal. 
The Lodge also knew or was bound to know what the law was. Held, that 
his membership being illegal was not protected and his status was that of 
an Ancient Odd Fellow, and likewise when a brother holding a card is 
actually a resident applies for and is admitted to membership in another 
Jurisdiction without complying with the requirement of the law concerning 
such admission to membership, his membership is illegal and is not protected. 

4107. No citizen of one State, District or Territory wherein Lodges are 
established shall be admitted to membership in a Lodge of another State, 
District or Territory without the previous consent of the Grand Dodge or 
Grand Master of the State, District or Territory whereof such citizen is a 
resident. 

4108. Any Subordinate Lodge violating the privisions of tne previous 
section of the Constitution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, upon conviction 
thereof before the Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction' within which the same is 
located, shall forfeit and pay to the Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction within 
which the person admitted to membership in violation of the provisions ot 
said section shall reside, all initiation and degree charges received from 
such person up to date of such conviction. 

4109. A Lodge may waive its Jurisdiction concerning an applicant for 
membership, in favor of the Lodge to which he has applied for admission or 
initiation. For example, where the Grand Lodge of a Jurisdiction limits the 



454 ' THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION. 

jurisdiction of its Subordinates to one-half the distance in a straight line to 
the nearest Lodge, a member of the Scarlet Degree may deposit his card in 
a Lodge other than the Lodge within the Jurisdiction of which he resides 
and if elected become a legal member of such distant Lodge, provided the 
Lodge or Lodges in whose Jurisdiction he resides shall waive Jurisdic- 
tion. 

4110. Territorial Jurisdiction with respect to applicants for member- 
ship as between Grand Jurisdictions can only be waived under the following 
conditions, namely: A person, resident of one Jurisdiction may be admit- 
ted to membership in another Jurisdiction either by initiation or deposit of 
card if all the following conditions exist: 

1. The Jurisdiction must be contiguous or adjacent. 

2. He must have consent of the Grand Lodge or Grand Master of the Jur- 
isdiction in which he resides. 

3. The Subordinate must be the nearest one to his residence. 

4. He must have the consent of the Jurisdiction under which the Sub- 
ordinate exists that he proposes to join. 

5. The necessary consent, legally authenticated, must accompany the 
application for membership. 

4111. Lodges may enter into agreement with each other subject to the 
approval of the Grand Lodge, with reference to their respective Territorial 
Jurisdiction. For example, when a Lodge without the permission of the 
Grand Lodge, but by dispensation of the Grand Master, which he had no 
authority to give, was allowed to remove from one town to another and thereby 
into the territory of another Lodge, the Grand Lodge permitted the following 
agreement to be made between the two Lodges which agreement it ratified : — " It 
is further agreed between the parties hereto that no territorial line shall exist 
between the two Lodges in reference to initiation for membership ; and that each 
committee shall submit to their respective Lodges a copy of this agreement and 
recommend its adoption and when it is adopted by both said Lodges to submit 
the same to the chairman of said committee, to which this matter was referred for 
further investigation, and that all further proceedings shall be stayed." 

TESTIMONY. 

See Evidence. See Witnesses. See Trial. 

4112. In law testimony is construed to mean the statement or declaration of a 
witness; a solemn statement of declaration under oath or an affirmation made 
as evidence before a tribunal or an officer for the purpose of evidence. In 
Odd Fellowship, however, it is used in its broadest sense and primary mean- 
ing as the proof or demonstration of some fact. For example tne Constitu- 
tion for Subordinate Lodges, says that the commissioner in the case of a 
claim for benefits is appointed "to take testimony that either party may 
offer in relation to the case." 

4113. The means of demonstrating or proving facts in any trial in the 
order are limited to the following: 

1. Parol testimony, i. e., the oral evidence of living witnesses before the 
Trial Committee or Commissioner. 

2. Depositions of absent or non-resident witnesses. 

3. Minutes of Lodges. . . 

4. Documentary evidence. 

4114. The Trial Committee can determine the admissibility of the testi- 
mony subject to exceptions by either party and the exceptions so taken shall 
be noted by the Committee upon its minutes. 

4115. A Commissioner, however, is not competent to pass upon the 
admissibility of the testimony, and will admit^the same and note the objec- 
tion of the other party thereto. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 455 

TESTIMONY. 

4116. The Commissioner is a mere ministerial officer. He has no power 
to make any ruling. His duty is to take down what is offered, and leave to 
the Lodge and to the Appeal Committee to pass upon the relevancy or the 
irrelevancy of the proposed proofs. 

4117. Testimony in trials in the Order in the absence of other regulations 
should be taken in the same manner and with the same effect as legal testi- 
mony taken in courts of justice. 

4118. The obligations cannot be used in evidence in a court of law against 
a member in his suit against the Lodge. 

4119. While an ex parte statement may be regarded as evidence sufficient 
to place a brother on his trial, it cannot be permitted on the trial. 

4120. Ex parte testimony is illegal on a trial; yet if the testimony in 
the case, exclusive of this, is so conclusive and abundant as to make it evident 
that without it the same conclusion would have been properly arrived at, 
and that another trial would and ought to lead to the same result, the convic- 
tion will be sustained. 

4121. The law which provides that "persons not members of the Order, 
may be examined as witnesses against members of the Order by a Trial 
Committee, the accused being previously notified of the time and place of 
taking the same," does not apply to the certificate of a physician as to the 
insanity of a brother claiming benefits. But is intended to apply to cases 
where charges were preferred by one member against another and to claims 
or appeals for benefits so that the accused may be present and know what 
is brought against him. 

4122. At the hearing, a brother under charges has the right by himself 
or his counsel to meet and cross examine all witnesses, no testimony against 
him taken by any Committee without notice to him, and in his absence should 
be received. 

4123. Nothing is better settled than that the person must be dead be- 
fore his declarations, taken when he supposed himself to be in extremis, 
can be heard in evidence. These declarations must be made when the per- 
son making them has no hope or expectation of recovery and they may be 
rebutted by a voluntary statement made on a subsequent day to the con- 
trary effect. 

4124. Depositions of absent or non-resident witnesses, if taken in accord- 
ance with the method prescribed by law, may be offered in evidence. 

4125. The record of acquittal upon a charge of feigning sickness to ob- 
tain benefits, such record containing the evidence upon that issue, is sufficient 
to establish the brothers right to the benefits thus claimed. 

4126. A record of a trial in the courts upon a charge of violation of 
the laws of the land, is prima facie proof of the facts appearing therein, and 
where charges are preferred against a brother for a violation of the laws 
of the Order, the same he has been tried for in the court, the record in the 
courts is competent proof in the trial in the Lodge, and is conclusive, unless 
other evidence be introduced beside that in the record, and on such trial, 
either party may introduce such evidence as is not embraced in the record. 

4127. The secret records and workings of an Encampment or a Rebekah 
Lodge cannot be introduced in evidence or exposed in any other place or 
before any other tribunal, except in such Encampment or Rebekah Lodge 
or Trial Committee thereof. 

4128. Testimony as to events occurring prior and subsequent to the time 
of the commission of the alleged offense, if material and relevant to the 
subject matter of the inquiry are properly receivable in evidence. 

4129. Positive evidence of illness cannot be overcome by testimony tfiat 
the claimant did not appear to be ill nor by any amount of negative testi- 
mony. 



456 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TESTIMONY. 

4130. The record of a former trial in the Order may be offered in evi- 
dence, and if it covers the same charges or claims as the present controversy 
it is conclusive. 

4131. The testimony of the prosecutor will be taken first and he will be 
required to present all the testimony he has to offer under the specifications, 
to which the accused has pleaded "not guilty." 

4132. The testimony of the prosecutor having been given and previous to the 
presentation of evidence in defense the accused may raise either of the fol- 
lowing points: 

1. That the evidence presented by the prosecutor shows that the Lodge 
has not legal jurisdiction of the complaint contained in the charge. 

2. That the evidence shows the charge to be frivolous. 

3. That the evidence does not sustain the charge. 

Should either of these points be sustained by the Committee it will close 
the hearing and prepare its report but should it be denied the investigation 
will be continued. 

4133. In proceeding with the trial the accused will now be required to 
present his evidence in full. This being concluded the prosecution will have 
the right to introduce testimony to disprove or rebut any portion of the 
testimony presented by the defense. 

4134. A case cannot be postponed to procure the testimony of an absent 
witness, when the other party to the proceedings admits all that it is assumed 
can be proved by such absent witness. 

4135. At the present day the rule as to the order of introducing testi- 
mony is liberal. If, for any reason, the prosecution has failed to produce 
material evidence before the evidence of the defense has commenced it is 
still competent to allow the new testimony to be introduced by the prosecu- 
tion at any time before the case is submitted for decision. 

4136. It must be remembered that our Lodges are not courts, and it is 
very rare that Trial Committees have persons on them trained in the course 
of legal procedure, while, therefore, they should be kept within such bounds 
as may secure to an accused brother all his rights, justice is not to be sub- 
ordinated to a mere following of forms. The order of proof is always a mat- 
ter resting in the sound discretion of the judge before whom a case is 
being tried, and Trial Committees are not to be held to a rule more strict, 
unless it is shown that injustice has been done thereby. It may be that much 
of the testimony taken by the Lodge should have been taken in chief; but 
because it was not rebutting testimony is not sufficient to stamp it as ernoi 
to receive it. 

4137. New evidence may be introduced by the prosecution at any time 
before the case is finally submitted for decision, and such new evidence 
need not be confined to that which is merely rebuttal; justice requires that 
each party be allowed to introduce all competent evidence without regard to 
the time when such evidence is offered. 

4138. The Lodge trying the charges should exercise a sound discretion as to 
the introduction of new evidence by either party, after receiving the Report of the 
Trial Committee. 

4139. After trial has begun it is not error to allow one or two witnesses 
for the accused to state their testimony in order that they may retire nor for 
the Noble Grand while admitting the evidence, to state his opinion that the 
same is not relevant, the Lodge being the jury which considers the evidence 
in all its bearings. 

4140. It was asked whether, after the report of a Trial Committee had 
been made to the Lodge, the report might be recommitted with direc- 
tions to take further testimony, whether after the discharge of the Com- 
mittee it might be referred to a new Committee to take additional testi- 
mony, and whether during the consideration of the report the Lodge might 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 457 

TESTIMONY. 

receive further evidence? And it was answered that the purpose of a trial 
being to ascertain the truth as to the guilt or innocence of the accused, it 
would be unwise to limit qr circumscribe the discretion of the Lodge in such 
matter by a General Law and that such questions should be left to the sound dis- 
cretion of the Lodges and to local legislation. 

4141. Testimony as to events occurring prior and subsequent to tne time 
of the commission of the alleged offense, if material and relevant to the sub- 
ject matter of the inquiry are properly receivable in evidence. 

4142. The Trial Committee trying the charges should exercise a sound 
discretion as to the introduction of new testimony by either party after once 
closing the case on that side. 

4143. A member of the Trial Committee is not a competent witness 
against the accused. 

THE HOME FOR ORPHANS OF ODD FELLOWS OF PENNSYLVANIA 

4144. This Home is working under a dispensation granted by the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania. It was publicly dedicated in the name of the Order 
to the us'es and purposes for which the Home is intended and formally recog- 
nized as one of the charities of the Order October 22, 1884. 

4145. The charter of the Home, among other things, provides: 

1. The name of this Corporation shall be "The Home for Orphans of Odd 
Fellows of Pennsylvania." 

2. The purpose of this Corporation is to purchase or rent a building or 
buildings and ground for a Home for, and to support and maintain and edu- 
cate therein, the orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania in such manner as 
the By-Laws may prescribe. 

3. The main office of this Corporation, where the business is to be chit-fly 
transacted, shall be in the City of Philadelphia. 

4. This Corporation shall be composed of Representatives of the Grand and 
Subordinate Lodges, Encampments, Cantons, Rebekah Degree Lodges, and 
other bodies working under Charters from the Grand Lodge of the Indepen- 
dent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of Pennsylvania, and each Lodge, 
Encampment, Canton, Rebekah Degree Lodge, or other body, shall elect 
annually one member thereof, in good standing, to represent it in this Cor- 
poration, in such manner as the By-Laws may prescribe. 

5. This Corporation shall exist perpetually. 

6. The Board of Directors of this Corporation, which shall have the manage- 
ment of the affairs of this Corporation, shall consist of twenty-eight mem- 
bers, sixteen of whom, including the President, First Vice-President, Second 
Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, shall be male members of this Cor- 
poration, and twelve women, who are now or may be eligible to the Rebekah 
Degree, who shall be elected at such time as may be designated by the 
By Laws ; and it shall be the duty of said Corporation to elect a President, 
First Vice President Treasurer and Secretary, and any other officers, etc. The 
Representative of the Grand Lodge shall be the Second Vice President. 

7. The terms and modes of admission of Representatives, contributing 
members and inmates, the rights and duties of officers and members, the 
manner of supplying vacancies, the time and places of meeting, and ail 
other matters pertinent to and necessary for the government of this Cor- 
poration shall be determined by the By Laws. 

8. By Laws shall be made in conformity with this Charter, and not in viola- 
tion of the Constitution and Laws of the United States and of this Com- 
monwealth, by the Corporation, at a stated meeting, in such a manner as they 
may prescribe. 

4146. The Home was incorporated in Philadelphia County, December 
15, 1883. 

4147. The Home is situated at northwest corner Twentieth and On- 
tario Streets, Tioga, Philadelphia. 

29 



458 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

THE HOME FOE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS OF ODD FELLOWS OF 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

4148. The Home is working under a dispensation granted by the Grand 
Lodge of .Pennsylvania. It was publicly dedicated in the name of the Order 
to the uses and purposes for which the home is intended and formally recog- 
nized as one of the charities of the Order July 23, 1891. 

4149. Its charter, among other things, reads: 

1. The name of the proposed Corporation is The Home for Widows and 
Orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania. 

2. Said Corporation is formed for the purpose of establishing a home 
wherein the widows of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania shall be supported and 
maintained, and their orphans maintained and educated in such manner as 
By Laws may prescribe. 

3. The main office of the Corporation, wherein its business is to be 
transacted, shall be in the City of Allegheny. 

4. Said Corporation is to exist perpetually. 

5. This Corporation shall be composed of Representatives of the Grand 
and Subordinate Lodges, Encampments, Cantons, Rebekah Degree Lodges, 
and other bodies working under charters from the Grand Lodge of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania, and life members who have 
been made such previous to April 17th, 1894, and each Lodge, Encampment, 
Canton, Rebekah Lodge and other body shall elect annually one member 
thereof in good standing to represent it in the Corporation. 

6. The Board of Directors, which shall have the management of the 
affairs of the Corporation, shall consist of twenty-eight members, sixteen 
of whom, including the President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-Presi- 
dent, Secretary and Treasurer, shall be male members or the Corporation, 
and twelve women who are members of Rebekah Lodges, all of whom (ex- 
cept the Second Vice-President) shall be elected by members of the Corpo- 
ration at such times as the By Laws may direct. 

The Representative of the Grand Lodge shall be the Second Vice Presi- 
dent. 

4150. The Home was incorporated March 8, 1890, in Allegheny County. 

4151. The Home is situated at Ben Avon, Allegheny County, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

THE ODD FELLOWS' ORPHANS HOME OF CENTRAL 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

4152. The Home is working under a dispensation granted by the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania. It was publicly dedicated in the name of tne Order 
to the uses and purposes for which the Home is intended and formally 
recognized as one of the charities of the Order October 11, 1898. 

4153. The Charter, as approved by the Grand Lodge, inter alia, reads as 
follows: 

1. The Corporation is known by the name, style and title of "The Odd 
Fellows' Orphans Home of Central Pennsylvania." 

2. Said Corporation is formed for the purpose of purchasing a lot of 
ground or tract of land at or near the Borough of Sunbury, in the County 
of Northumberland, Pennsylvania, to establish and maintain a Home where- 
in orphans of deceased members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
of the State of Pennsylvania shall be supported, maintained and educated 
in such manner as the Grand Lodge may direct and the By Laws prescribe. 

3. The main offices of the Corporation wherein its business is to be trans- 
acted, shall be in the Home, unless otherwise provided for in the By- 
Laws. 

4. Said Corporation is to exist perpetually and for charitable purposes 
only. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 459 

THE ODD FELLOWS' ORPHANS HOME OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA. 

5. This Corporation shall be composed of the Grand and such Subordi- 
nate Lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of Penn- 
sylvania who are now or may hereafter become members thereof. 

6. Each Lodge shall or may elect annually, one member in good stand- 
ing to represent it in the Corporation at such time and place as the By 
Laws may provide. The Grand Lodge officers shall be members of the 
Corporation ex officio. 

7. The Board of Directors shall have the management of the affairs of 
the Corporation and shall consist of not less than ten, nor more than forty 
members, as provided in the By Laws, all of whom, except the Representa- 
tive from the Grand Lodge, who is ex officio a member, shall be elected by 
the Representatives elected by the Lodges to the Corporation, at such time 
and for such terms as the By Laws may direct. 

8. There shall annually be elected a President, one or more Vice- 
Presidents, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, and Treasurer from the Board of 
Directors, unless otherwise ordered by a three-fourth vote by the Directors 
of the Corporation, and at such time as the By Laws may prescribe; assist- 
ants may be appointed as may be deemed necessary. 

- 9. The terms and mode of admission of orphans, and all other mat- 
ters pertaining to and necessary for the government of the Corporation, shall 
be determined by the By Laws and rules to be established by the Directors 
of the Corporation under this Charter but not inconsistent to the laws of 
this Commonwealth or this Charter. 

4154. The Home was incorporated September 28, 1896, by the Courts 
of Northumberland County. 

4155. The Home is located near Sunbury, Northumberland County, Penn- 
sylvania. 

THE ODD FELLOWS HOME OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

4156. This Home is working under a dispension granted by the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania. It was publicly dedicated in the name of the Order 
to the uses and purposes for which the Home is intended and formally recognized 
as one of the Charities of the Order May 23, 1878. 

4157. Its Charter reads, inter alia, as follows: 

Article 1. The Name, Style and Title of this Corporation shall be "THE 
ODD FELLOWS' HOME OF PENNSYLVANIA." 

Article II. The purpose of this Corporation is to purchase a Home for 
•and to support and maintain Aged and Indigent Odd Fellows in such man- 
ner as the By Laws may prescribe. 

Article III. The business of this Corporation is to be transacted in the 
County of Philadelphia. 

Article IV. This Corporation shall be composed of Lodges and Encamp- 
ments of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows working, under Charters from 
the Right Worthy Grand Lodge and Right Worthy Grand Encampment of 
the State of Pennsylvania, and each Lodge and Encampment belonging to 
the Corporation shall elect one member thereof annually, to represent them 
in this Corporation, in such manner as the By Laws may prescribe. 

Article V. Any Lodge or Encampment of Pennsylvania may become 
a member of this Corporation upon the payment of such fee and weekly 
dues as the By-Laws may prescribe, for the support and maintenance of this 
Corporation. 

Article VI. The Board of Managers of this Corporation shall consist 
of a President, Vice President, Treasurer and nine Directors, who shall be 
elected at such time as may be designated by the By Laws, and any other 
officers that may become necessary for the purpose of the business of this 
Corporation may be elected in such manner as the By Laws may pre- 
scribe. 

Article VII. The terms and mode of admission of Representatives and 
inmates, the rights and duties of officers and members, the manner of sup- 



460 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

THE ODD FELLOWS HOME OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

plying vacancies, and times and places of meetings, and all other matters 
pertinent to and necessary for the government of this Corporation, shall be 
determined by the By Laws. 

4158. The Home is situated at Seventeenth and Tioga Streets, Philadel- 
phia. 

4159. The Home was incorporated in Philadelphia County, in Common- 
Pleas No. 1, as of June term, 1875, No. 882. 

4160. By dispensation of the Grand Lodge, a Lodge by a majority vote 
can become a member of The Odd Fellows' Home of Pennsylvania, and may 
contribute from its funds or assess its members for the support and main- 
tenance of said Home. 

4161. By the resolution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, of 1870, under 
which this Home was created, it was provided that "the small weekly con- 
tribution of one cent per week from the membership of the several Subordi- 
nate Lodges would be sufficient to accomplish the object in view." But 
when a Lodge adopted the following By Law: "The dues of this Lodge shall 
be 16 cents per week, one cent of which shall be appropriated to the use of 
the Home for Aged and Indigent Odd Fellows," the Committee on By Laws 
of the Grand Lodge declined to approve the same for the reason that the 
By Law makes an appropriation without more dues. The Grand Lodge direct- 
ed that if the Lodge amended their proposed By Law by striking out the 
word "appropriate' and insert "shall be set apart" in its place, the Com- 
mittee on By Laws be directed to approve the same. 

THE REBEKAH HOME. 

4162. This Home is working under a dispensation granted by the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania. It was publicly dedicated in the name of the Order 
to the uses and purposes for which the Home is intended and formally 
recognized as one of the charities of the Order f October 18, 1897. 

4163. At the session of the Grand Lodge, May, 1898, the following report 
of the Committee on Homes and Kindred Charities, was adopted: — A peti- 
tion from the Ladies' Auxiliary Board of The Odd Fellows' Home, for the 
recognition and establishment of a new Home to be known as the "Home 
for Wives and Widows of Odd Fellows," was referred to this committee 
This subject the committee has carefully considered, and while the aim 
and objects of this movement appeal to the strongest sentiments of charitable 
work, and point directly to the command of our Order, yet the committee 
fears that the tendency is to establish too many Homes, to separate and 
divide the charitable work of our institutions, and we think the time has 
now arrived when the tendency should be to centralize so far as location is 
concerned, and enlarge in capacity and educational features the Homes con- 
nected with the Order, it is plain and patent to all that the aggregate cost of 
our charitable work is greatly augmented by the establishment of many 
Homes with comparatively small capacities, while with a centralization of 
Homes few in number but with large capacities, the aggregate cost, the per 
capita cost, could necessarily be largely reduced. With this in view, and 
with the expectation that some way can be devised for the desired work of 
the Ladies' Auxiliary Board, we recommend similar action as was taken when 
the petition to establish the Central Pennsylvania Home was before this 
Grand Lodge. We, therefore, recommend that the petition be granted and 
permission for active work be given when a location permanent in char- 
acter, with capacity for at least fifteen inmates, be provided, if possible in 
connection with some one of the Homes now in existence, the final determi- 
nation and permission to be given by the Board of Grand Lodge Officers. 

4164. The Charter of the Home, among other things, provides as fol- 
lows : 

1. The name, style and title of the Corporation will be The Rebekah 

Home. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 461 

THE REBEKAH HOME. 

2. The Purpose for which the Corporation is formed is to carry into 
practical effect the principles of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, par- 
ticularly those of the 'Rebekah Branch thereof, by organizing, maintaining 
and supporting a Home or Homes wherein will be supported, cared for and 
sheltered the widows of Odd Fellows, the wives of Indigent Odd Fellows, 
Dependent Rebekahs and Dependent Members of an Association known as 
the Ladies' Auxiliary Board of The Odd Fellows Home of Pennsylvania. 

3. The place where the business of the Corporation is to be transacted 
is the County of Philadelphia and elsewhere in the State of Pennsylvania. 

4. The Corporation is to exist perpetually. 

5. The names and residences of the subscribers are as follows: Helen 
E. Burt, Lizzie Strunk, Lilly Baugh, Emma Appell, Annie Kammerer, Fannie 
Walker, all of the City of Philadelphia. 

6. The business of the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of 
Managers, which shall consist of twenty-seven members, including the Presi- 
dent, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer, who 
shall be elected at the times and in the manner prescribed by the By Laws. 

#**•#**#■#* 

7. The Corporation has no capital stock. The membership thereof shall 
be composed of the subscribers and their associates, and also Representatives 
of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Lodges of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows of the State of Pennsylvania and such lady members of said Rebe- 
kah Lodges as shall annually contribute towards its support such sums in 
such manner and under such stipulations as may be prescribed by the By 
Laws, and said Corporation shall have power by its By Laws for proper, just 
and legal course to provide for the exclusion, expulsion or suspension of 
any of the said members, and all property of said Corporation shall be held 
in Trust for the Rebekah Branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
for the uses and purposes hereinbefore set forth. 

4165. The Home was incorporated September 27, 1899. 

4166. The Home is located at the north east corner of Seventeenth 
Street and Allegheny Avenue, in the City of Philadelphia. 

THIRD DEGREE. 

See Degrees. See Entering and Retiring. 

Meetings. 

4167. All the business of a Lodge is transacted in the Third Degree, 
except conferring the initiatory, first and second degrees and even then it is 
the same Third Degree Lodge only it is open in a lower degree for a specific 
purpose. 

4168. If, when the By Laws of a Lodge require proficiency in the work 
of the Degrees already taken before advancement in the Degrees and the 
Lodge desires to pass upon the eligibility of an initiate to receive such higher 
degrees, while the examination must necessarily take place in the highest Degree 
which the initiate has taken, the Lodge must close in the Degree in which the 
examination was had and reopen in the Third Degree to decide whether or not the 
Lodge is satisfied with the proficiency shown by the candidate. 

4169. A certificate to authorize a brother to receive his Degrees away 
from the location of his Lodge can only be granted by application to his 
Lodge at a regular session, when open in the Third Degree. When open in 
any other than the Third Degree the application cannot be made. 

4170. It is legal for the Grand Lodge to provide in the Constitution that 
no member shall be entitled to benefits until he has received the Third 
Degree, nor until such length of time after receiving the said Degree as the 
By Laws prescribe. 

4171. A brother obtained his Third Degree on a certain day. The By Laws 
say that a brother shall not become beneficial until six months after receiv- 
ing the Third Degree. Soon after the brother received his Third Degree, he 



462 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

THIED DEGREE. 

was taken sick. If his sickness continues he will he beneficial and entitled 
to benefits at the expiration of the six months. 

4172. A brother is entitled to benefits who became sick or disabled be- 
tween the time he received the Third Degree and the time the B3 -Laws of the 
Lodge provide for paying benefits to new members, and who remains sick or 
disabled after the time specified has elapsed. 

4173. No person can be elected to any office in a Subordinate Lodge 
who has not attained the Third Degree. 

4174. A Third Degree member in good standing in a Subordinate Lodge is 
eigible to election or appointment to any office in his Lodge except the offices of 
Noble Grand and Vice Grand. 

4175. A Third Degree member in good standing in a Subordinate Lodge may 
be elected as the first Noble Grand or Vice Grand of a new or revived Lodge. 

4176. A Third Degree member is eligible to appointment as Right Sup- 
porter of the Noble Grand. 

4177. It being required that all the business of a Lodge shall be trans- 
acted while the Lodge is working in the Third Degree, not only all the officers 
of the Lodge, but these who hold positions in the Lodge, directly connected 
with its business interests, must be in possession of the Third Degree. 
Therefore a member who is not in possession of the Third Degree is not 
eligible to the position of Trustee. 

4178. A candidate, immediately upon his admission to the Third Degree, 
becomes entitled to all the privileges of membership, among which is the 
right to speak or vote on any question before the Lodge. 

TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP. 

(a). As a Veteran. (d). General Kegulatlons. 

(b). Without Change of Kesidenee. (e). Transfer Certificates, Past Grands. 

(0). With Change of Residence. 

4179. There are three methods by which a member may transfer his member- 
ship from his present to another Lodge. In two of these three methods the pro- 
position, and in the other the application of the brother to the Lodge to which 
he desires to transfer his membership, is subject to the same rules, and will have 
the same reference, investigation and ballot as would be given to a proposition or 
an application for admission by deposit of a Withdrawal Card, except that in the 
third method hereinafter stated there would be no admission fee required 
hence there would be no deposit or proposition fee accompanying the appli- 
cation. 

(Method No. 1.) 

(a). As a Veteran. 

4180. Any member of this Order who has been a contributing member 
twenty-five years, upon change of residence, shall have the privilege of ap- 
plying for membership in any Lodge at his new place of residence without 
first applying for a Withdrawal Card from the Lodge in which he holds 
membership. Upon election of such brother by the Lodge to which he shall 
apply for membership, said Lodge shall notify the Lodge of which he is a 
member of such election, when, being free from all charges and the pay- 
ment of all dues and fees, upon proper application he shall be entitled to a 
Withdrawal Card. Upon deposit of said card with the Lodge in which he 
has been elected, he shall be entitled to sign the Constitution and By Laws 
and be received in full membership from such . time, upon the payment of 
the admission fees required by the By Laws of said Lodge. 

4181. "Change of residence" in the above law of 1880 means from one 
place to another. Not from one Jurisdiction to another merely. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 463 

TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP. 

(Method No. 2.) 

(b). Without Change of Residence. 

4182. Any member of a Subordinate Lodge or Kebekah Lodge of the Order 
holding a Visiting Card, or an Official Certificate showing dues paid in advance 
of its deposit, in force, shall have the privilege of applying for membership in 
any Lodge without first applying for a Withdrawal Card from the Subordinate 
Lodge in which membership is held. Upon election of such member by the 
Lodge to which application is made for membership, said Lodge shall notify the 
Lodge of which the applicant w r as a member of such election, when being- free 
from all charges and the payment of all dues and fees, upon proper application 
shall be granted a Withdrawal Card. 

4183. The provisions of the preceding section are General Law, and the 
Grand Lodge cannot limit the same to those making "a change of residence." 

4184. The Visiting Card or Official Certificate need not he returned 
to the Lodge issuing it when it is deposited with another Lodge upon wMch 
to apply for membership. If elected, a certificate of election from that 
Lodge entitles a brother to a Withdrawal Card if he is free from all charges 
on the books of his Lodge. 

(Method No. 3.) 
(c). With Change of Residence. 

4185. A member of the Order entitled to a Withdrawal Card, changing 
his residence from the Territorial Jurisdiction of his own Lodge to the 
Territorial Jurisdiction of another, and desiring to unite with a Lodge at 
his new place of residence, upon so stating in his application for member- 
ship, and being elected by ball ballot, as provided by local law, shall be 
entitled, upon notice being sent to his old Lodge by the new Lodge, to 
receive a Withdrawal Card at the actual cost of the card to the Lodge, 
and to admission to his new Lodge without being required to pay a card 
or admission fee; but where a physician's certificate is required he must pay 
the expense of the same. 

4186. Upon the proposition to repeal this law. the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge is opposed to it. It has proven to be a good law of benefit, and value 
to the Order as a whole, as well as to the individual members who have 
changed their residence, and who desire to remain in active and continuous 
membership. In regard to the proposition to require an extra fee beyond a 
certain age, to adopt such a proposition would be to practically repeal the 
law, and would lead to an unjust discrimination among the brethren of the Order. 
In regard to the proposition to extend the law to all branches of the Order, the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge authorized the same. 

4187. This privilege applies only to members, and is available only on 
the conditions specifically set forth in the resolution. Thus in order that 
a member of the Order shall be entitled to the benefits conferred, the fol- 
lowing facts at least, must exist: 

1. He must be a member of the Order entitled to a Withdrawal Card. 

2. He must change his residence from the Territorial Jurisdiction of his 
own Lodge to the Territorial Jurisdiction of another. 

3. Desiring to unite with a Lodge at his new place of residence, and 
upon so stating in his application for membership, and upon being elected 
by ball ballot, as provided by local law, he shall be entitled, -upon notice 
being sent to his old Lodge by the new Lodge, to receive a Withdrawal 
Card at the actual cost of the card to the Lodge. 

4. Having so received the Withdrawal Card from his old Lodge, he 
may deposit it with the new Lodge he desires to join in the vicinity of his 
new place of residence, without being required to pay a card or admission 
fee; except that where a physician's certificate is required he must pay the 
expense of the same. This method of transfer of membership from one 



464 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. ,[1907. 

TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP-With Change of Residence. 

Lodge to another is only available where the conditions mentioned in the 
resolution exist, and such provisions are complied with. 

4188. The law in relation to the transfer of membership from one Lodge 
to another by Odd Fellows changing their places of residence, became 
operative as to the entire jurisdiction of the Sovereign Grand Lodge on Janu- 
ary 1, 1905, and the amendment thereto became operative in like manner on 
January 1, 1907. After that date no other charge can be made for admis- 
sion under the circumstances named beyond the charge designated in the 
resolution. The resolution, however, only applies to brothers coming strictly 
within the conditions and facts set forth and described in the resolution as set 
forth in Section 4185. 

4189. The resolution of 1904 does not apply where there are two or more 
Lodges in the same Territorial Jurisdiction, so as to permit transfer of mem- 
bership from one to another. The language of the resolution is explicit in 
describing the conditions under which, and the persons who are entitled to the 
benefits and advantages. 

4190. A brother seeking to transfer his membership under the resolu- 
tion of 1904, as amended in 1906, is not proposed on a regular proposition 
blank by a member of the Lodge which he wishes to- join, said proposition 
blank requiring the proposition fee to accompany it. The brother must 
make application in writing, stating his desire to unite with said Lodge and 
setting forth in his petition all the facts necessary to entitle him to the bene- 
fits of the resolution of 1904 as amended in 1906. 

4191. The following form of application may be used: 

To the Officers and Members of Lodge, No , 

working under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the 

Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania. 

I respectfully request admission into this Lodge, and in consideration 
of such admission I promise and agree that, if elected, I will conform to the 
Constitution and By Laws of your Lodge and those of the Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania, and that I will seek my remedy for ail rights on account of 
said membership or connection therewith, in the tribunals of the Order 
only, without resorting for their enforcement in any event or for any pur- 
pose to the civil courts. 

My age is years, my occupation is , my residence is ... . 

The facts upon which I base my right to transfer my membership, under 
the resolution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of 1904, as amended in 1906, 
are as follows: 



Dated 

Witness Signed . 



4192. The application to a new Lodge need not be accompanied by an 
Official Receipt or a Withdrawal Card. The facts necessary to support the appli- 
cation must appear in the petition itself, as the resolution provides. This petition 
in addition to the facts set forth in the ordinary application for membership must 
state that the applicant is a member of the Order entitled to a Withdrawal Card 
from his lodge (naming it), or that he holds such a card in full force (pro- 
ducing it), that he changed his place of residence from the Territorial Juris- 
diction of his own Lodge to the Territorial Jurisdiction of the one he now 
desires to join, and that he desires to join such Lodge. If on this petition 
he is elected, by ball ballot, as provided by local law, notice should be 
given by the new Lodge to the old Lodge whereupon he shall be entitled to 
a Withdrawal Card from his old Lodge (if he does not already hold one in 
full force), and to admission to the new Lodge on the conditions stated in 
the resolution of 1904 as amended in 1906. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 465 

TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP-With Change of Residence. 

4193. The law applies to a brother entitled to a Withdrawal Card or 
holding a Withdrawal Card in full force who changes his place of resi- 
dence from the territorial jurisdiction of his own Lodge to the territorial jurisdic- 
tion of another, and who desires to unite with a Lodge at his new place of resi 
deuce. The holding of a Dismissal Certificate or an Official Keceipt, or expired 
Withdrawal Card, is not sufficient. He must hold or be -entitled to hold a With- 
drawal Card. 

4194. If a brother holds a Withdrawal Card in full force it is of the same 
effect as though he were entitled under the provisions of the resolution, however, 
either on an official certificate or a visiting card. 

4195. If the brother holds the Withdrawal Card thus secured for more 
than one year before he presents it to the Lodge of his new residence for 
membership, the resolution of 1904. does not htill apply, and he cannot legally 
be admitted without fee. 

4196. The change of residence need not have occurred after the enact- 
ment of this legislation, nor after the date of the Withdrawal Card, but 
must have been after he joined the Lodge from which he proposed to with- 
draw. If residing in the Territorial Jurisdiction of one Lodge he lawfully 
joins another more distant from his residence in whose Territorial Jurisdic- 
tion he does not reside, he cannot claim the benefit of this law to alter his 
choice. 

4197. There is no limit in the resolution as to the time within which 
the application must be made after the change of residence. 

4198. A brother changes his residence and complies with all the condi- 
tions of the resolution on transfer of membership, passed by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge session of 1904, except that he receives a Withdrawal Card 
from his old Lodge at the time of his removal, and presents it with his appli- 
cation for membership to the Lodge of his new residence while it is still 
good for visiting purposes, and is elected to membership thereon, of course 
the old Lodge cannot charge any fee for the Withdrawal Card, because the 
brother already has a Withdrawal Card in full force. If he complies with all 
the other conditions he can use that card. The new Lodge, if it elects him 
to membership, cannot charge an admission fee beyond the cost of the medi- 
cal certificate, when it is required. 

4199. The Constitution for Subordinate Lodges in a certain Jurisdiction 
reads: — "The fees for membership when the applicant is forty-five years of 
age or under, shall be as follows: For initiation not less than five dollars; 
by Withdrawal Card or Dismissal Certificate, not less than L±ree dollars, 
with the addition in all cases of one dollar for each year that his age exceeds 
forty-five years." Does the new legislation, "and to admission to his new 
Lodge without being required to pay a card or admission fee," make the last 
clause quoted above inoperative in transfer by card? Where the brother 
transfers his membership from his old Lodge to a new Lodge on a With- 
drawal Card by reason of his change of residence, under the conditions set 
forth in the resolution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge on this subject passed 
at the session of 1904, and amended in 1906, that resolution repeals and over- 
rides the local law as found in Subordinate Lodge Constitutions. This state- 
ment of the law, however, applies only to cases that come strictly within 
the provisions of the resolution, and where all the conditions set forth in 
that resolution exist and are complied with. 

4200. It is not necessary in transferring membership under the terms of 
the law of 1904 for a member to accompany his application with a Visiting 
Card, Official Certificate or any of the evidence of good standing except 
that the application itself must set forth all the facts necessary to bring the 
applicant within the provisions of the law. 

4201. Where a brother applied for transfer by card, tendering fees as 
called for by the Constitution and By Laws of the Lodges before this new Legisla- ' 

tion was effective and was accepted, neither the Lodge nor the brother being 



466 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP-With Change of Residence. 

aware of the new laws. It was held that if the brother came within the provisions 
of the resolution of 1904 and complied with all its conditions and the application 
was^made as provided by the resolution, and since January 1, 1905, he would only 
be liable to pay in accordance with that resolution. Under these conditions and 
the fees being paid by the brother they should be returned to him. 

4202. The resolution of 1904 on the subject of transfer of membership 
by Withdrawal Card does not prevent a Lodge from accepting with his appli- 
cation for transfer of membership by card, fees which had been tendered by 
the brother who felt a Lodge should not be asked to assume the risk of his 
benefits without some recompense. There is nothing to prevent the Lodge 
from accepting a voluntary contribution so made; provided the brother 
made it as a voluntary payment, and with a full knowledge of his rights in 
the matter. 

4203. The resolution of 1904 does not prohibit in the future all Lodges 
from charging an admission fee to members seeking admission in their Lodge 
by card or certificate under circumstances other than those recited in the 
resolution as it applies only to brothers who come within its descriptive 
provisions. 

4204. The law of 1904 relative to transfer of membership by card or certi- 
ficate does not contemplate any age limit. Under the resolution the Lodge 
of course, has the right to determine whether it will admit the candidate to 
membership. When it does decide to admit to membership Dy election then 
the resolution of 1904 applies. Provided, of course, all the conditions con- 
templated in the said law exist and have been complied wltn. 

4205. The law of 1904 as to transfer of membership applies to quasi inde- 
pendent Grand Lodges where the members of such Jurisdictions desire to 
transfer membership to a Lodge in a Jurisdiction directly under the Sover- 
eign Grand Lodge. For example, a member of the Order in Australia who 
has recently removed to Pittsburgh, may transfer his membership without 
fee as provided in the said law of 1904 relative to transfer of membership. 

(d). General Regulations. 

4206. A brother desirous of availing himself of the provisions of 
the transfer of membership law, shall send with his application for a With- 
drawal Card, the sum of 25c. (cost price of the card), and an additional 
amount equal to four weeks' or one months' dues, which shall entitle the 
brother to the protection of the Lodge from which he proposes to with- 
draw, as far as benefits are concerned, for the period of four weeks or one 
month, or such less time as may be necessary to complete the transfer of 
his membership. 

4207. A favorable ballot under the transfer of membership law cannot 
be reconsidered. 

4208. It is necessary that the Lodge in which a brother applies for mem- 
bership shall notify the Lodge issuing the Visiting Card or Official Certificate 
of his election, and thereupon the brother must apply for the necessary 
Withdrawal Card, but the Secretary of the Lodge may apply for such card at the 
instance and by the authority of the brother. 

4209. When application for a Withdrawal Card is made by the Secretary 
of the Lodge to which the brother has been elected, in writing and under 
the seal of the Lodge, authority from the brother to make such application 
shall be "presumed" in the absence of evidence to the contrary. 

4210. When an applicant is elected to membership upon either of the 
methods of transfer of membership, whether by a deposit of a Visiting Card 
or of an Official Certificate or as a Veteran or by reason of removal of resi- 
dence from the Territorial Jurisdiction of the Lodge, it is the duty of his 
former Lodge, upon application and in the absence of charges, to grant a 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 467 

TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP-General Regulations. 

Withdrawal Card, and upon refusal of the Lodge to grant the Withdrawal 
Card, the Grand Master shall direct its issuance by the Lodge. 

4211. The deposit of a Visiting Card, Official Certificate or Application 
for Membership or election to membership under the transfer of member- 
ship in another Lodge, does not sever membership in the Lodge of which the 
brother is a member until a Withdrawal Card has been granted. In such 
case where the Withdrawal Card applied for has been withheld by the Lodge, 
the same cannot be granted after such brother becomes sick or insane, so as 
to relieve the Lodge from payment of benefits. 

4212. When a brother has been elected to membership in another Lodge 
upon a Visiting Card or Official Certificate, or was elected under either 
method of transfer of membership, and applies to his old Lodge for a With- 
drawal Card, which the Lodge refuses to grant the Grand Master shall direct 
such Lodge to grant a Withdrawal Card; provided the brother is entitled 
under the law to transfer his membership, no charges having been filed 
against the brother after the issuance of the Visiting Card or Official Certi- 
ficate and before the application for a Withdrawal Card. 

4213. A brother who is elected to membership in another Lodge upon 
deposit of Visiting Card, Official Certificate or under either method of trans- 
fer of membership, and who fails to deposit a Withdrawal Card from his 
original Lodge in the new Lodge does not perfect his membership in the 
new Lodge. 

4214. Upon deposit of said Withdrawal Card with said Lodge, to wnlch 
he was elected, he shall be entitled to sign the Constitution and By-Laws 
and be received in full membership from such time upon the payment of 
the admission fees required by the By-Laws of said Lodge,, except where the 
transfer of membership is made under the resolution of 1904. Then no admis- 
sion fee is required. 

4215. A brother complies with the requirements of the law for the trans- 
fer of his membership and is elected in a new Lodge, and thereupon his old 
Lodge upon being informed of this fact grants a Withdrawal Card. During 
the time the card is in transit the brother becomes ill. It was held that the 
granting of the Withdrawal Card under the circumstances severed his mem- 
bership in the Lodge issuing the same. That the Lodge that elected him 
to membership cannot prevent his signing the Constitution simply because 
he is sick after his election. If otherwise qualified under the law he will 
be entitled to benefits from his own Lodge as soon as his Withdrawal Card is re- 
ceived by said Lodge and he signs or offers to sign its Constitution. 

4216. Where a member transfers his membership under the transfer 
of membership law by joining a Lodge whose Constitution requires six 
months' membership before becoming beneficial, he becomes subject to that 
provision. 

4217. The transfer of membership law does not apply to those who de- 
sire to become charter members of new Lodges. 

4218. An initiate moved to another Jurisdiction than that where the 
Lodge in which he held membership was located, and received on order the 
First Degree. He sent for a statement of the dues he was owing and the 
cost of a Withdrawal Card on November 15, and, receiving said statement 
paid the same on November 26, but on November 13. he was received as 
an applicant for a charter for a new Lodge forming in the Jurisdiction in 
which he was then residing, and, under dispensation from the Grand Master 
thereof, was made a charter member of the new Lodge aforesaid and had 
the Second and Third Degrees conferred upon him, and was finally elected 
and installed as Vice Grand of the said new Dodge. The action of the 
Lodge, beyond the election of the applicant to membership was wholly 
illegal. 



468 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP-General Regulations. 

4219. In the matter of the organization of new Lodges where the char- 
ter members meet and organize by electing a Chairman and Secretary, and 
a sufficient number of members in good standing in their Lodges decide to 
procure a charter for a new Lodge and authorize the Secretary of the meet- 
ing, in writing, to procure for each of them a Withdrawal Card from their Lodge, 
and deposit with him their official receipt, showing dues paid up beyond the date 
of presentation of their receipt, such members are nevertheless required to pay 
for admission as charter members, paying under the above condition the mini- 
mum fee of $5.00, they cannot become charter members under the provisions of 
the law passed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, which took effect January 1, 1905. 
The resolutiou passed at the San Francisco session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
in 1904, on the question of transfer of membership by Withdrawal Card on change 
of residence, has no application whatever to the case stated. The law as it existed 
before the passage of that resolution governs the case. 

4220. The law as to the transfer of membersnip passed by the Sover- 
eign Grand Lodge in 1904, has no application to a case where a new Lodge 
is to be instituted in a locality where members of older Lodges desire cards to 
become Charter members of the new Lodge, or perhaps to unite with the new 
Lodge after its organization as the new Lodge is nearer and more convenient to 
them. 

4221. When a brother is elected to membership upon a transfer of mem- 
bership, he does not become a member of the new Lodge until he has ob- 
tained a Withdrawal Card from his former Lodge and deposited it in his new 
Lodge. Until this is done he must pay his dues to and is entitled to benefits 
from his former Lodge. Such brother does not become a full member of the 
new Lodge until he has signed its Constitution and By-Laws, and he cannot 
sign the Constitution and By-Laws of the Lodge electing him until his With- 
drawal Card from his former Lodge has been granted and deposited. 

4222. A brother elected by either of the methods of transfer of mem- 
bership who dies after the grant of a Withdrawal Card by his former Lodge 
and before he deposits the same with the new Lodge is not a member of 
either Lodge, and his beneficiaries have no claim against the Lodge for benefits 
unless he has paid his dues to his old Lodge for four weeks in advance of his with- 
drawal, and his death occurs within that period, and before the Withdrawal Card 
is deposited in the new Lodge. 

4223. A brother deposits his official receipt in another Loage and is 
elected to membership, his dues cease in his former Lodge on the date his 
Lodge grants him a Withdrawal Card. But he may pay his dues and be pro- 
tected for benefits in the old Lodge for a period not exceeding one month or such 
time as may be necessary to make the transfer after the issuance of the With- 
drawal Card. 

4224. Whether a non-beneficial member who makes application for trans- 
fer of membership on being elected and completing his membership becomes 
a non-beneficial member in his new Lodge, he being at the time of his ad- 
mission thereto an affiliated Odd Fellow, depends entirely upon the legislation of 
each jurisdiction on the subject. 

4225. It seems, although it is not clearly stated, that a brother sus- 
pended for non-payment of dues and entitled to a Dismissal Certificate may 
transfer and renew his membership without first severing his quasi mem- 
bership in his old Lodge, and that upon election in his new Lodge the Secre- 
tary thereof will notify his old Lodge and that "when application for a dis- 
missal certificate is made by the Secretary of the Lodge to which the brother 
has been elected, in writing, and under the seal of the i^odge, authority to 
make such application shall be presumed in the absence of evidence to the 
contrary. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 469 

TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP. 

(e). Transfer Certificates (Past Grands.) 

4225. When a Past Grand deposits his card in a Lodge, or becomes a 
Charter Member of a new Lodge, a Transfer Certificate must at once be 
sent to the Grand Secretary. 

4227. A Past Grand who is a member of a Subordinate Lodge in this 
Jurisdiction and has received his Degrees and served in the office of Noble 
Grand in a regularly chartered Lodge of the I. 0. O. F. under the Jurisdiction 
of some other Grand Lodge, may be admitted to membership in the Grand Lodge 
upon producing a certificate from the Lodge of which he is a member in form loi- 
lowing, viz: 

Lodge No 

To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F. 

This is to certify, that Past Grand is a member in 

good standing in this Lodge; that he has received the First, Second and 
Third Degrees of the Order, and that, at his admission to membership 1 , this 
Lodge received full evidence that he had served one elective term in the 
office of the Noble Grand, and that this Lodge declares him entitled to mem- 
bership in the Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F., of Pennsylvania, and request 
that he may be received and acknowledged as such. 

Witness our hands, and the seal of the Lodge, this day 

of 19 

N. G. 

Attest Secretary. 

(Seal) 

4228. A Past Grand who has passed the chair in a Lodge in this juris- 
diction, and who deposits his card in another Lodge shall be acknowleged upon 
presenting to the Grand Lodge a certificate from the Lodge in the form following, 
viz : 

Lodge No. . . . . I. O. O. F. 

To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F.: 

This is to certify that Past Grand formerly 

of Lodge, No , has deposited his card in 

Lodge, No and we request that he may be acknowledged accord- 
ingly. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the seal 

of the Lodge, this day of 19 

Noble Grand. 

(Seal) Attest, , Secretary. 

TREASURER. 

See Bonds. 

4229. A Treasurer of a Lodge, before entering upon his duties, should execute 
a bond to the Trustees of the Lodge in double the amount of the funds entrusted to 
his keeping during his term (or terms) of office. And where the said Treasurer is a 
freeholder, owning real estate in his own name in fee, the clear value of which is, 
above all encumbrances double the amount of said bond, his individual bond may 
be accepted, provided the same be entered up in the office of the Prothonotary of 
the Court of Common Pleas for the county in which his said property is situated. 
And said boDd, if it contains a clause continuing said security from term to term, 
may be considered sufficient for the full end and term of five years from the date 
of entering the same. But in all cases where said treasurer is not qualified as 
aforesaid, or additional security may be demanded, the said bond must be signed 
by at least two additional sureties of sufficieut means to indemnify the Lodge 
against any loss, which said bond may or may not be entered up ; but in such cases 
it must be* renewed, and be approved annually before the installation of said 
Treasurer. 



470 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TREASURER. 

m 4230. The above is not intended to apply in the use of the word "funds "— 
to investments in securities by the Lodge in the name of the Trustees, and that 
cannot be disposed of excepting by resolution of the Lodge and through its Trus- 
tees. It is intended to apply to all moneys, securities or evidences of value entrusted 
to his keeping during his term of office, and which he can convert into money or 
dispose of without direction of the Lodge or its Trustees. 

4231. The Constitution for Subordinate Lodges does not prohibit a 
Lodge from accepting a member of the Order as surety upon the bond of a 
Treasurer for the faithful performance of his duty. 

4232. It is the duty of the Treasurer to collect from the Secretary at 
every meeting night, the entire receipts of the evening, if the Secretary 
fails to pay them to him each meeting night, the Treasurer should demand the 
same from him at the close of the meeting, and if on demand he fails to 
pay the money to the Treasurer, he must at once report this fact to the 
Lodge that it may take action at once, and also that the Treasurer and 
his bondsmen may not be held liable for his neglect of duty. 

4233. A Lodge may legally require its Treasurer to deposit the Lodge 
funds as "Treasurer of Lodge. No I. O. O. F." 

4234. When a Financial Officer of a Subordinate Lodge refuses to settle 
his accounts and deliver all moneys, books and papers belonging to the 
same over to the Lodge, he cannot of right demand a Withdrawal Card and 
a Lodge may refuse to grant such card until the brother's accounts are ad- 
justed and the Lodge is satisfied that he is clear of the books and free from 
all charges of whatsoever kind. 

TRIAL. 

(a). Organization of the Trial Committee (e). The Proceedings Before Trial Committee, 

and Attendance of Accused. (f). Report and Findings of Trial Committee. 

(b). Counsel and Continuances. (g). Proceedings Before Lodge. 

(c). Powers and Duties of Trial Com- (h). Jurisdiction of a Court of Equity to Re- 
mittee, view the Proceedings. 

(d). Pleadings. (i). Costs. 

See Penalty. See Witness. 
Costs. Evidence. 

Warden. Charges. 

Prosecutor. Testimony. 

4235. The Trial Code in the Book of Forms should only be used by 
Lodges so far as it is applicable to the laws of the Grand Lodge of the 
jurisdiction. 

(a). Organization of the Trial Committee and Attendance of Accused. 

4236. When charges were preferred against the Noble Grand and also 
against another brother of the Lodge. The same Committee can act in 
both cases, if they are separately selected in each case, and each case is 
tried separately, and both cases can be tried at different times on the 
same day. 

4237. The first named member of the Trial Committee shall, within one 
week after receiving notice of his appointment, call a meeting of the com- 
mittee for organization, when a Chairman and Secretary shall be elected and 
a suitable time and place be appointed for an adjourned meeting, which shall 
not be held in less than two weeks, at which the accuser and accused shall 
be notified to appear and proceed with the trial. 

4238. A copy of the charges clearly setting forth the offense duly attested 
will be handed or mailed by the Trial Committee to the accused, together 
with a like duly attested notice of the time and place of the Trial Committee 
meeting, to examine witnesses and affording him reasonable time to prepare 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 471 

TKIAL— Organization of the Trial Committee and Attendance of Accused. 

for his defense, giving him at least ten days' written notice and full oppor- 
tunity to be present at the examination. 

4239. For this purpose the committee may use the following form: 

Lodge, No 

19... 

To 

Sir and Brother: 

You are hereby notified that on the day of , A. D. 19. . ., 

charges and specifications, of which a certified copy, under the seal of the 
Lodge, is herewith served on you, were preferred against you and filed in 
said Lodge and were referred for trial to the undersigned committee. 

You are hereby required to appear before said committee, at 

, on day of , A. D. 19..,, at 

o'clock M. of that day, to make answer to said charges, and pro- 
ceed with the trial thereof. In default of which you will be reported to said 
Lodge as being guilty of contempt thereof. 



Committee. 



This will be made out in duplicate, one copy to be given or handed to 
the accused, the other to be retained and filed among the records of the 
Trial Committee. 

4240. If the notice of the committee's meeting as aforesaid is served 
on the accused, the following endorsement will be made on the back thereof: 

19... 

I hereby certify, That on the day of , A. D. 19. . . ., at 

, State of , 

I served the within notice, also the charges and specifications referred to 

therein, by delivering to and leaving with said , 

the accused, a copy of said notice, attached to a duly attested copy of the 
charges and specifications against him certified under the seal of the Lodge. 



Member of said Lodge. 

4241. If the accused will do so he may, in writing, accept service of 
notice of the time and place of meeting of the Trial Committee and acknowl- 
edge the receipt of a copy of the charges and specifications, which, if prac- 
ticable, should be endorsed on the copy of the notice retained by the com- 
mittee as follows : 

19... 

I hereby accept due service of the within notice, also of a duly certified 
copy under 'the seal of the Lodge, of the charges and specifications referred 
to herein, this day of , 19 



4242. In cases where charges are preferred against a brother in the 
Lodge to which he may belong, but, from having absconded or from his per- 
manent absence or concealment, he cannot be found, so that the charges 
•preferred or notice of trial cannot be personally served upon him, the Lodge 
may direct the Trial Committee to regularly proceed with the trial upon 
proof of the facts rendering such personal service impracticable, and that 
a copy of the charges and notice of trial has been deposited in the post- 
office nearest the last known residence of such brother, directed to him 
at such place of residence, post paid, and that a like copy of the charges 
and notice of trial was left at his last place of residence, if the same be 
known; provided, that such papers shall be deemed to have been served 
upon the brother only from the date when the constructive service above 
prescribed is complete, and provided further, that in case such brother 
returns after the conclusion of his trial, not having appeared on such trial, 
either in person or by counsel, and asks for a new trial, the same shall 



472 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TRIAL— Organization of the Trial Committee and Attendance of Accused. 

be granted him. An absconding member cannot be tried without the issuing 
of a citation pursuant to the foregoing requirements. 

4243. Notice to appear before a Trial Committee must be served accord- 
ing to the letter of the law prescribed as a general and local requirement 
for such service, and when such notice has not been properly served, the 
accused should have the benefit of the doubt. 

4244. If the accused refuses or wilfully neglects to stand trial by failing 
to appear, either in person or by attorney, at the meeting of the committee, 
he cannot be formally tried on the charges, and in such case the Lodge may 
expel him for contempt. 

4245. If a brother guilty of an offense which would subject him to trial 
and punishment by his Lodge, should, before charges are preferred or after 
charges have been preferred, and after notice thereof shall have been served 
on him, wilfully absent himself so that such notice cannot be served on him, 
he may be expelled for contempt. Beyond this the Lodge cannot proceed in 
action based upon the filing of charges. 

4246. Should a member under charges neglect or refuse to attend the meeting 
of the committee in person or by representative, the trial cannot be proceeded 
with, but the member charged may be expelled for contempt. The report of 
the Trial Committee of the failure or neglect of the member charged to 
appear before them constitutes a charge of contempt, the charges and notice 
of the Trial Committee's meeting having been regularly served upon him. 

4247. A member charged with contempt by the report of the Committee 
on Trial must be notified of the charge so as to afford him an opportunity 
to prove his innocence of intentional contempt. 

4248. When contempt is charged against a member, the trial thereon 
shall be had before the committee appointed upon the original charge. 

4249. If he shows good cause for non-attendance and disprove contempt, 
the committee will proceed with the trial; there can be no contempt where 
absence is compulsory. In case a member under charges is suffering 
imprisonment for a crime, after having been legally convicted thereof, the 
record of the court may be taken and the committee report the attending 
facts of the case, with a resolution to suspend or expel. 

4250. When a party is expelled for contempt in not appearing for trial, 
the record should by some positive evidence show that a copy of the charges 
were served on accused, as well as a sufficient notice of the time and place 
of trial, and a summons to the accused to be present. 

4251. It is the duty of the accused, if he receive a notice or summons to 
appear for trial, even on insufficient charges, to have been present at the 
time and place and to have made any objections which he might have had 
to the proceedings. 

4252. If the brother appear and confesses his guilt it is not necessary 
to proceed to trial. The committee reports the facts in the regular way and 
the trial proceeds in the Lodge as though the regular hearing had taken 
place before the Trial Committee. 

4253. If a member acknowledges that he has been guilty of some un- 
worthy action and pleads guilty, so as to relieve himself from the disgrace 
and mortification of a trial, involving exposures that would probably carry 
unhappiness into the bosom of his family. In such case he may be punished 
without going through all the forms of a trial, examining witnesses, etc. 

4254. If the brother desires to contest the charges he must appear before 
the committee either personally or by being represented by counsel. 

4255. A brother may be tried in his absence, provided the required 
forms have been complied with, and he is represented by counsel of his 
selection. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 473 

TRIAL— Organization of the Trial Committee and Attendance of Accused. 

4256. When a brother appears before the Trial Committee, either person- 
ally or by counsel, or both, he confers upon the Trial Committee full jurisdic- 
tion to try the charges, and if at any stage of these proceedings he and his 
counsel retire, the Trial Committee, by giving him notice of their meetings, 
may proceed to a final determination of the case and make their report to 
the Lodge. It must, however, clearly appear that the brother was afforded 
every opportunity to be present at each and all of the meetings held by the 
Trial Committee, and thereupon by proceedings according to law by giving the 
brother notice, etc., of the riling of the Trial Committee's report and of the 
date of hearing, the Lodge may try the case, and if the brother is found 
guilty, punish him. 

(b). Counsel and Continuances. 

(a). Counsel. (b). Continuances. 

(a). Counsel. 

4257. A counsel in an appeal case must be a member of the Order in good 
standing and neither the counsel nor the committee from a Lodge can be ad- 
mitted without proper credentials attested by the Noble Grand and seal of the 
Lodge. 

4258. A brother against whom charges are preferred has the right 
to be represented by counsel. 

4259. A brother under charges cannot be represented before a Trial 
Committee by counsel who are not members of the Order. 

4260. A witness can act as attorney for either of the parties before the 
Commissioner. 

4261. A Lodge has a right to have but one counsel to represent them 
in their appeal case or in the trial procedure. There is, however, no law 
to prevent either the Lodge or appellant -from employing assistant counsel. 

4262. A brother who appears before the Trial Committee by counsel, 
ready to proceed with the case, is not guilty of contempt of the Lodge and 
cannot be punished in such case for not appearing in person. 

4263. The counsel has the right to examine his client's witnesses and 
to cross-examine those presented by the other side. 

4264. A brother is not bound to accept employment as counsel, and if he 
does accept, he is bound to use all honorable means in his defence, never- 
theless he is not thereby relieved from, a worthy member's fealty to the 
Order and its membership. A member's fealty to the Order is greater than 
to any individual member thereof. 

4265. A member of a Lodge, acting as counsel for a brother under 
trial, has the same right to vote on the penalty that he would have were 
he not counsel. 

4266. If counsel, a member of the Order, representing the accused before 
a Trial Committee becomes offensive in his conduct and bearing towards 
the committee, they may order him to leave the room, and if he continues 
disobeying, eject him, but if the accused desires he shall be given reason- 
able time to secure other counsel. 

4267. Where counsel, representing the accused, in addressing the Trial 
Committee before going into the evidence of the case, impugned its integrity 
by saying that he knew "There was no use in making objections," that he 
knew "he was up against it," that he "did not expect fair play at the hands 
of the committee," and refused to obey the orders of the committee in 
maintaining order and resuming his seat, when directed, the Trial Com- 
mittee had full power to refuse to permit him to be heard and to ask that 
the accused shall secure other counsel, and the Trial Committee may 
order the name of such counsel stricken from the record and order him 
to leave the room in which the trial is being conducted. 

30 



474 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TRIAL— Counsel and Continuances. 

(b). Continuances, 

4268. At the time fixed by the committee, if, by sickness or unavoidable oc- 
currence the accused is prevented from appearing, this fact on being shown should 
give him a continuance of the case. 

4269. A continuance ought to be to a day and place certain; the case 
ought not to be postponed indefinitely. 

4270. If it shall appear, to the satisfaction of the Lodge, upon complaint 
of the accused that a Committee on Charges have intentionally and wilfully 
delayed, for an unusual and unnecessary length of time, the trial of a case 
which they have been selected to try, and shall fail to make report thereon 
when called upon by the Lodge, the committee may be discharged and 
another committee appointed, who shall proceed and try the case de novo. 

4271. The members of the Trial Committee for undue delay in, or 
refusal to proceed with, the hearing, may be placed upon trial upon charges 
preferred against them. 

4272. A case cannot be postponed to procure the testimony of an absent 
witness when the other party to the proceeding admits all that it is 
assumed can be proved by such absent witness. 

4273. The question of postponement of the trial is entirely in the dis- 
cretion of the Lodge, and the refusal to hear the attorneys of the accused 
on that subject is no ground for appeal. 

(c). Powers and Duties of Trial Committee. 

4274. The Triitl Committee has full power to compel an orderly transaction 
of business before it. 

4275. The committee to whom charges have been referred, having given 
the brother charged a reasonable notice of the time and place of its meet- 
ings to examine witnesses, should meet at the time and place stated in the 
notice to the accused. 

4276. The time and place of the meeting of the Trial Committee cannot 
legally be fixed for the Lodge room at the hour of the meeting of the 
Lodge. 

4277. A Trial Committee, after having taken testimony at several meet- 
ings, at which the accused and his counsel were present, adjourned to the 
Lodge room at the hour of the meeting of the Lodge. The counsel of the 
accused, an Odd Fellow in good standing, could not gain admittance, not 
having either the password or a card, and in consequence of this the accused, 
after objecting to proceeding with the trial in the absence of his counsel, 
left the Lodge room. The committee reported charges against him of con- 
tempt and he was expelled. This was held to be error and the brother 
was reinstated. 

4278. All persons will be excluded from the room except the parties 
and their counsel and the witness under examination, and admit and examine 
the latter separately. 

4279. The accused and the accuser shall each have the right to be 
assisted by counsel, who must be a member of the Order in good standing. 

4280. The committee must keep a correct journal of its proceedings 
independent of and not in connection with the testimony. 

4281. Except upon a trial for contempt, if the accused is not present at 
the first meeting of the committee, either personally or represented by 
counsel, the trial cannot proceed, and if it appears that the accused is 
avoiding trial, and therefore will not appear, the committee cannot adjourn 
to another day, but must report to the Lodge, and a charge of contempt 
may be preferred, which will be referred to this same committee. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 475 

TKIAL— Powers and Duties of Trial Committee. 

4282. The committee must not delay the hearing of a case any further 
than may be necessary to give the parties an opportunity to present and 
examine their witnesses, and must present its report to the Lodge at the 
earliest meeting after the case has been closed. 

4283. If the accused after having appeared, either by coming personally 
or by counsel, should absent himself personally or by counsel from the 
remainder of the meetings of the committee, it will not prevent the trial 
proceeding, provided the accused has notice of each meeting and be accorded 
a fair opportunity to be present at each and all of the meetings of the trial 
committee. 

4284. The testimony of each witness examined must be fully taken down 
and written with ink by one of the committee, or in type writing. The 
testiimony to be legibly written on one side of the paper only, and at the close of 
his examination be read to the witness, which if correctly taken, must be signed 
by him. 

4285. The testimony may be taken by a stenographer a member of the 
Order and afterwards reduced to typewriting and signed by the witness. 

4286. The trial committee, at the request of either party, will send a 
formal summons to a witness to appear at a certain time and place when 
the trial committee will meet and give his testimony in the matter before 
them. 

4287. If a witness be objected to, or a question be asked a witness and it 
be objected to, the committee will enter the objection or question objected 
to on the journal, together with the opinion of the committee upon its admis- 
sion or rejection. No exception can be taken to improper or incompetent 
testimony after the case has been closed by the committee, unless objections 
be raised thereto at the time such testimony was offered. 

4288. The testimony to sustain the charge should be taken before the 
brother charged can be compelled to produce his witnesses. Rebutting 
testimony may be offered by either party after the direct examination has 
been closed. 

4289. Any arrangements can be made in relation to taking the testimony 
in any case that the parties thereto, with the consent of the committee, 
may agree to. 

4290. It must be remembered that our Lodges are not courts, and it is 
very rare that trial committees have persons on them trained in the course 
of legal procedure; while, therefore, they should be kept within such bounds 
as may secure to an accused brother all his rights, justice is not to be sub- 
ordinated to a mere following of forms. The order of proof is always a 
matter resting in the sound discretion of the judge before whom a case is 
being tried, and trial committees are not to be held to a rule more strict, 
unless it is shown that injustice has been done thereby. It may be that much 
of the testimony taken by the Lodge should have been taken in chief; but 
because it was not rebutting testimony is not sufficient to stamp it as error 
to receive it. 

4291. In the trial of charges, where either party or his counsel does not 
understand the language in which proceedings are conducted, such party or 
counsel cannot be denied the time necessary for the interpretation to him 
of the proceedings as had, by interpreters qualified to be present. 

4292. New evidence may be introduced by the prosecution at any time 
before the case is finally submitted for decision. Such new evidence need 
not be confined to that which is merely rebuttal. Justice requires that each 
party be allowed to introduce all competent evidence without regard to the 
time when such evidence is offered. The tribunal trying the charges, how- 
ever, should exercise a sound discretion as to the introduction of new evi- 
dence by either party after once closing the case on that side. 

4293. When a charge against a brother has been founded upon a mis- 
understanding, and by the examination of the parties this is made manifest, 



476 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. / [1907. 

TRIAL— Powers and Duties of Trial Committee. 

by the consent and desire of both parties, the committee may permit the 
charges to be withdrawn, and so report to the Lodge. 

(d). Pleading's. 

4294. At the time specified for the trial, the accuser and accused being 
present and answering, the charges and specifications shall be read and the 
accused be required to make answer to each specification contained in the 
charges. 

4295. Should the counsel object to a specification on the ground of in- 
definiteness, the accuser shall have leave to amend, provided such amend- 
ment be made immediately. 

4296. When charges against a brother have been referred to the Com- 
mittee on Trial, the committee cannot allow the accuser to amend the 
charges by introducing new specifications not contained in the original 
charges. Supplemental charges might be preferred in the Lodge, and referred 
to the committee. 

4297. Where a brother charged pleaded guilty to a violation of the laws 
of the Order, and afterwards claimed that the charges were too vague to 
constitute an offense, it was held that if the charges were too vague, it was 
both his right and his duty to plead their vagueness at the time. He cannot 
now take advantage of the plea of vagueness, for he has admitted his guilt 
by his plea of guilty. 

4298. Charges which are vague, indefinite and uncertain do not warrant 
placing the accused upon his defense, particularly where no specific offense 
is charged, nor names, dates or places given, so that he can prepare his 
defense. 

4299. It is sufficiently certain as to time if the charges state the day of 
the month of the year and the place where the offense occurred. 

4300. The accused may then plead to each specification either of the 
following answers: 

1. That the alleged offense is not within the legal jurisdiction of the Lodge. 

2. That the complaint contained in the specification is frivolous. 

3. Admit the facts stated and justify the alleged offense. 

4. Guilty. 

5. Not guilty. 

4301. If the trial committee find in favor of the accused on either plea, 
that the offense is not within the legal jurisdiction of the Lodge, or, that the 
complaint contained in all the specifications is frivolous, the committee 
should adjourn the hearing and report its findings to the Lodge, when, 
after the regular procedure, if it concur with the judgment of the committee 
by adopting its report, this will be such a final judgment as from which the 
prosecutor or any member of the Lodge in good standing may appeal, if he 
sees fit to do so. 

4302. If the Lodge reverses the committee, it will then require the 
accused to plead again, and further procedure will be governed accordingly. 

4303. If the accused admit the facts and justify the alleged offense, the 
committee will proceed to take the testimony offered in justification and 
rebuttal thereto. 

4304. The plea of justification is generally equivalent to "not guilty." In 
fact, it is better practice to plead not guilty, and offer the evidence of 
justification or mitigating circumstances under that plea. 

4305. Where a brother was charged with being a bartender, and his 
plea admitted having served liquor over W.'s bar; but denied being a saloon 
keeper or clerk in a bar, and stated that he stayed in the said saloon not for 
gain, but just to accommodate a friend who wanted to visit his family for a 
few days, and that he did not know that he was violating the rules of the 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 477 

TKIAL— Pleadings. 

Order, and if he did, the sin was ignorance, and that such a thing would 
never occur again, and asked the leniency of the Lodge, it was decided 
that the brother's plea was a plea of not guilty, and therefore issue was 
joined under the charges, and under the Code of Trials the Lodge should 
have, instead of dismissing the charge on motion, proceeded to trial, in con- 
formity with law. 

4306. The plea of justification will not avail when the offense is one for 
which the punishment is definitely fixed bylaw. Under such circumstances, if 
the accused thinks he was justified in his actions, he should plead justifica- 
tion as a defense under a plea of not guilty 

4307. Where the penalty is definitely fixed by law, it is a waste of time to 
show mitigating circumstances. 

4308. When a brother enters a plea of "guilty" to charges preferred 
against him, and the law fixes a definite penalty therefor, and the committee 
reports this fact, it is the duty of the N. G. to forthwith pronounce judgment. 
Justification as a matter or defense must be made under a plea of "not 
guilty." 

4309. If the accused plead guilty to all the specifications, the Trial Com- 
mittee will adjourn the hearing, and report this fact to the Lodge in the 
regular way, as the plea of guilty is as definite as an arrival at such decision 
after a full hearing. 

4310. If the accused plead guilty to some, and not guilty as to other speci- 
fications, the hearing proceeds in the regular way. 

4311. A brother notified the Trial Committee that he would not be 
present, and he acknowledged having committed the offense as charged; 
under these circumstances, this was equivalent to a plea of guilty, and the 
Trial Committee should have reported to the Lodge accordingly. It was error 
for this committee to report that the brother had refused to appear before 
the committee and was therefore in contempt. 

4312. If the accused plead not guilty as to all the specifications, the hear- 
ing will also be proceeded with in the regular way. 

4313. If the accused pleads guilty, it is not necessary to proceed with a 
trial. 

(e). The Proceedings Before Trial Committee. 

4s 14. Three members of a Trial Committee constitute a quorum, and are 
competent to proceed with the hearing. All questions requiring a decision of the 
Trial Committee shall be determined by a majority of those present. 

4315. It is the duty of either party to produce his own witnesses, but 
when the accuser or accused shall notify the chairman of the Trial Committee 
in writing that he requires the presence of a witness, the committee will 
issue such a notice to the witness as is contemplated by the General Law of 
the Order, commanding or requesting his or her attendance. 

4316. The following evidence may be admitted before the Trial Com- 
mittee : 

1. Testimony of witnesses who shall appear before the committee. 

2. Depositions agreed upon by the parties or taken in accordance with the 
laws of the Order. 

3. Records of the Lodge. 

4. Documentary evidence, etc. 

4317. The committee shall determine the admissibility of the evidence, 
subject to exception by either party; the exception so taken shall be entered 
by the committee upon its minutes. 

4318. After the direct and cross-examination of a witness has been con- 
cluded, the witness shall not be further examined or recalled, except to ex- 
plain evidence given on his original examination, or by consent of the oppos- 
ing party. 



478 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TRIAL— The Proceedings Before Trial Committee. 

4319. Extracts from the records of a Lodge shall be authenticated by the 
Secretary, under seal. No Lodge shall be allowed to challenge its records 
or extracts taken therefrom when duly authenticated. 

4320. Members of the Order shall qualify, and depositions of absent wit- 
nesses shall be taken in the manner prescribed by the laws of the Order. 
The attendance of a person as a witness who is not a member of the Order must 
be procured by the party desiring him. 

4321. The admissibility of evidence will be determined according to the laws 
of the Order. 

4322. The testimony will be taken according to the laws of the Order, 

4323. The Trial Committee shall keep correct minutes of their proceed- 
ings, independent of, and not in connection with, the testimony. Their record 
must show: 

1. The date and place of each meeting, and the parties present. 

2. The charge and specifications, and the answers or pleas of the accused 
thereto. 

3. All points raised, and the decisions thereon. 

4. The exceptions and objections taken or made by either party to said deci- 
sions. 

5. Parol evidence by question and answer in full, subscribed by the witnesses. 

6. Documentary evidence marked in the order of its reception. 

7. Decisions of the committee upon each specification of the charges. 

4324. The committee having heard all the testimony and listened to the 
arguments of both sides, will dismiss the parties, and carefully review the 
evidence, and, having agreed as to the guilt or innocence of the accused on 
each specification, will report its judgment to the Lodge. 

4325. The committee are not clothed with any other authority in the con : 
troversy than to hear the case according to the due process of law and to 
report their findings, together with all the testimony, to the Lodge, who will 
try the case. It is unlawful for the committee to endeavor to bring about 
an amicable agreement or settlement, or to enter into any agreement with 
the accused the consideration whereof shall be the withdrawal of the charges 
and the dropping of the case. 

4326. When charges were preferred against a brother for fraudulent and 
deceitful conduct, on specifications which were: That he had agreed with 
the Trial Committee on the retrial of his case that if said committee would 
discontinue its investigations and report to the Lodge that the charges 
against him were not sustained, he would thereafter apply for a withdrawal 
card and sever his membership from the Lodge, the questionable conduct of 
the accused sinks into insignificance, however, compared with the moral 
turpitude of a Trial Committee to which the Lodge had committed the honor 
of its membership. If the charges in the first case in which the brother was 
tried, and on which he was acquitted by vote of the Lodge, were unimport- 
ant or untrue, then the committee reported rightly that they were unsus- 
tained, and his contention that he did not enter into the alleged agreement 
is proven to be true. But if they were of such a character that he had 
reason to fear the result of the committee's report to the Lodge, or the com- 
mittee had reason to think that it was giving him a valuable consideration 
for his agreement to take a withdrawal card, what can we think of the com- 
mittee? For of the Lodge itself there is no criticism, since the evidence dis- 
closes that when it voted to acquit the brother it had no knowledge as a body 
of the alleged iniquitous agreement. 

4327. The defendant must be given a full and fair opportunity to pre- 
sent his defense, or the judgment of the Lodge will be set aside on appeal, 
the defendant reinstated, and the case re-opened. For example, on the 
13th day of November the committee to try a case was selected, and they made their 
report to the Lodge November 27, and it was laid over until the next meet- 
ing. At that meeting the brother asked for time to produce evidence in his 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 479 

TEIAL— The Proceedings Before Trial Committee. 

defense, as his principal witness was absent from the city at the time the 
trial was had. This was refused by the Lodge, and the vote was taken upon 
the punishment, and the brother expelled. On appeal, he was reinstated, 
and a new hearing ordered to be had by the Trial Committee. 

(f.) Report and Findings of Trial Committee. 

4328. After the Committee have given both parties full opportunity to pre- 
sent their witnesses, and after the evidence shall have been fully examined, the 
committee shall present the journal of its proceedings and the evidence taken, to the 
Lodge, and shall report in writing to the Lodge the opinion of the Committee as to 
the guilt or innocence of the brother charged, upon the charge and each specifi- 
cation It is not the duty of the committee to recommend any punishment. 

4329. The report must be signed by at least three members of the 
committee. 

4330. The purpose of a trial is to reach the truth by establishing the 
innocence or ascertaining the guilt of the accused. 

4331. The final report of the Trial Committee, which cannot be made 
until after the completion of the hearing of the testimony, should distinctly find 
the accused either guilty or not guilty of the charges and of each of the specifica- 
tions. Where the report of a certain case did not contain any such findings, its 
adoption by the vote of the Lodge did not either acquit or convict the 
brother. Its adoption by the Lodge had no effect whatever, and the declara- 
tion that the- brother was expelled was erroneous and illegal. 

4332. When the Committee on Trial failed to report, as is required by the 
General Law and the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, the Lodge could 
not legally decide the case upon the report as made. A Lodge took action 
on the report of a Committee on Trial, April 26. It appears that within a few 
minutes before the Lodge began its consideration of the report, two members of the 
Committee on Trial prepared and offered a resolution to the effect that the accused 
be found guilty. This resolution cannot be considered a part of the report of the 
Trial Committee. Even if it had been offered by all the members of the Trial 
Committee who signed the report, the Lodge could not, under the law, consider 
the same at the same meeting at which it was offered. 

4333. The following is the form of report for a Trial Committee ; 

19. . . 

To , Lodge, No , I. O. O. F. 

Sir and Brothers: 

Your committee, heretofore appointed to investigate the charges and 

specifications preferred against Brother by Brother 

of Lodge, No , 

respectfully report that the accompanying documents contain the minutes 
of the proceedings and all the evidence taken before the committee, includ- 
ing all the papers pertaining to the trial. 

That, from all that appeared before your committee in said case, as to 
the charge of conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow. 

Specification No. 1, we find him (guilty or not guilty) as charged. 

Specification No. 2, we find him (guilty or not guilty) as charged. 

Specification No. 3, we find him (guilty or not guilty) as charged. 



, Committee. 



480 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TRIAL. 

(g). Proceedings Before Lodge. 

^ 4334. When the committee submits its report upon the charges and specifi- 
cations, the case will lie over until the next stated meeting of the Lodge, and the 
brother under charges must be duly notified by the Lodge of the action of the com- 
mittee and that at the next meeting his case will be considered. 

4335. The report of the committee shall be received and entered in full 
in the records without discussion. 

4336. The Secretary shall immediately, or as soon after the meeting as 
possible, give the accused the notice of the proceedings required by the 
Constitution for Subordinate Lodges. 

4337. An officer under charges cannot officiate in his Lodge at the trial 
for charges, if the duties of his office require him to do or perform any duty 
in respect to action upon the report of the Trial Committee. 

4338. After the presentation of the report -of the Trial Committee to the 
Lodge, the brother charged shall, be notified by the Secretary, under seal,, 
for which he may use the following notice of the filing of the report of Trial Com 
mittee, which is to be made out in duplicate: 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. F. 

19 . 

To 

bir and Brother: 

Take notice that the committee heretofore appointed to try the charges 

preferred against you by Brother , have this day 

filed their report, finding you (guilty or not guilty), and the report will be 
considered at the next stated meeting of the Lodge, to be held on the 

evening of , 19 ... . The papers and report of the 

Trial Committee are in my possession, and if you desire to do so, you may 

peruse them at , prior to said meeting. 

Yours in F. L. and T., 



(Seal) Secretary. 

4339. Having served the notice, the Secretary will make the following 
endorsement on the copy he has retained: 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. F. 

, 19 . 

I hereby certify that I have served the within notice on brother 

by delivering and leaving with him a 

copy thereof (or by mailing him a registered letter containing said notice to his last 

known place of residence), this day of A. D. 19 

at the place aforesaid. 



Secretary. 

4340. A trial for charges of a brother who has received the third degree 
takes place under the law in the third degree. No member can be present in the 
Lodge at the trial unless he has received the third degree. The accused has the 
right to be present during the whole of a trial, but a witness has not the same 
right. It makes no difference if the charges were preferred by the witness ; of 
course, any witness who is summoned to testify can appear before the Trial Com- 
mittee. A witness has no such interest in a trial as allows him to be present on 
such an occasion, except as the Lodge and the laws of the Order may permit. 

4341. The trial of a brother who has not attained the third degree shall 
take place in the highest degree to which he has attained, and the Lodge 
shall be specially opened in such degree for that purpose, and all rules of 
order for the transacton of business in the third degree shall prevail at such 
trial, provided that voting upon all questions before said Lodge (if below 
the third degree) shall be either viva voce, division or ballot. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 481 

TKIAL— Proceedings Before Lodge. 

4342. When the case is properly before the Lodge, a member under 
charges, whether previously suspended or not, has the right to appear in the 
Lodge and hear the report of the committee on his case and make his 
defence, but he must then retire before further proceedings can be had. 

4343. At the time fixed to consider the report the Lodge may proceed 
to consider and determine the matter whether the accused brother be present 
or not, it appearing affirmatively that he received notice thereof from the 
Secretary as required by law. 

4344. Either party may object to any of the rulings and decisions of the 
committee, when the Lodge shall take up the report for consideration, pro- 
vided that they were objected to and noted on the minutes of the Trial 
Committee at the time the testimony was offered. 

4345. The findings and rulings and report of the committee shall be read 
and considered and all the testimony, if any, bearing thereon. 

4346. The testimony must be read, all of it, not portions. 

4347. During the discussion following the reading of the evidence, portipns 
may then be read, if called for. 

4348. Whether after the report of a Trial Committee the report can be 
recommitted for further evidence; whether after the discharge of the com- 
mittee, it may be referred to a new committee to take additional testimony, 
and whether during the consideration of the report further evidence may be 
received in addition to thai reported, are matters which should be left to the 
sound discretion of the Lodge in the absence of legislation by the Grand 
Lodge. 

4349. Charges having been preferred against a brother, the committee 
reported in favor of his expulsion. The Lodge, without considering this 
report, discharged the committee and referred the charges to a new com- 
mittee, which reported in favor of expulsion for contempt, and the Lodge 
adopted a motion to expel the brother: Held, that the action of the Lodge and 
of the Grand Lodge affirming the same should be reversed. 

4350. The purpose of a trial is to reach the truth by establishing the 
innocence or ascertaining the guilt of the accused. To this end, a committee 
appointed when the charges are preferred is but the agent of the Lodge. The 
agent may fail to elicit the whole truth, after patient examination; or after 
such examination has closed there may be testimony discovered which it 
might be rank injustice to refuse to hear. Therefore, to deal justly, further 
investigation might be imperative, and to prevent it would not be in harmony 
with the spirit of our Order. 

4351. A brother was on trial for charges, charged with renting and allow- 
ing premises owned by him, in a certain city, to be used as a house of ill- 
fame. At the trial in the Lodge newspaper articles were against the protest 
of the accused, read, concerning the subject matter of the trial. This was im- 
proper. 

4352. The Lodge claimed that these newspapers contained statements 
concerning an indictment, which had been found against the accused for the 
same offense, and other matters which tended to show that the accused 
had notice that his said premises were being used for the purpose aforesaid, 
and that they were read in answer to his complaint that he was not aware 
of the fact. Held, that the reading of such papers was calculated to prejudice 
the minds of the members of the i^odge against the accused and therefore 
was wrong. 

4353. It is competent and proper for a Lodge to act upon the findings 
reported by a committee without a motion being made to bring such findings 
before the Lodge. The findings, by virtue of their being reported by a committee 
appointed for that purpose, are properly before the Lodge for action without a 
motion being made for their adoption ; especially is this the case in relation to 



482 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TBI AL— Proceedings Before Lodge. 

the report of a Committee on Charges. The time at which an accused member 
may speak in his own defense is when the findings in his case are thus before the 
Lodge for adoption or rejection. 

4354. A Lodge, when considering the final report of a Trial Committee, 
and things relating thereto, after hearing the argument of the parties or their 
counsel, may, if a majority of tne members present so decide, cause all 
persons but their own members to retire from the Lodge room during such 
consideration. 

4355. The Lodge, in cases affecting the character of a member of the Lodge, 
where the members are both judge and jury of a court of last resort, should, like 
a jury in a civil court, be permitted to examine the evidence, determine the guilt 
or innocence of the party, and fix the penalty with the freedom secured by the 
strict privacy of the Lodge room, without being overawed, embarrassed or preju- 
diced in their judgments, or constrained in the expression of their opinions by the 
presence of visitors who may be led by curiosity, or a worse motive, to come to 
the Lodge meeting ; and when a majority of the members present in such cases 
desire to consider these questions by themselves, the privilege should be granted 
them. 

4356. Brother M, Noble Grand of a Lodge, preferred charges against Brother 
S, also a member of said Lodge, for conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow, with 
specifications. Brother S, after the Trial Committee was appointed, pleaded 
guilty in open Lodge to the charges, and offered to apologize for the same, which 
Brother M w T ould not accept on any terms. A week later, the Chairman of the 
Trial Committee made a verbal report to the Lodge that they found Brother S 
guilty as he pleaded, and recommended him to the mercy of the Lodge, whereupon 
a motion was made to receive report of the committee and to exonerate Brother S, 
and the motion was adopted by a vote of 10 in favor, and none against. This vote 
was not by ballot. From this action of the Lodge Brother M appealed, claiming 
that the Lodge erred in accepting a verbal report from the committee, and also 
that the vote exonerating Brother S not being by ballot was illegal. It was 
held that if the Lodge, upon due investigation and trial, had decided that 
the charges made against the brother had not been sustained, its decision 
would have been final. The committee, on the voluntary confession of the 
accused, reported him " guilty." In passing upon that report, the Lodge tacity 
agreed to its correctness by moving to "exonerate" the brother found guilty. 
They cannot dismiss charges so summarily, but must vote guilty or not guilty. 
And that vote must be taken by ballot. If they decide " not guilty," the case 
ends. If they decide "gu ; lty," they must then proceed by ballot to determine the 
degree of punishment. Brother M has a right to appeal from the illegal proce- 
dure. In accordance with above decision the case was referred back to the Lodge 
to correct its errors. 

4357. The Lodge is not bound to accept the judgment of the Trial Com- 
mittee: for example, if the Trial Committee should find the brother "Not 
Guilty," nevertheless, the Lodge, after hearing the reading of all the testi- 
mony, may find the brother ' Guilty," or the reverse may be the case. 

4358. A subordinate Lodge can reverse the findings of its Trial Com- 
mittee. 

4359. All members present are required to vote upon the report of a 
Trial Committee, and upon the degree of punishment to be imposed, except those 
whose interests are involved in the result. 

4360. After full opportunity has been given to discuss the matter, the 
question will be put as follows: "Shall the report of the committee be 
adopted as the judgment of the Lodge?" Upon which question the vote shall 
be taken by ball ballot, a majority being sufficient to adopt. If the report 
of the committee is " not guilty," the adoption of the report acquits the 
brother, while if the report of the committee is " guilty/' if it is not 
adopted the brother is thereby acquitted of the charges. Should it be 
adopted, the Lodge will then prescribe the punishment to be imposed as 
the law may direct, the vote upon which, in all cases, must be by ball 
ballot; and to expel a member will require a two-thirds vote; any other 
degree of punishment may be imposed by a majority vote. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 483 

TEIAL— Proceedings Before Lodge- 

4361. The ballot on the report of the Trial Committee is the final judg- 
ment of the Lodge and cannot be reconsidered. Where a Lodge accepted 
the majority report of the Trial Committee, but upon the statement of a 
member that he had not voted as he intended to, the Noble Grand, no objec- 
tion being made, declared that the ballot should be taken over; this was 
done and resulted in the majority report being rejected. The minority 
report was then accepted and in due course he was expelled. Held to be 
error. 

4362. Charges having been preferred against a brother the Trial Committee 
find him guilty as charged. The Lodge sustained the findings of the committee. 
A vote was taken by the Lodge, upon the degree of punishment, and after the 
ballot was declared closed, the Noble Grand declared the vote null and void, for 
the reason that all the members present did not vote, and ordered a new ballot to 
be taken. The Noble Grand acted illegally in declaring the first ballot null and 
void and in ordering a second ballot. 

4363. The time and mode of voting upon penalties, after conviction of 
misconduct, is a matter of local legislation, which has always been regu- 
lated by the several Grand Bodies. 

4364. The Constitution for Subordinate Lodges provides that, if a 
member of this Lodge is guilty of conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow, he 
shall be amenable to the Lodge therefor, and shall be tried and punished 
by reprimand, fine, suspension, or expulsion, as thereinafter provided. If, 
after trial, the brother is found guilty, the Lodge shall then prescribe the 
punishment to be imposed. The vote thereon shall be by ballot in all 
cases; but for an expulsion, the assent of two-thirds of the members voting 
shall be required. 

4365. When the law fixes the penalty on conviction for a specific offence, 
it is not required that the Lodge vote to fix the punishment. 

4366. When a member has been adjudged guilty and the penalty is 
"expulsion" under the laws of the S. G. L., the Lodge must expel him. The 
manner in which the expulsion is to be declared is left to the Lodge. It may 
be in open session, at a regular meeting, by the Noble Grand for the 
Lodge, or it may be by a vote. It must be by the Lodge. If the Lodge 
fails to discharge its duty, it should be put on trial and punished for the 
offence. 

4367. When the vote for expulsion in a Subordinate Lodge was taken, 
after midnight, and after a protracted session occupied in reading the testi- 
mony in the case, and at the time the vote was taken a large number of the 
members who had been present during the early part of the evening, had 
retired, including counsel for accused. It was held that these proceedings, 
while not regular, may have taken the accused at a disadvantage, and the 
Lodge was directed to again consider the evidence and take a vote upon 
the question of expulsion, the new vote to be taken at such a time as to 
avoid the objection herein mentioned. 

4368. When the report of the Trial Committee has been adopted it is 
error for the Noble Grand to say to the Lodge, "a ballot will now be taken 
for expulsion ;" there must be a motion regularly made, the same as on any 
other parliamentary proceeding before the Lodge and the course of pro- 
cedure as laid down in the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges strictly 
followed. 

4369. By the local law when a motion prescribing the punishment is before 
the Lodge, the same shall be considered as any other motion, and be subject to the 
same rules. Provided, That a motion to reconsider can only be made on the 
same evening. 

4370. A law providing for the reconsideration of a motion does not 
apply to a case of expulsion by secret ballot, it only applies to ordinary 
parliamentary questions, arising in deliberative bodies. A member once 
expelled is out of the Order, and no motion can be entertained to recon- 
sider the vote. 



484 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TRIAL— Proceedings Before Lodge. 

4371. Motions and amendments relative to the degree of punishment 
shall be treated as a blank, and the blank shall be filled by voting upon the 
most severe punishment first. If that be lost, the less severe punishment 
shall be voted upon, until the judgment of the Lodge is declared. 

4372. Where the By-Laws of a Lodge provided that the penalty for a 
specific offence should be suspension or expulsion, and the Constitution 
provided that the Lodge should fix the penalty by vote, unless it be a single 
penalty, and that it should require a two-thirds vote for expulsion. Held, 
that the Lodge must vote, and if two-thirds be not cast against the brother 
the penalty to be inflicted must be suspension, no vote for that purpose being 
required. 

4373. In fixing the penalty the Lodge must follow the method prescribed 
by the Constitution. The Lodge having voted upon expulsion, and that being 
lost, it is not competent for the Lodge to entertain the question a second 
time. 

4374. Reason and proper discipline require that punishment shall be 
inflicted when the accused is convicted, unless at the time the vote was 
taken some valid reason existed for the failure to do so, in which case it 
is incumbent on the Lodge to set the same forth certified with the record 
that the same may be inquired into and considered by the Appeal Com- 
mittee. 

4375. A Lodge cannot suspend a brother for an unreasonable length oi 
time. 

4376. By the general law, suspension must be temporary and be regu- 
lated by the magnitude of the offense and should be for a reasonable time 
only. 

4377. Under the broad powers vested by the general and local laws in subor- 
dinate lodges to prescribe the punishment to be imposed upon a brother found 
guilty of conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow, where the penalty is not prescribed 
by law, a Lodge has authority to impose a double penalty, that is to say, a suspen- 
sion and a fine or reprimand, or a fine and reprimand. 

4378. If a mistake is made in voting in a ballot on a trial, and the brother 
announces that he did not vote as he intended, if the ballot box has not yet 
been examined, the presiding officer may have the ballot taken over again 
to allow correction of the mistake. The ballot should be held over again if 
it is found, before the ballot is examined, that a disqualified brother voted. 

(h). Jurisdiction of a Court of Equity to Review the Proceedings. 

. 4379. In 1887 the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania rendered an opinion in the 
Rosenberger case, one of the most celebrated appeal cases in this Jurisdiction 
Rosenberger having exhausted every remedy in the Order, appealed to the 
civil courts and filed a bill in equity, and asked the civil courts to reinstate 
him, the Lodge having suspended him for two years. The Court, Gordon, 
Justice, inter alia, said: It will be observed that what is here alleged is, 
that the committee made a mistake in ruling out relevant testimony as 
irrelevant. Admitting that this evidence might have been relevant for 
some purpose, and ought, therefore, to have been admitted, nevertheless it 
does not appear that it was anything more than a mistake in the judgment 
of the committee, nor does it appear that any complaint was made of this 
ruling on the subsequent trial in the Lodge, of which trial we have the fol- 
lowing report by the Master: "April 15, 1882, Rosenberger was present in 
the Lodge meeting, and the report of the committee was considered. The 
findings of the committee were then made the final judgment of the Lodge. 
A motion to expel was lost, but a motion to suspend Rosenberger for two 
years was carried by the necessary two-thirds." Here, if we are to believe 
the Master, was an appearance, a regular adjudication, and no complaint 
made of the action of the committee; a clear waiver of the defect complained 
of. It is said, however, that the evidence taken by the committee was not 
read. This assertion does not accord with the finding, but no matter, he 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 485 

TRIAL— Jurisdiction of a Court of Equity to Eeview the Proceedings. 

could have required its reading had he so desired, and if he chose to waive 
it, that was his own business. But with these matters we have nothing to 
do, for, as was said by Mr. Chief Justice Gibson in the case of Black and 
White Smith's Society v. Vandyke (2 Wh. 308), "into the regularity of 
these proceedings, it is not permitted us to look. The sentence of the 
society, acting in a judicial capacity and with undoubted jurisdiction of the 
subject matter, is not to be questioned collaterally. If the plaintiff has been 
expelled irregularly, he has a remedy by mandamus, to restore him; but 
neither by mandamus, nor by action, can the merits of his expulsion be 
re-examined. He stands convicted by the sentence of a tribunal of his own 
choice, which, like an award of arbitrators, concludes him." So, in the 
case of the Commonwealth vs. The German Society (15 Pa. 251); held, per 
Rogers, Justice; citing from 8 W. & S. 251; "The Courts entertain a juris- 
diction to preserve these tribunals in the line of order, and to correct 
abuses; but they do not inquire into the merits of what has passed in 
rem judicatam in a regular course of proceedings." It thus seems to be 
settled, that neither the mistake made by the Trial Committee, nor by the 
Lodge, can be noticed or reviewed by the Courts. "He stands convicted by 
the sentence of a tribunal of his own choice, which, like an award of arbi- 
trators, concludes him." The mistake made in the Court below was in treat- 
ing the case as an appeal, whereas it was a collateral action; like a suit 
brought on a claim which had been finally disposed of by an arbitration at 
common law. The decree of the Court below is now reversed and set aside, 
and the bill dismissed at the costs of the appellee. 

4380. A Court of Equity has jurisdiction of causes of action within the 
control of the tribunals ordained by the Constitution and By-Laws of an 
unincorporated society (Lodge) only where some material irregularity in 
the proceedings is shown to have occurred, which has not been waived by 
the suitor. 

(i). Costs. 

4381. There is no law or regulation of the Order concerning the costs of 
the trial procedure. The Lodge has, however, a legal right to pay a reasonable 
fee for a brothers services where he appears as counsel in an appeal from its 
action. 

TRUSTEES. 

»•• Funds. See Eligibility to Office. 

Officers. Real Estate. 

Honor of Office. Halls. 

4382. A trustee is not an office provided by general law but permitted by 
local law. 

4383. At the session of the Grand Lodge, May 23, 1901, the following 
among other proceedings was had: "The Judiciary Committee to which was 
referred the proposed law in respect to the investment of Lodge funds by 
Trustees respectfully report: That they have carefully considered the sub- 
ject with the idea of meeting as far as possible the difficulties that have 
arisen. We have first endeavored to so frame the laws as not to interfere 
with the freedom of the Lodges in prescribing for themselves the number 
of Trustees they shall have and the manner of their selection. The principal 
difficulty met in the present system is in securing the satisfaction or can- 
cellation on record of judgments, mortgages and other recorded liens where 
the Trustees in whose name the obligation stands no longer fill the office but 
have been succeeded by others. The same difficulties will naturally arise in 
the conveyance of Lodge real estate or the transfer of certain classes of 
securities. Public officials, such as Recorders, Prothonotaries and Clerks 
of Courts, are entitled to demand legal and protective evidence that the per- 
sons endeavoring to satisfy a record are in fact legally authorized to per- 
form the act. They are not bound to accept the inaccessible and sometimes 
fleeting record of Lodge minutes — nor Lodge Certificates that would not be 
received in Court as legal proof of the facts certified. Purchasers of real 
estate or of securities, wuo might be affected by an improper satisfaction 



486 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TRUSTEES. 

or transfer, are also morally entitled to this protection. Your committee 
has endeavored to meet these problems." 

4384. Article IX. Trustees and Investments. 

Section 1. There shall be a Board of Trustees, consisting of 

members, one of whom shall be elected at each annual election. 

It shall be the duty of the Trustees or one or more of them, under the direc- 
tions of the Lodge, to invest all moneys placed in their hands for that 
purpose and deposit their vouchers with the Treasurer. All investments 
shall, where practicable, be taken in the following form expressed in the 

note, bond, mortgage or other obligation, to wit: To 

Trustees of , Lodge, No , I. O. O. F., of 

Pennsylvania, their successors in office from time to time and their assigns. 
The title to office and the right to act, of the successors to the Trustees 
herein named, or any of them, and their successors shall be conclusively 
established and determined from time to time by a statement or certificate 
in writing under the seal of the Lodge aforesaid and over the signature of the 
de facto Noble Grand and Secretary, acknowledged before an officer author- 
ized to take acknowledgments of deeds and recorded in the office for the 
recording of deeds, etc., for the proper county or filed in the proper office 
for the satisfaction of judgments or other obligations. 

Sec. 2. They shall have charge of all real estate, securities and invest- 
ments of the Lodge, collect the income, interests and dividends thereof and 
pay the same over to the Secretary at the next stated meeting after the 
same shall have been collected, who shall immediately pay the same to the 
Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor. 

Sec. 3. They shall make a full report to the Lodge upon the evening 
of the semi-annual election or whenever required by the Lodge of all their 
transactions, with a list of all securities held for the Lodge and a state- 
ment of the condition of the investment. 

Sec. 4. Individual or joint security be required in the sum of 

The sureties may be either individuals or corporations, 

authorized by law to become sureties in such cases. 

4385. If Lodges fail to adopt the preceding section and to use the form of 
trust above prescribed for investments made by the trustees, it will be necessary to 
have a conveyance or assignment from each outgoing trustee to his successor, where 
the trustee is not reelected. This is usually neglected and there is much trouble 
when the Lodge comes to satisfy the mortgage or sell a bond, whereas by the above 
form of trust no one will deal with the mortgage or bond without a certificate from 
the Lodge, and this certificate will authorize the present trustees and no others to 
sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the securities. 

4386. The Trustees can only invest said funds or change said invest- 
ments when authorized so to do by the Lodge; and all evidences of invest- 
ments as aforesaid must be deposited with the Treasurer of the Lodge. 

4387. It being required that all the business of a Lodge shall be trans- 
acted while the Lodge is working in the third degree, not only all the 
officers of the Lodge, but those who hold positions in the Lodge directly 
connected with its business interests, must be in possession of the third 
degree. Therefore, a member who is not in possession of the third degree 
is not eligible to the position of Trustee. 

4388. Trustees of a Lodge are not officers in a sense that would sub- 
ject them to removal for mere absence from Lodge meetings, they otherwise 
performing their duties. 

4389. A Trustee of a Lodge without other service for a term in a regu- 
lar appointed office, cannot be elected to and serve as V. G., as the position 
of Trustee is not a qualifying office. 

4390. In the absence of prohibition in the local law or in the By-Laws of 
the Lodge, any third degree member, whether an officer of the Lodge or not, 
is eligible to be elected Trustee. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 487 

TKUSTEES. 

4391. The fixing of the requirements for office of Trustee is entirely in 
the control of the Grand Lodge. It is not "the defining of qualifications for 
office," as that relates only to officers created by and whose duties and 
qualifications are fixed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

4392. The Grand Lodge has a legal right to pass a resolution that no elective 
officer of a Subordinate Lodge shall serve as Trustee of funds. 

4393. Such a resolution would not conflict with any general law of the 
Order, it not defining a qualification for office and not providing that a 
Trustee of funds may not be elected to office. Properly construed, such a 
resolution would have the effect of vacating the service or position of 
Trustee on election to office, and also prohibit an officer while serving being 
elected as Trustee. 

4394. Under the law, as it now stands, the matter of defining the duties 
of Trustee is entirely with the Subordinate Lodge, subject, of course, to 
compliance with the provisions of the local law on the subject enacted by 
the Grand Lodge, as above set forth. 

4395. When a Lodge created a widows' and orphans' fund, for which 

it created a special board of three Trustees, calling them in its By-Laws, 
"Trustees of the Widows' and Orphans' Fund," and also had the usual Board 
of Trustees for investment of general funds, it subsequently revised its 
By-Laws by which, instead of providing for separate boards, it provides for 
but one board of three Trustees, who were to have charge of all the invest- 
ments. The Treasurer to hold all funds. It was ruled by the Grand Lodge 
that there was nothing connected with the office of Trustee of the Widows' 
and Orphans' Fund to prevent the Lodge who created the office, from 
abolishing it at pleasure, and thus bring the term of office of these Trustees 
to an abrupt and an immediate ending, and that these Trustees should at 
once hand over to the new Trustees "all funds and securities belonging to 
said fund, with the distinct understanding and provision to be embodied in 
the receipt and release given for said fund, that it is to be held separate and 
apart from the General Fund of the said Lodge, and to be applied to the 
relief of the widows and orphans of deceased members of said Lodge, in 
good standing, in accordance with the purpose for which the fund was 
originally created." 

4396. A Trustee of a Lodge, having been selected as "Trustee of 
invested funds," later resigned the trust. By resolution of the Lodge he 
was directed to transfer all securities in his possession as Trustee to his 
successor, but refused and appealed to the Grand Master from the action 
of the Lodge. The action of the Lodge was sustained. 

4397. A Lodge submitted an amendment to its By-Laws, to the Committee 
on By Laws, for approval, placing all the evidences of investment in the custody 
of its Trustees, they, at the same time, giving no security for the proper 
discharge of their duties. Held that, unless the Lodge has a clause in its 
By-Laws requiring its Trustees to give sufficient bonds for the faithful execu- 
tion of their trust, the proposed amendment, which would place it in their 
power to hold or dispose of the vouchers of the Lodge at will, would be 
illegal. There can be no question that the animus and aim of all legislation 
on the subject of Lodge finance is, that the "trust funds" may be insured, 
beyond a peradventure, against fraud or misappropriation. The Treasurer, 
holding evidences of investment made by the Trustees, could not, of his 
own volition, convert them into any illegitimate purpose. The Trustees, on 
the contrary, as the makers of these investments, could dishonestly negotiate 
them, if they were so disposed. Odd Fellow finance is "business," and 
"business" leaves nothing to any agent's honor. 

4398. The Lodge has the power and authority to direct its Trustees as 
to the investments of Lodge funds and the Trustees are amenable to the 
Lodge for refusing to obey its orders in this respect. The funds belong 
to the Lodge, not to the Trustees; the latter are custodians of the invest- 
ments, and when the Lodge orders the investments to be handled in a 
certain way (not in conflict with the general laws of the Order) the Trustees 



488 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

TETJSTEES. 

must obey its directions, the resolution of the Lodge being their authority 
and protection for such action. 

4399. A Lodge appointed a special committee to make repairs on the 
Lodge room. There is no objection in any way whatever as to the work 
being done, but the question was raised as to whether this was not the 
exclusive duty of the Trustees. Held, that the Lodge has the right to 
appoint such special committee, although the By-Laws provide that the 
Trustees shall "carry out all other acts not otherwise provided for." The 
Lodge is not in duty bound to place this matter in the hands of the 
Trustees. It has the right to select a special committee for the purpose. 

VACANCY IN OFFICE. 

(a). Subordinate Lodge Office- (b). Grand Lodge Office. 

(a). Subordinate Lodge Office. 

4400. In the absence of By-Laws otherwise a vacancy in subordinate office, 
elective and appointive can only occur from death, resignation or the suspension 
from cause of the brother filling the position, or by his voluntary or involuntary 
severance of membership in the Lodge. 

4401. A Withdrawal Card having been granted to an officer upon proper 
application, if the card be afterwards revoked, it does not restore the 
brother to his former official position in the Lodge. 

4402. The suspension for cause of an officer of a Subordinate Lodge, no 
matter how short the period may be, vacates the office and the Lodge may 
fill such vacancy. 

4403. When no local law or By Law provides therefor an installed offi 
cer does not vacate his office for non-attendance, and the Lodge has no 
authority to create and fill a vacancy. 

4404. The position of Trustee may be vacated by an amendment to 
the By Law creating the position, as he is not a recognized officer of the 
Lodge. 

4405. A Lodge cannot displace an officer during the term for which he 
was elected for non-attendance in the absence of any Constitutional provision 
on the subject. 

4406. It is legal for a Lodge to have a By-Law which says that if any 
officer absents himself for more than three stated meetings his office may 
be declared vacant by a vote of the Lodge, after he has been duly notified 
and failed to give a satisfactory excuse for his absence. 

4407. When a Lodge has a By Law declaring a chair may be vacated 
if the incumbent absents himself for at least four consecutive meetings, 
before action can be taken under the law the officer shall be notified, that 
he may show cause why his seat shall not be vacated. 

4408. Absence of, an officer from the regular stated meetings of the 
Lodge, for at least four consecutive nights, may work vacation of office, if the By 
Laws so provide. 

4409. An office can become vacant by the officer filling the same becom- 
ing in arrears, provided he does not pay up his dues before any action is 
had or taken in his case. 

4410. Where an officer elect is absent at installation, so that the instal- 
lation for his office is thereby deferred and he subsequently continues to 
absent himself, if the By Laws of a Lodge provides for vacating an office 
for non-attendance, the Lodge may treat the officer as installed and vacate 
his office. 

4411. All vacancies are filled in the manner of the former selection 
to serve the remainder of the term, and the officers so serving shall, if they 
render the service, be entitled to the full honors of the office. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 489 

VACANCY IN OFFICE-Subordinate Lodge Office. 

4412. It is lawful for the acting Noble Grand to fill the vacancy and an 
appointive office occurring while he is in the chair. 

4413. Any member who has been duly elected or appointed to fill a 
vacancy in any office in a Subordinate Lodge and who shall serve therein 
to the end of the term, shall be deemed to have served a full term in 
such office. v 

4414. Where a N. G. obtains leave of absence from his Lodge for three 
months and overstays his time, being absent for the majority of nights of 
a term, and his office is declared vacant by a vote of the Lodge, and a 
P. G. elected to his vacancy, the Lodge cannot, by the resignation of the 
latter and the re-election of the former for the remainder of that term, make 
him a P. G., entitled to the honors of a Past N. G., as this would permit 
him to take advantage of his own wrong and accomplish indirectly that 
which the law prohibits him from doing directly. 

4415. In case an officer resigns, after serving a part of the term to 
which there is a salary attached, he does not forfeit his rights to his por- 
tion of the salary. 

(b). Grand Lodge Office. 

4416. In the Grand Lodge an appointed officer may be removed for sufficient 
cause by the Grand Lodge or during the recess by the Buard of Grand Lodge 
Officers. 

4417. An officer cannot be displaced during the term for which he 
is elected for non-attendance in the absence of any Constitutional provision 
or By Law. 

4418. If a Grand Master, after installation, removes permanently from 
fcis Jurisdiction and abandons his work, his office may be delcared vacant, 
and the Deputy Grand Master becomes Grand Master in accordance with 
a Constitution which provides that "The Deputy Grand Master shall become 
Grand Master in case of the death, resignation or removal of the Grand 
Master during the term." But service for the balance of this term will 
not make the Deputy Grand Master a Past Grand Master (see Deputy 
Grand Master). 

4419. Suspension for cause in his Subordinate Lodge operates to remove 
a Grand Officer from his office in the Grand Lodge. 

4420. An elective officer of a Grand Lodge was suspended for three 
months in his Subordinate Lodge, after trial and conviction on charges of 
"Conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow." Held, that his office was vacated and 
should be filled in the mode provided in the. Constitution of said Grand 
Lodge, and that he would not be restored to his office at the end of his 
suspension, unless the Constitution so declared. 

4421. An officer of this Grand Lodge, or a Representative to the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, taking a Withdrawal Card, does not vacate his 
office thereby, if the same be immediately deposited in this Grand Lodge, 
accompanying the application for a new charter; or if, on occasion of 
change of residence of this Jurisdiction, the card be within one month 
deposited in a Subordinate, or without change of residence; provided, that 
while holding such Withdrawal Card, and until such new Lodge be insti- 
tuted, such person can discharge no official act. 

4422. In case of the extinction of a Subordinate Lodge, in which an 
officer or a member of the Sovereign Grand Lodge holds membership, the 
seat of such officer or representative shall not be vacated thereby; provided, 
that within one month after such extinction, he shall connect himself with 
some other Subordinate Lodge. 

4423. When a Grand Master suspends a Subordinate Body, of which he 
ie a member, or withdraws its charter, such suspension or withdrawal of 
charter shall not affect his rank or standing in the Order during the 

31 



490 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

VACANCY IN QEFICE-Grand Lodge Office. 

remainder of his term of office and for a period of thirty days after the close 
of said term. 

4424. In every case the successor who fulfills the duties of the unex- 
pired term, and is regularly installed into the office, becomes entitled 
to the honors of the office. 

VETERAN MEMBERSHIP. 

Se« Non-Contributing Members. See Non-Beneficial Members. 

Non-Affiliated Odd Fellows. Honorary Membership. 

4425. Veteran members of the Order must not be confused with non-con- 
tributing, or non-affiiliated, or non-beneficial members, no matter how aged 
these may severally be. 

4426. A veteran member of the Order is one who is a contributing mem- 
ber in good standing and who for twenty-five years or more of continuous 
membership has been such. 

4427. An honorable veteran member of the Order is one who is a con- 
tributing member in good standing and who has had continuous membership 
in the Order for fifty consecutive years or more. 

4428. If a member entitled to wear a veteran jewel comes into posses- 
sion of one in any way other than that prescribed by the law, bis record 
cannot be lawfully entered in the Veterans' Register, nor can a number be 
given his jewel. He cannot take a half number, but must buy a new jewel 
and take the number given by the Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge. 

4429. The right to own and wear the veteran jewel depends upon con- 
secutive membership. 

4430. Any temporary suspension of membership during that period, no 
matter how short, forfeits his rights. 

4431. The taking of a Withdrawal Card, which the brother deposited 
within one year, does not break the continuity of membership. 

4432. Suspension for cause terminates "good standing," and not being 
restored until after the expiration of one year breaks the continuity of 
years, so that the member, though restored, is not entitled to the veteran 
jewel, if the years necessary to gain the honor embrace the year of sus- 
pension. 

4433. No one may lawfully wear either of these jewels except he be 
entitled thereto under the law. 

4434. The jewel must be* purchased through the Grand Secretary, and 
the brother may procure and wear both the large and watch charm size. 

4435. To entitle a brother to wear a veteran jewel, he must have been 
in continuous membership for 25 years. That during the period he may 
have been at some time or other over 13 weeks in arrears for dues does 
not deprive him of the privilege. The good standing required by the law 
relating to veteran jewels is an active membership that has been unbroken 
by suspension, expulsion, abeyance, resignation or lapse by withdrawal 

4436. Continuous membership for twenty-five years entitling to veteran's 
jewel is not affected by the fact that the brother may have been in bad 
standing and not entitled to benefits during such period. If the brother's 
name has been on the rolls and he has not been suspended for any cause or 
become an Ancient Odd Fellow he is entitled to wear the jewel. 

4437. A member applying for a jewel and registry in the Veterans' or 
the Honorable Veterans' Register, must furnish to the Grand Secretary of the 
Jurisdiction in which he holds membership a certificate from the Secretary 
of his Lodge) stating time of initiation, or admission by card, and that 
his membership has been continuous for twenty-five years or more. A 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 491 

VETERAN MEMBERSHIP. 

member joining a Lodge by card (not expired) will be recognized from the 
time of his initiation, provided his membership has not been interrupted, 
on his furnishing a proper certificate from the Lodge in which he now 
holds membership. A member who became non-affiliated by suspension or 
otherwise is to be held as in continuous membership from the date of his 
reinstatement. In case the Lodge in which a member was initiated is 
defunct, the certificate of the Grand Secretary of the Jurisdiction in which 
the Lodge was located, as to his initiation and membership, must be 
accepted; and if, by reason of the destruction of the records, or other cause, 
a certificate from the Grand Secretary cannot be obtained, the brother must 
furnish an affidavit as to his initiation and membership. Each jewel will 
be numbered consecutively for each State, and the Grand Secretary will 
keep a record of all issued, with the name, Lodge, date of admission, etc. 
A member can have his name engraved on the reverse side of the jewel. 
Any member of the Order, without regard to the rank he has attained, is 
entitled to procure a jewel if his membership conforms to the requirements 
of the resolution, viz.: "Members of the Order in good standing, and who 
for twenty-five years or more have been such, shall be entitled to wear a 
jewel to be designated "The Veteran Jewel I. 0. O. F.' " [As to^he engraving 
of the name of the brother on the back of the Jewel the following rules must be ob- 
served : There will be no engraving placed on the back of the plated Veteran Jewel 
by the Grand Secretary, but as to the other grades, 8, 10 and 14 carat gold and the 
Honorable Veteran Jewel, the brother's name will be engraved free as part of the 
cost of the jewel, provided ample time be given, and his name be clearly type- 
written, so that there can be no possibility of error.] The necessary blanks for the 
required certificate can be obtained from the Grand Secretary upon application to 
him by the Secretary of the brother's Lodge. 

VICE GRAND. 

See Noble Grand. See Annual Traveling Pass Word. 
Right Supporter to Noble Grand. Semi-Annual Pass Word. 

Absence. Installation. 

Meetings. Eligibility to Office. 

Past Grand's Charge. Dispensation. 

Committees. Degrees. 

4438. To be eligible to the office of Vice Grand a member must have served 
a term in some elective or in an appointive office in a subordinate Lodge other 
than that of Trustee. 

4439. A Vice Grand must be a third degree member. Under no circum- 
stances can a brother who has not attained the third degree be elected 
Vice Grand. 

4440. A member cannot be legally elected to the Vice Grand's Chair 
without dispensation, he not having served in any office for six months, and 
having been absent during that time. To be elected to the office of Vice 
Grand, one must have served a majority of nights and until the end of the 
term in a Subordinate office, having been appointed and duly installed 
into the same. 

4441. It is unlawful to elect, without a dispensation for a term of service, and 
install as Vice Grand a member who has not served in an appointive office. 

4442. A law requiring service for one term as Recording Secretary as a 
qualification for Vice Grand is illegal. 

4443. The obligation to a candidate must be administered by a V. G. 
or a P. V. G. 

4444. The Vice Grand, in the absence of the Noble Grand, must perform 
the duties of Noble Grand, including conferring the Initiatory and other 
degrees, but under no circumstances can he deliver the P. G.'s charge at 

Initiation. 



492 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

VICE GKAND. 

4445. It is the duty of the Vice Grand, while occupying the chair of the 
Noble Grand, to wear the regalia of the Noble Grand. 

4446. During the absence of the Vice Grand, if there be no Past Grands 
present, the Vice Grand's chair may be filled by his Right Supporter, but the 
charge to a candidate and the obligation can be delivered only by a Past 
Grand or a Past Vice Grand. 

4447. A Vice Grand is eligible for election and installation as Noble 
Grand, although charges are pending against him and undetermined. 

4448. The position of Trustee is not a qualification for the office of 
Vice Grand. 

4449. It is not competent nor lawful for a Noble Grand to appoint a 
third degree member who has never filled an office to fill the office of 
Vice Grand when there is a Past Grand of his Lodge present in the room. 

4450. A Vice Grand, not having served a majority of nights in a term, 
is ineligible to election as Noble Grand in case of his resignation, except in 
case of serving for the remainder of the term or having obtained & dis- 
pensation for "term of service" as Vice Grand. 

4451. A Vice Grand holding his office is not eligible to election to fill a 
vacancy as Noble Grand, unless all qualified members of the Lodge decline and a 
dispensation is granted by the Grand Master. In case of such illegal election he 
loses the honors both of Vice Grand and Noble Grand. 

4452. Where the By Laws of a Lodge so provide, it is proper for the 
Vice Grand to appoint a minority of all committees. This is, however, not 
applicable to the Auditing Committee provided for in the Constitution for 
Subordinate Lodges. 

4453. The Vice Grand appoints his own supporters. 

4454. In the absence of any local law on the subject, should a Noble 
Grand elect fail to present himself for installation, and no brother is elected 
to fill the vacancy, the Vice Grand, as the presiding officer of the Lodge, may 
appoint the Subordinate officers. 

4455. During the absence of a Noble Grand, the Vice Grand should per- 
form all the duties devolving upon the Noble Grand, which are required to be 
performed at that time. The immediate filling of a vacancy in an appointive 
office during a temporary absence of the Noble Grand might not be neces- 
sary, and would not, therefore, devolve upon the Vice Grand, unless the Lodge so 
iustructed him. 

4456. The Vice Grand, while seated in the Vice Grand's chair, cannot 
direct any orders drawn on the Treasurer without a motion. The Noble 
Grand, or the one occupying the chair of the Noble Grand, may direct an 
order to be drawn for benefits, as this is provided for by law. 

4457. When the Vice Grand appoints a minority of a committee and 
a vacancy occurs, whether among his appointees or those of the Noble 
Grand, the latter fills the vacancy; the Vice Grand exhausted his preroga- 
tive when he made the original minority appointment. 

4458. Ordinarily, the Vice Grand of a Lodge has no right to call a Past 
Grand to preside over his Lodge during the absence of the Noble Grand, 
but cases and circumstances are numerous upon occasions of initiations 
and Grand Visitations when there may be great propriety in the acting 
Noble Grand calling to his assistance the best experienced Past Grand of the 
Lodge 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 493 



VISITING BY LODGES. 

4459. A Lodge may visit a sister Lodge in a body without cards or the 
A. T. P. W. when accompanied by one of its first two officers, who may introduce 
the Lodge in the manner provided for the introduction of visitors by elective 
Grand Lodge Officers, but it is necessary that one of the first two officers in 
charge must be in possession of the A. T. P. W. and have his card. 

4460. A Canton of the Partiarchs Militant, under command of its offi- 
cers and in full uniform, can lawfully visit a Subordinate Lodge when in 
session. 

4461. A Lodge, with its officers, can, in a body, visit another Lodge out- 
side of its Jurisdiction without cards, or the Annual Traveling Password, but 
it is necessary that the one of the first two officers in charge of such visit- 
ing body must be in possession of the Annual Traveling Password and have his 
card. 

4462. Past Officers of every description and members in possession of 
the Encampment Degrees, and all other members of the Order, when visiting 
Grand or Subordinate Lodges, and when attending the meetings of the 
Lodges of whicn they are members, are entitle*! to wear the regalia and 
jewel pertaining to the highest degree which they may have taken. 

4463. The officers and members of Subordinate Lodges, when visiting 
other Lodges in a body and introduced by their own officers, in the manner 
provided for the introduction of visitors by elective Grand Lodge Officers, 
are not entitled to be received with the Grand Honors. 

VISITATION BY MEMBERS. 

(a). Bight Of. (o). Examination and Introduction. 

(b). 3y Cirl or 3i33ial Carti- (d). 3y Introduction of Elective Grand 

ficate. Lodge Officers. 

(a). Eight of. 

4464. No brother, a member of a Lodge in this jurisdiction can be admitted to 
Tisit out of the State unless he present a card or official certificate showing 
dues paid in advance, as furnished under the signature of the proper officers 
and seal of the Lodge, unless he shall be introduced by a Grand Repre- 
sentative or any elective Grand Lodge Officer of the Grand Lodge within 
whose Jurisdiction he wishes to visit or a District Deputy Grand Sire in 
Jurisdictions where no Grand Body exists, Grand Representatives of either 
branch being authorized to introduce visiting brothers into both Subordinate 
Lodges and Encampments in the several Jurisdictions. 

4465. A Visiting Card, Official Certificate or Withdrawal Card, correct 
on its face and in date (in the absence of fraud) cannot be rejected by a 
Lodge. In such case it must be received and given full faith and credit. 
No Lodge has a right to refuse admittance to a brother who has a regular 
visiting card and is correct, etc., for the simple reason that his presence 
is obnoxious to the Lodge unless he has been disorderly on a previous visit. 

4466. A Lodge has no right to refuse admission to one who has a regular 
card on the ground that he was improperly or illegally initiated, or because 
he is an improper person. 

4467. A brother who is in possession of a proper card and who proves 
himself according to established regulations is entitled to admission into the 
Lodges of any State. It would be hazardous to introduce any regulations 
which might restrict the rights of a worthy member, even if a Lodge should 
occasionally be inconvenienced by the reception of an unwelcome visitor. 
It is better to leave the right to visit free and untrammeled. 

4468. A brother was expelled from the Order. Afterwards, on removing 
to another Jurisdiction, he was regularly admitted into a Lodge in the locality 
of his new residence. Some time after this he took a visiting card, upon 



494 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

VISITATION BY MEMBEES-Right of. 

which he attempted to visit his old Lodge, who refused to admit him on the 
ground that he was not a fit person to associate with. On appeal, the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge directed that the Grand Lodge of the State compel 
the Lodge to comply with the law in regard to the admission of visiting 
brethren, or deal with it for insubordination. 

4469. One having proper credentials and proving himself in the work 
should be received as a visiting brother, and his conduct, if improper, but 
not disorderly, be reported to the Lodge granting the card. 

4470. A veteran or non-contributing member is entitled to the Semi- 
Annual Password, and to a special visiting card and the A. T. P. W., so that 
his right to visit other Lodges than his own is governed by exactly the same 
rules as govern a contributing member. 

4471. The right to visit means that the brother, if otherwise entitled, may 
sit in any Lodge open in any of the degrees taken by him ; hence, an initiate, or 
member lower than the Third Degree, is entitled to admission into a Lodge 
opened in a degree to which he has attained. 

4472. To visit any other than his own Lodge, the brother must be in good 
standing; hence, a member of an expelled or suspended Lodge has not the 
right to visit on an unexpired visiting card granted prior to such suspension 
or expulsion of his Lodge. 

4473. Subordinate bodies, by existing regulations, possess an inherent 
right to protect themselves from disorder, the want of decorum and viola- 
tions of the ordinary proprieties of life, and where a visitor is so disorderly, 
the Lodge may refuse him admission or eject him from the meeting, 
although such visitor is in possession of the proper card, and has proved 
himself, according to established regulations, entitled to admission into 
Lodges of any jurisdiction. 

4474. Members in good standing in a Lodge in the same Jurisdiction 
have the right to visit without a card or official certificate, but must have 
the term P. W. The N. G. of a Lodge has not the right to admit a member 
belonging to another Lodge in his Jurisdiction without the term password 
But when visiting upon a visiting card or official certificate, the A. T. P. W. 
is the proper password to give. The semi-annual password is not necessary. 

4475. It appeared that a person had been admitted to membership whose 
private character had previously been seriously blemished, and that appre- 
hension existed that the reputation of the Order would suffer from his con- 
nection with it. Resolutions were thereupon offered in a sister Lodge 
requesting the objectionable person not to visit it, nor to appear in any- 
public procession with it, and requesting the Lodge of which he was a mem- 
ber not to appoint him on any committee to confer with a committee of thiB 
Lodge. The N. G. declared the resolutions as not within the Jurisdiction of 
the Lodge, which was approved by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

4476. After installation of officers and the receipt of the new password, 
the N. G. cannot admit a member of another Lodge on the old password, 
although the time for the installation of the officers of the visitor's Lodge 
has not yet arrived, and the visitor for that reason was not entitled to the 
password of the new term. 

4477. A member of a subordinate Lodge who is in arrears for weekly 
or funeral dues more than thirteen weeks is not entitled to the term pass- 
word or to vote in the Lodge; but is a contributing member until suspended, 
dropped or expelled, in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution, 
and as such is entitled to visit his own Lodge. 

4478. A member cannot be prevented from visiting his own Lodge, 
although in arrears for non-payment of dues, until dropped or otherwise sui- 
pended from membership. 

4479. To visit the Grand Lodge, the visiting brother must have the Seml- 
Annual Password, be a Past Grand, and have received the Grand Lodge 
Degree. If from another jurisdiction he must have a proper card or official cer- 
tificate and the A. T. P. W. as well as have received the Grand Lodge Degree. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 495 

VISITATION BY MEMBERS-Sight of. 

4480. To visit the Sovereign Grand Lodge, the visiting brother must be 
vouched for by a Representative from the Jurisdiction from which he hails, 
and no Representative is authorized to vouch for any visitor unless the 
visitor is in good standing in his Lodge and Encampment, and Rebekah Lodge, 
is a Past Grand having the Grand Lodge degree, and must have all the qualifica- 
tions of a Grand Representative. 

(b). By Card or Official Certificate. 

4481. Visiting cards severally entitle brothers holding them to visit Lodges 
during the life of the card, in their jurisdiction and in States or other places 
outside the limit of the Jurisdiction in which their Lodge may be located. 

4482. Visiting Cards also entitle the holders thereof to all the courtesies of 
the brotherhood, as well as to the benevolent usages of the Order, if they should 
meet with accident or misfortune. 

4483. The possession of a visiting card, the date of which extends to a 
date later than when the same is presented, or an official certificate for dues 
paid to a date later than that when the same is presented, properly signed, 
and sealed, is declared sufficient, proper and legal authority for any Noble Grand 
Chief Patriarch or Noble Grand of a Rebekah Lodge, upon proper identification' 
to communicate to the holder thereof the Annual Traveling Password, or the 
Rebekah Degree (as the case may be), and if the holder of a visiting card or offi- 
cial certificate, as above mentioned, is a member of a Lodge, or Rebekah Lodge 
in the same Jurisdiction as the Lodge, or Rebekah Lodge to which the said 
visiting card or official certificate is presented, then, and in that event, the Noble 
Grand, or Noble Grand of a Rebekah Lodge is authorized to communicate to the 
holder of said Visiting Card or Official Certificate the Semi- Annual Password. 

4484. The legislation authorizing the official certificate, and making it 
authority for admission of its holder to Lodges, Encampments and Rebekah 
Lodges, is limited to the Continent of North America, and hence, such 
official certificate would not be authority for any Lodge not on the Continent 
of North America to communicate the A. T. P. W. thereon. 

4485. The holder of a properly authenticated visiting card, the date 
of which extends to a date later than when the same is presented, and upon 
proper identification, would, in the same manner as is now practised upon 
the Continent of North America, be entitled to have communicated to him 
the Annual Traveling Password by the presiding officer of any Lodge, 
irrespective of the location of the Lodge to which it is presented. 

4486. A brother wished to visit a Lodge of which he was not a member, 
and presented his official receipt, with the request for the Term Password, 
and there was no seal attached to the official receipt. The Noble Grand 
very properly refused to communicate the Term Password or to admit the 
brother to the Lodge. 

4487. An official certificate entitles the brother to all the courtesies of 
the brotherhood, but not to the benevolent usages of the Order, if he should 
meet with accident or misfortune. In the latter case, the Lodge, at the 
request of the visiting brother, should communicate with his Lodge before 
extending any pecuniary relief. 

4488. The brother seeking to visit on a Visiting Card or Official Certificate 
must establish his identity and prove himself in the degree in which the 
Lodge is open before he can be admitted. 

4489. He need not necessarily have the A. T. P. W., as above stated ; 
the possession of the visiting card or official certificate showing dues paid 
in advance is sufficient authority for the N. G., after satisfactory examination, 
to communicate to the holder thereof the proper password. 

4490. If the brother be from another Jurisdiction, the N. G. will commu- 
nicate to him the A. T. P. W. If the brother be from the same State, the 
N. G. will communicate to him the Semi-Annual Password of the Jurisdiction. 



496 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

VISITATION BY MEMBERS-By Card or Official Certificate. 

and as the Card or certificate is a properly-attested order for the A. T P. W.» 
therefore in the latter case, this password will also be communicated to the 
brother, so that if he is visiting in his own Jurisdiction he will then have both the 
Semi- Annual Password and the A. *£, P. W. 

4491. The password that will be communicated is the A. T. P. W. that 
is in force at the time the card is presented, although a brother holding a card or 
Official Certificate from one jurisdiction is entitled to the Annual Traveling 
Password in use at the time the card or certificate is issued, and retains the right 
to visit in another jurisdiction with this same password during the life of the card 
or certificate. 

4492. The A. T. P. W. required of a brother to prove himself in possession 
of, when he offers to visit a subordinate Lodge on a visiting card or official 
certificate, is the A. T-. P. W. of the year in which the card was issued and 
bears date. The A. T. P. W. to be communicated to a brother when 
requested of the N. G. by a visiting brother, is the A. T. P. W. in force at the 
time of the presentation of the card or certificate, provided the card or 
certificate covers a period which extends to a later date. 

4493. A brother holding a withdrawal card is entitled to, and must have, 
the A. T. P. W. in use at the time the card issued, and retains the right to 
visit in his own or another Jurisdiction with the same password for a year 
from the date of the card, except in the case of a Withdrawal Card issued to 
a member of a defunct Lodge, when the right to visitation on a Withdrawal 
Card extends only for one year from the date of surrender by the Lodge. 

4494. A brother who is in possession of an Official Certificate and the 
A. T. P. W. may visit a Lodge within his own Jurisdiction, although he be 
without the semi-annual password of the current term. 

4495. The presentation of a withdrawal card is the production of "a 
proper card," as required by the laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

4496. A withdrawal card in date entitles the brother holding the card 
and visiting thereon to the courtesies of the brotherhood, but not to the 
benevolent usages of the Order, should he meet with accident or misfortune, 
as the withdrawal card is based upon a withdrawal not only from beneficial 
membership, but from entire association with a Lodge except for trial for charges. 

4497. The brother seeking to visit on a withdrawal card must establish 
his identity and prove himself in the degree in which the Lodge is open. He 
must have the A. T. P. W. which was in force at the time his card 
Issued, or he must have a regular attested order from his Lodge requesting 
the N. G. to communicate it to him. 

4498. In visiting on a withdrawal card in the Jurisdiction of the Lodge 
which issued the card, the brother must necessarily depend upon his card 
and the A. T. P. W., as by no possibility can he be entitled to the Semi- 
Annual Password. 

4499. The holder of a dismissal certificate cannot be allowed to visit a 
Lodge. 

4500. No brother from another Jurisdiction can be admitted to visit 
unless he presents a withdrawal or visiting card or official certificate under 
the signature of the proper officers and the seal of the Lodge of which he 
is a member, and signed on the margin in his proper handwriting, in the 
presence of the officer who communicated the A* T. P. W. ; provided, never- 
theless, a brother may visit if introduced by Grand Representative or other 
elective officer of the Grand Lodge. 

(c). Examination and Introduction, 

4501. In visiting his own Lodge or another Lodge, in this jurisdiction, the 
brother must have the semi-annual password, and work his way into the Lodge 
in the manner prescribed by the Eitual and the Work of the Order. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 497 

VISITATION BY MEMEEKS— Examination and Introduction. 

4502. A brother is admitted to his own Lodge although he may not have 
the Semi-Annual Password, but the N. G. has no right to admit members 
of another Lodge without the password. 

4503. A member of a subordinate Lodge who is in arrears for weekly or 
funeral dues more than thirteen weeks is not entitled to the Term Password, 
but is a contributing member until suspended, dropped or expelled, and as 
such is entitled to visit his own Lodge.' 

4504. When a visiting brother presents himself at the door of a Lodge, 
it is his duty to hand his card or official certificate to the guardian, that it 
may be placed in possession of the Lodge. If the Lodge be satisfied of its 
authenticity, they will thereupon appoint a committee of three members, 
all of whom must have received the Scarlet Degree, to proceed to the ante- 
room and examine the visiting brother. One member of this committee 
must be the N. G. or the V. G. or junior P. G., or some other brother known 
to be in possession of the A. T. P. W., whose especial duty it shall be first to 
obtain the A. T. P. W. which was in force at the date his card or official 
certificate issued, privately, from the visitor, whose duty it shall be to com- 
mence by letters, or to state definitely that he has not, and desires to have it 
communicated to him (this can ^nly be done by the N. G. after the examination). 
This preliminary being settled, the committee will then proceed to examine the 
visitor in the degree in which the Lodge is open. 

4505. Strictly speaking, it is not within the power of the N. G. to appoint 
upon a committee to examine a visitor a member of any other Lodge, be- 
cause the possession of the power to appoint presupposes the possession of 
the power to compel service; but if a member of another Lodge possessing 
the A. T. P. W. is willing to serve upon such committee, unless objection is 
made, the N. G. has the right to request and permit such service. 

4506. The brother must be proved in the work of the degree expressed 
on the card; provided, however, if the card states the holder thereof to be a 
P. G. and he shall not be able to prove himself in the work of that degree 
from not having received it, the fact as set forth in the card shall be suf- 
ficient evidence to entitle him to the privilege such rank confers. 

4507. A Subordinate Lodge cannot examine a visitor in the Grand Lodge 
Degrees. 

4508. The committee has the right to examine the visiting brother in the 
address to the chair and in everything up to the highest degree of the Sub- 
ordinate Lodge to which he has attained, as expressed upon the face of his 
card, or, in the absence of any statement thereon, to the highest degree 
claimed by the brother. 

4509. A test obligation is no part of the mode of examining visitors 
prescribed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and any Lodge would be deserving 
of censure introducing any such requirements. 

4510. When a visiting brother shall have proved himself entitled to ad- 
mission in the mode pointed out, he shall be introduced to the Lodge by 
the examining committee, and not work his way in. 

4511. It is the right of a Lodge to examine a visiting brother every night 
he may present himself for admission, and he must be introduced by the 
Examining Committee. 

4512. After a visiting brother has been examined and introduced into a 
Lodge, no future examination of the brother upon the same card shall be 
necessary in the same Lodge, and introduction in form may be subsequently 
dispensed with if the Lodge is so minded, and he may be received into the 
Lodge at the opening and through the whole session; provided, the presid- 
ing officer, upon inspection, shall find the card is within date at the time 
of said visit and the Lodge shall be satisfied that the brother had before that 
time been regularly examined and admitted to its session on some former 
occasion on the same card. 



498 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

VISITATION BY MEMBERS— Examination and Introduction. 

4513. A Lodge may authorize its Noble Grand to cause brothers visit- 
ing by card or official certificate, to be examined prior to the opening of 
the Lodge, but they must afterwards work their way into the Lodge. 

(d). By Introduction of Elective Grand Lodge Officers. 

4514. A brother may always visit, if introduced by a Grand Representative 
or any elective officer of the Grand Lodge, within whose Jurisdiction he wishes 
to visit, Grand Representatives of either branch being authorized to introduce 
visiting brothers into both Subordinate Lodges and Encampments in their several 
jurisdictions ; but in all such cases the presiding officer of the same shall be satis- 
fied that the brother introducing such a visitor is a Grand Representative of the 
jurisdiction to which said Lodge belongs. 

4515. A Grand Representative from the Grand Encampment of Penn- 
sylvania, and residing and having his Encampment membership there, can 
introduce a visiting member of the Order from another Jurisdiction to a 
Representative or elective officer of the Grand Jurisdiction to which said Lodge 
belongs. 

4516. A Grand Representative or other elective officer of a Grand Lodge, 
acting in his official capacity, possesses the privilege of introducing a visit- 
ing brother to a Subordinate Lodge within the Jurisdiction to which he 
belongs. Therefore, a Grand Representative or elective Grand Lodge Officer, 
in introducing a visiting brother, must himself of necessity make an official 
visitation to the body visited and announce his rank and title at the inner 
door, in order to exercise such privilege of office held by him. Consequently, 
under the law, he shall be acknowledged with the honors of the Order, 
which should be given after addressing the chairs and before the oral intro- 
duction of the visiting brother. 

4517. An elective Grand Lodge Officer or a Grand Representative's right 
to introduce visitors is confined to his own Jurisdiction, but a Grand Repre- 
sentative has the right to introduce visitors in both the Encampments and 
Lodges of the same State District or Territory he represents. 

4518. The Lodge to which such a visitor is introduced has no right to 
question the Grand Representative or elective Grand Lodge Officer as to the 
law or as to how he satisfied himself that the brother was entitled to visit. 
It has only the right to know that he is a Grand Representative or elective Grand 
Lodge Officer of the same Jurisdiction. 

4519. The brother thus introduced, so as to visit a Lodge, need not have 
the A. T. P. W. or any password whatever. 

4520. The brother thus introduced must be from another Jurisdiction, as 
elective Grand Lodge Officers or Grand Representatives are not authorized 
to introduce to Subordinate Lodges members of their own Jurisdiction. 

4521. A D. D. G. M. has no right to introduce visitors whose cards or 
certificates are out of date or who have cards or official certificates, that 
power being vested by law in elective Grand Lodge Officers and Grand 
Representatives. 

VISITING LIMITS. 

4522. A Lodge cannot provide that the Visiting or Relief Committee shall not 
be required to visit a sick member residing more than three miles from the town in 
which the Lodge is located, nor can a member of such Lodge assigned to watch 
with the sick refuse to tend a sick brother who resides beyond the distance to 
which the Visiting Committee is required to go by such By Law. There can be 
no limit to the distance to which brothers shall go to visit a sick member within 
the territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge. 

VISITING CARDS. 

Se* Cards. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 499 

VOTING. 

(a). In the Grand Lodge. (b). In the Subordinate Lodge. 

(a). In the Grand Lodge. 

4523. Constitution altered by two-thirds of these voting, a majority of repre- 
sentatives being present. 

By-Laws altered by two-thirds of representatives present. 

Constitution for Subordinate Lodges altered by two-thirds of Representatives 
present. 

For expulsion of a Lodge, on report of a committee, two-thirds of the Repre- 
sentative present. 

For expulsion of a member on report of a committee, two-thirds of the Repre- 
sentatives present. 

To suspend a Lodge on report of a committee, a majority of the representa- 
tives present. 

To suspend a member on report of a committee a majority of the representa- 
tives present. 

A majority vote of the representatives present to reverse a decision of the 
Grand Master. 

A majority may require every member to vote. 

A majority may reconsider the vote at the same session. 

The previous question may be called for by ten Representatives. 

A vote by Lodges may be called for by seventy -five Representatives. 

An appeal from a decision of the Grand Master may be called for by ten 
Representatives. 

To suspend a rule requires general consent. 

To elect an officer, the highest vote polled. 

4524. It is clearly against law and justice to allow a Lodge having a 
direct interest in any matter before a Grand Lodge to vote upon any ques- 
tion in which it is interested. The rule is the same, although the question 
be only preliminary, to the consideration of a subject in which said Lodge 
is interested, and although the rules of order provide that every member 
present shall vote on any question before the Grand Lodge, unless he is 
personally interested in the result or has been excused by the Grand Lodge, 
or is otherwise incapacitated. 

4525. A member of the Grand Lodge cannot vote upon a question before 
the Grand Lodge for determination in which the Subordinate Lodge of such 
member is financially interested. 

4526. Grand Officers are not entitled to an ex-officio vote in their Grand 
Lodges, but it is also competent for local legislation to give them that 
privilege. When a Grand Lodge adopts a representative system none of its 
Grand Officers can vote in the absence of local legislation; when that 
exists, all may vote in accordance with its provision. 

4527. When the Constitution of a Grand Lodge provides for the election 
of Representatives from Subordinate Lodges, and declares that the members 
Of the Grand Lodge shall be P. G.s who have been duly and regularly 
elected as Representatives, upon a call for a vote by Lodges, Past Grands 
or Past Officers, of whatever grade, who have not been elected Representa- 
tives, cannot cast the votes of their Lodges. 

4528. The names of the seventy-five Representatives standing up to call 
for a vote by Lodges do not have to be recorded. 

4529. Order of motions. , 

1. To proceed to close or adjourn. 

2. Previous question. 

3. Lie on the table. 

4. Postpone indefinitely. 

5. Postpone to a certain time. 



500 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

VOTING-In the Grand Lodge. 

4530. No debate on motions. 
To proceed to close or adjourn. 
The previous question. 

To lie on the table. 
To read a paper. 

4531. Election for officers. 

In Grand Lodge, Representatives to Odd Fellows' Hall" Association. 

In Subordinate Lodges, last stated meeting in March for Grand Lodge Officers. 

Last stated meeting in March for District Deputy Grand Master?. 

Last stated meeting in September for Representatives to the Grand Lodge. 

Last stated meeting in March and September for Subordinate Lodge Officers. 

4532. The right of a Past Grand in good standing to vote for Grand 
Officers is an inherent vested right of which he cannot be deprived. For 
that reason a Grand Body cannot so amend its laws as to elect its Grand 
Officers by the Representatives present in' Annual Session. Nor that the 
Past Grands and Representatives of each Lodge shall have one vote col- 
lectively for officers of the Grand Lodge. 

4533. The Grand Lodge may provide that Past Grands who are not 
Representatives shall not be allowed to vote therein except for the election 
of officers. 

4534. The General Law does not authorize a Past Grand to cast his 
vote for any purpose in a Lodge other than the one to which he belongs. 
In the absence of local legislation Past Grands can vote for Grand Lodge 
Officers only at the Grand Lodge Sessions. The manner in which Past 
Grands may vote for Grand Officers is also subject to local legislation. 

4535. Past Grands, on whom devolve legislative powers and who are 
vested with certain rights and privileges, cannot surrender those rights and 
privileges to anybody in the Order. They may fail to use them, but the 
right remains so long as they are members in good standing in the Order. 

4536. Past Grands cannot be deprived of the right to vote for Grand 
Officers, but at an election of officers, after the right has been once exercised, 
a Constitutional provision limiting this right (in cases where there has been 
a failure to elect) to the Representatives of the Lodges in the Grand Lodge, 
when such Grand Bodies are composed of Representatives and all other Past 
Grands, is entirely legal and equitable, and does not infringe upon the 
original right of Past Grands to vote at such elections. When Past Grands 
can vote in their Lodges for Grand Officers they are not entitled to vote 
for them in the Grand Lodge unless they are Representatives, although 
they neglect to vote in their Lodges. 

4537. The Constitution of a Grand Lodge organized on the Representa- 
tive system, and whose Past Grands voted for Grand Officers in the Subordi- 
nates, provided as follows: "Should any elective officer fail to be present 

at the proper time for installation the office shall be declared vacant and 
shall at once be filled by the Representatives." This is legal. It does not 
deprive a Past Grand of his original right to vote for Grand Officers, but 
only provides for an election by the Representatives in a certain con- 
tingency, happening after all Past Grands have exercised or had a chance 
to exercise their right to vote. 

4538. Past Grands as Past Grands have no right to vote by proxy. It is 
therefore illegal for anyone to cast a vote for an absent Past Grand when 
the local law provides that Past Grands must be present and vote in person. 

(b). In the Subordinate Lodge. 

4539. All voting in a Subordinate Lodge and Degree Lodges is by the voting 
sign, unless otherwise provided. The exception is a ballot for membership, ad- 
vancing to degrees, granting Withdrawal Card, suspending or expelling members 
and reinstating them, electing officers, reconsidering a ballot for membership, when 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 501 

VOTING— In the Subordinate Lodge. 

yeas and nays are ordered, etc., in which cases provision is made by law for voting 
otherwise. 

4540. On resolutions relative to the death of a brother in a Subordinate 
Lodge, a rising vote may be taken without giving the voting sign. 

4541. No Past Grand or member can legally vote in any other than Mb 
own Lodge. 

4542. A member of a Lodge can only vote when present in the Lodge; 
a letter cannot stand for or represent the vote of a member. 

4543. Every brother present in a Lodge, if qualified to vote, is obliged 
to vote on all questions, unless excused by the Lodge, and no particular 
number of votes are necessary so long as a quorum is present. 

4544. A member of a Subordinate Lodge, who is in arrears for weekly 
or funeral dues more than * thirteen weeks, is not entitled to vote in the 
Lodge, but is a contributing member until suspended, dropped or expelled 
in accordance with the requirement of the Constitution, and as such he is 
entitled to visit his own Lodge. 

4545. A member cannot vote or take part in the business of a Lodge 
unless he is in proper regalia. [By the general law, " When a chevalier, as 
such, visits a subordinate, he must be clothed in full uniform, either the full dress 
or the fatigue, but he cannot occupy any chair, or do the work of any officer in a 
subordinate lodge while dressed in P. M. uniform." The words '"as such" 
applies directly to the subordinate member as a chevalier, and when . desiring to 
be so recognized, then instruction is given how to appear, which would equally 
apply whether he be attending his own subordinate lodge or visiting another.] 

454o. Members cannot vote from the ante-room. To be entitled to take 
part in the business of the Lodge they must come into the Lodge room 
proper. The ante-room is a part of the Lodge room only for certain pur- 
poses. 

4547. Whether a Noble Grand can compel a brother to enter the Lodge 
room from the ante-room for the purpose of voting depends on the local law. 

4548. No brother can be permitted to cast his vote elsewhere than in 
the Lodge room. 

4549. If a mistake is made by the Warden in reporting the vote, it is 
right for the Noble Grand to correct him, and it is right for the Noble 
Grand, with a knowledge of the fact, to require the vote to be again taken 
and declare correctly the vote upon the question. 

4550. The Noble Grand, however, alone has the prerogative to declare 
the result of the vote in his Lodge, no matter how it is taken. 

4551. It is legal and proper to provide by the By Laws that at the elec- 
tion of officers of a Lodge the Warden shall "distribute and collect the 
ballot." The ballot-box is not required to be in the centre of the room. 

4552. A brother who is over thirteen weeks in arrears on election night 
or any other time is not entitled to vote. The question was asked whether 
a brother, by paying a portion of his dues, so as to bring him within three 
months of arrearages, on election night before the election takes place, was 
entitled to vote. It was decided that a brother is entitled to vote as long as 
he does not owe more than thirteen weeks' dues. 

4553. A candidate for office in his Lodge is privileged to vote at the 
election for himself or his opponent. 

4554. A Lodge can lawfully make a By Law permitting the Vice Grand to 
destroy the ballot after the result of the vote has been announced by the 
Noble Grand. 

4555. The casting of an illegal vote does not invalidate a ballot unless it 
affirmatively appears that such illegal vote did change or might have 
changed the result. 



502 , THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

VOTING-In the Subordinate Lodge. 

4556. Legal votes are not to be thrown out in order to exclude illegal 
votes unless necessity requires it as the only means of preventing the con- 
summation of a fraud. 

4557. When but one candidate is in nomination, a member may be 
directed to cast the ballot for such candidate on behalf of the Lodge. A 
motion to declare him elected is improper. 

4558. Provision in a By Law of a Subordinate, that where there is only 
one candidate in nomination, he may be elected by acclamation, is not in 
conflict with the General Law, but is in conflict with the Constitution for 
Subordinate Lodges which provides that all officers shall be elected by 
ballot and therefore void. 

4559. Where a single candidate is in nomination for an office and the 
law provides that ail elections for officers shall be by ballot, and by a majority 
of the votes polled, and he receives six votes and there are eleven blank 
ballots, the candidate is defeated. 

4560. Although the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges requires officers 
to be elected by ballot, a brother who is elected N. G. by the usual sign 
and declared so elected by acclamation, there being no opposing candidate 
and no objection made at the time, is a duly elected officer under the law. 

4561. Right to vote a secret ballot applies to a poll for the election of 
officers and Representatives when written ballots are used. 

4562. A brother endeavoring to ascertain the names of those voting for 
officers where written ballots were used is not guilty of any offense under 
our laws. It is otherwise with respect to balloting on candidates for 
admission. 

4563. On application for membership by card, three blackballs reject. 
On application for membership by initiation, two black balls reject. 
When only one vote is cast, and that being a black ball, it rejects. 

To restore a member suspended for non-payment of dues, a majority sustains 
the report of the committee. 

To restore an expelled member requires a two-third vote. 

Report of a Trial Committee, on charges, a majority sustains the report as to 
the guilt or innocence of the accused. 

If found guilty, to suspend requires a majority. 

To expel requires two-thirds of the members voting. 

For any of the three degrees, three black balls reject those initiated prior to 
July 1, 1882. 

For the Past Grand's Degree no vote is required, the Noble Grand directs 
a certificate to be issued to the retiring Noble Grand, even though he succeeds 
himself. 

For officers, a majority of the votes polled for those on legal nomination. 

For Withdrawal Card, a majority vote by ballot. 

For Dismissal Certificate within five years of suspension a majority by ballot 
is required. 

For Dismissal Certificate after five years from suspension no vote is required, 
the Noble Grand directs, unless charges are preferred. ' 

For Visiting Card, a majority vote or by general consent. 

4564. The General Law recognizes that very much of the legislation of 
all Bodies is done by general consent, and without the formality of a vote. 

4565. The votes shall be taken with ball ballots in the following cases: 

1. Upon the report of a Committee on Candidate for Initiation. 

2. Upon the report of a Committee on Application or Proposition for Mem- 
bership on card or official certificate. 

3. Upon the report of a Committee on Application to restore a member for 
non-payment of dues. 

4. Upon the report of a committee to receive a member upon a Dismissal 
Certificate. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 503 

VOTING— In the Subordinate Lodge. 

5. Upon the report of a committee to receive a member upon application as 
an Ancient Odd Fellow, including applicants who resigned from the Order or lost 
their card or certificate. 

6. Upon the report of the committee upon application to restore an expelled 
member. 

7. Upon an application for the first, second and third degrees for those initi- 
ated prior to July 1, 1882. 

8. Upon granting a Withdrawal Card. 

4566. It is the right of a brother to vote a secret ballot, and he has not 
the right to conceal or expose the character of his vote at pleasure, except 
that in case of a voluntary motion of all those who cast black balls against 
an applicant for membership for a reconsideration of the ballot. In such 
case it is lawful for such brothers to expose the character of their vote. 
To endeavor to discover how a brother has voted upon a secret ballot for 
the purpose of bringing odium upon him is an offense of itself. It is a 
violation of the law to endeavor to ascertain how a brother voted upon an 
application for membership. A member cannot make known his ballot 
on an application for membership under any circumstances except as therein 
provided by the laws of the Order. 

4567. In all cases of balloting by ball the use of cubes or other devices 
similar to balls in form shall be a substantial compliance with the rule or 
law requiring the use of balls. 

4568. In balloting it is not legal to have balls and cubes of the same 
color, the cubes of the same color as the balls to take the place of and to be 
considered as blacK balls. While it has been held that the use of a black 
cube satisfies the requirement for the use of a black ball, yet the 
distinction and difference in color between the negative and affirmative votes 
cannot be disregarded; white balls and black cubes would answer the 
requirements of the law. 

4569. The vote shall be taken by either written or ball ballots. 

Upon the report of the Committee on Charges, as to the guilt or innocence of 
the accused. 

To determine the punishment to be inflicted upon the brother found guilty as 
charged. 

4570. The election for officers in a Subordinate Lodge shall be by written 
or printed ballot. 

The Grand Lodge election shall be by written or printed ballot. 

4571. It is lawful to use printed ballots at an election or for voting. 

4572 When the constitution provides that in voting on the various penalties 
named, " it shall so proceed until some order of punishment is agreed upon/' some 
one of the penalties provided by the Laws must be enforced by the Lodge. 

4573. No ballot is required to fix the penalty when it is prescribed by 
law, the conviction carries the enforcement of the penalty with it by the Lodge. 

4574. The vote in a Subordinate Lodge shall be taken by the voting 
Bign. In all the ordinary business transactions of the Lodge. 

4575. The vote shall be taken with tickets. 

1. For Grand Lodge Officers. 

2. District Deputy Grand Master. 

3. Representative to the Grand Lodge. 

4. Elective officers of the Subordinate Lodge and Trustees. 

4576. No member or members of any Subordinate Lodge shall vote upon 
any question in which he or they may be interested, or in which he or they 
intend to become interested, or by reason of his or their connection, or 
intended connection with any Lodge of this Order then existing or about 
to exist, or with any other organization, and should a member or members 
so vote, he- shall, upon the discovery and proof of the fact, be considered 
guilty of unbecoming conduct, for which he may be suspended from the 



504 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

VOTING— In the Subordinate Lodge. 

Order. And the Lodge in which the offence was committed may, in case 
said member has joined some other Lodge of this Order, institute charges 
for said offense in said Jurisdiction, with the right to appeal from its 
decision, should the brother be acquitted of the charges, neverthele>s members 
of a Lodge have the right to band themselves together, go into the Lodge, each 
apply for a withdrawal card and unitedly vote to grant them for the purpose of 
applying for a charter for a new Lodge in the same place. 

4577. No member of a Lodge shall vote upon any question relating to the 
fiscal affairs of his Lodge, in the result of which he has a direct personal 
interest, but may vote upon all questions concerning the leasing or renting 
of the hall or other property of his Lodge to any Lodge or Encampment or 
Rebekah Lodge or Canton of this Order, and all law in conflict herewith is 
repealed. 

4578. A member of a Lodge is not debarred from voting upon the 
question of the execution of a lease between said Lodge and an Odd Fellows' 
Hall Association by the mere fact that he is a holder of stock in said 
Association, the Lodge in question being also a holder of the stock of said 
Association. 

4579. The exception made in the previous section does not apply to a case of 
voting to loan the money of a Lodge to a Canton. A member of a Canton has 
no right to vote to loan the money of his Lodge to his Canton. 

4580. In voting upon questions before the Lodge, the Noble Grand may 
require every member present and entitled to a vote, to vote, unless excused 
by the Lodge, but when such requirement is not made by the Noble Grand 
or by direction of the Lodge, no notice can be taken of the members not 
voting (further than their tacit agreement with the majority voting), and 
when there are no votes given in opposition to a question, it is unanimously 
carried within the meaning of the law which requires a unanimous vote. 

4581. All Third Degree members in good standing have a right to vote 
for Representative to the Grand Lodge. 

WARDEN. 

4582. It shall be the duty of the Warden, previonsly to the Lodge being 
opened in any degree, to see that the guardians are at their stations in the per- 
formance of their duties, that the ante-room is clear, and ascertain with certainty 
that all persons present are in possession of the Degree in which the Lodge is 
about to be opened and report the same to the Noble Grand ; and further, to as- 
sist him in the performance of his duties. 

4583. In examination prior to opening the Warden should receive the 
Password from the Noble Grand, who is the custodian of the Password, 

4584. In the opening the brethren will give the P. W. to the Warden 
or acting Warden, even if he has not assumed the regalia of the office. It is 
sufficient if the presiding* officer recognizes him as Warden and gives him 
orders accordingly. 

4585. The Noble Grand can authorize the Warden to communicate the 
Password to a brother in the Lodge room entitled to it. 

4586. Immemorial custom and usage have assigned particular places 
for all the offices of a Subordinate Lodge, which, in the absence of written 
law to the contrary, is binding, and under this assignment the Warden's 
position is in front of the Right Supporter to the Noble Grand, and he can- 
not deliver his charge from any other place without a violation of law. 

4587. The Warden has not the right to demand the Degree Password 
from a visiting brother who has been duly examined and admitted by card 
or Official Certificate when the Lodge is about to open in a higher degree. 

4588. It is legal and proper to provide by a By Law that at -the election 
of officers of the Lodge, the Warden shall distribute and collect the ballot. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 505 

WARDEN. 

4589. A Lodge has no legal right to pay a salary to a Warden. 

4590 A By Law was submitted to the Grand Lodge, which reads as 
follows: "Section 2. It shall be the duty of the Warden to repair all the para- 
phernalia of the Lodge, and he shall receive as a compensation for his 
services five dollars per quarter." This By Law is capable of two mean- 
ings; if it means that part at least of the salary is as a compensation for his 
performance of the ordinary duties of Warden, it is clearly illegal, for a 
Lodge cannot pay a salary to a Warden. If it means that the Lodge pays 
solely for the service in repairing the paraphernalia, and for that alone, it 
is legal. The Grand Lodge accepted the latter view. 

WEEKLY BENEFITS. 

4591. The payment of weekly benefits in accordance with the requirements of 
the general, local laws and By Laws on the subject by Subordinate Lodges, to sick: 
members is the distinguishing characteristic of our Order, and maybe regarded a* 
the fundamental principle of Odd Fellowship. 

4592. The receipt of such benefits is a right and not a charity, and it is 
the duty of such Subordinates to tax their members in order to pay said 
benefits. 

4593. A Subordinate Lodge is compelled to pay its sick beneficiary 
members continuous weekly benefits of some stipulated amount, and this law 
is equally applicable to Lodges under the Jurisdiction of State Grand 
Lodges and those under the immediate Jurisdiction of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge. 

4594. The payment of a sick benefit is one of the fundamental principles 
of the Order, and no other rule is recognized than that "benefits are payable 
weekly." That is, every member entitled to benefits is entitled to the same 
at the end of each Lodge week, and not at the end of a month or a quarter; 
and where local legislation provides for the payment of benefits for frac- 
tions of a week after the first week, the right to enjoy the benefits accrues at 
the end of the week of which the fraction is a part The amount due the bene- 
ficiary is limited by the amount which the Lodge has agreed to pay for that week 
of which the fraction is a part. 

4595. The fact that a brother recovers from a spell of sickness four days prior 
to the end of a Lodge week does not warrant him in demanding, immediately upon 
the date of his recovery, the amount due him for the fractional part of the 
week he was ill, to wit," three-sevenths. To this extent only "fractional parts 
of a week are not considered" in the payment of benefits. 

4596 The system of weekly benefits is designed merely to afford relief, 
not support, to sick and disabled members. 

4597. Twelve working days cannot make two weeks under our laws, 
but those laws do not recognize parts of days in cases of benefits; therefore, 
if a brother be taken sick on the twelfth and reported well on the twenty- 
fifth, he is sick two weeks. Both days are to be counted. 

4598. Under a law forbidding the payment of benefits for a fractional 
part of a week, it is unlawful for a Lodge to pay benefits for such fractional 
part of a week of illness. 

4599. Neither a Grand Lodge nor a Grand Master can grant a dispensa- 
tion to enable a Subordinate to suspend the payment of weekly benefits. Nor 
can a Subordinate do so by vote. Nor can a Lodge, by tacit consent of its 
members, keep in force a By Law which has been actually repealed, and 
deprive thereby a brother of benefits to which he is fairly entitled under 
existing law. 

460<>. A By Law of a Lodge depriving a member of benefits after 
reaching the age of 65 is illegal and void. 

4601. A brother, in arrears for dues for more than thirteen weeks, is not 
entitled to benefits, and his Lodge has no right to pay him benefits. 
32 



506 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

WEEKLY BENEFITS. 

4602. Neither the Grand Lodge nor a Subordinate Lodge may legally 
provide for the payment by the member to his Lodge of a fixed round sum in 
full of all dues during life instead of periodical dues. A member cannot be 
entitled to benefits for life and relieved from all future payment of dues. 

4603. As the laws define explicitly the terms of good standing of mem- 
bers of Lodges in this Jurisdiction, a qualification not recognized by such 
laws cannot be attached by the By Laws of a Lodge to the right to benefits, 
as for example, to require attendance at Lodge meetings once a quarter in 
order to be entitled thereto. 

4604. The right to benefits cannot be made dependent upon residence in 
the territorial Jurisdiction of the Lodge, and the Lodge has no right to 
withhold them if the member goes to any point where his interests, welfare 
or comfort may take him, even though the climate is more dangerous, or 
the new occupation would increase the risk of life or health. 

4605. It is within the Jurisdiction of a Grand Body to approve of the 
By Laws of a Subordinate which provides for the payment of a higher 
rate of dues by those whose occupations are of such a hazardous nature as 
to make them more liable to accident, or by reason of their residing in a 
locality where the climatic conditions increase their liability to disease, than 
is required of a member living under the ordinary conditions. 

4606. It is a fundamental rule that a member who is beneficial at the 
commencement of his sickness cannot be deprived of benefits during that 
sickness, though he becomes in arrears, as it is the fault of the Lodge in not 
retaining so much of his benefits as would keep him in good standing during 
such sickness. 

4607. When a Lodge neglected to deduct the dues from the benefits, 
and the brother had a relapse, and the Lodge declined to pay him benefits, 
because he was in arrears, the brother appealed to the Grand Lodge, and 
his appeal was sustained and the Lodge directed to pay benefits for the 
reason that the evidence shows the brother is entitled, because he could not (ac- 
cording to the laws of the Order) be in arrears, having been declared off charge 
October 2, and being reported on again December 18, viz., eleven weeks, as 
according to law his dues should have been deducted in full to date of reporting 
off, October 2. 

4608. Where a member of a Lodge is entitled to benefits, which are 
being regularly paid him at the time, enters a Soldiers' Home, and the hos- 
pital connected therewith, provided under the laws of the State for sick, 
disabled, aged or indigent soldiers, he is entitled to a continuance of weekly 
benefits after his admission to said Home, he being in receipt of benefits at 
the time of his admission thereto. 

4609. If the brother was not on the sick list at the time of his admission 
to the Home, he will be entitled to weekly benefits for a sickness or dis- 
ability occurring at any future time while he remains an inmate thereof, 
he being otherwise entitled. 

4610. When a member of a Lodge, clerking in a store, is taken sick, 
and while sick his employer pays him his salary, if otherwise entitled 
under the local laws, the fact that he receives his salary, does not disen- 
title him to benefits. 

4611. Where all the facts necessary to a correct conclusion as to a 
brother's right to benefits are in the possession of his Lodge, he is not 
censurable for receiving them. 

4612. The By Law of any Lodge conflicting with a law passed by the 
Grand Lodge, or the Sovereign Grand Lodge, becomes inoperative and void. 
To hold otherwise, upon the ground that the brother was receiving benefits 
under "a contract" between him and his Lodge, would virtually nullify the 
law, because, if the benefits are drawn under "a contract," such contract 
necessarily dates from the admission of the brother into his Lodge, and 
would exclude from the operations and charges of the law nearly all the 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 507 

WEEKLY BENEFITS. 

present membership of the Order. Whatever contract was entered into 
between the brother and his Lodge at the time of his initiation, as evidenced 
by the Constitution and By Laws of the Lodge, is a contract in so far as the 
promise to pay benefits is concerned, subject to alteration, either by the 
Lodge itself, or ^y any superior authority, including the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, the Grand Lodge or his Lodge, and whenever such alteration is duly 
and legally made, neither the Lodge, nor the brother, has any cause to 
complain, but must comply therewith. The law in question is, that a sick or 
disabled brother is entitled to receive at least two dollars per week during 
the first year of his sickness or disability, and one dollar at least per 
week after the expiration of the first year and so long as he continues sick 
or disabled. And this is so, notwithstanding the terms of any By Law of his 
Lodge, and notwithstanding the fact that he became sick or disabled and was 
drawing benefits prior to January 1st, 1892. 

4613. Although the finances of Subordinates are under their control, yet 
*uch control is limited by the general and local law. 

4614. "The laws of the Order contemplate the payment of benefits to all 
members in good standing, but they also leave it with State authorities, or, 
if they do not act, with Subordinates, to prescribe when the benefits are to 
he given. For instance, a State Grand Body may say that no brother shall 
be entitled to receive benefits until he shall have attained the Scarlet 
Degree, and it may also say that card members shall not be entitled to 
benefits until they shall have been members six months or more after 
depositing; or a State Grand Body may enact a law to the effect that card 
members shall be entitled to benefits at once, and that initiates shall be 
entitled to benefits from the night of initiation." 

4615. The Grand Lodge has full power and authority to enact Consti- 
tutions for its Subordinates and to amend the same upon the subject of 
benefits, and the By Laws of each Subordinate to have force and effect must 
he confirmed by the Grand Lodge. 

4616. In 1891 the Sovereign Grand Lodge took the control of the sub- 
ject of benefits entirely into its keeping and adopted the minimum benefit 
law. 

4617. The minimum benefit law takes precedence over all existing laws, 
in so far as it is in conflict with them. 

4618. The minimum benefit law of 1892 being practically a repeal of the 
law of 1891, revives the powers of Grand Bodies, which were abrogated by the 
latter. On and after January 1, 1893, the powers that were withdrawn from 
Subordinates in the matter of benefits by the legislation of 1891 may be 
exercised by them to the same extent as prior to January, 1892, except in so 
far as they may conflict with the requirements of the minimum benefit law; 
that is to say, the payment of not less than two dollars per week for the 
first year of continuous sickness and not less than one dollar per week 
during the further continuance of the same sickness. 

4619. The resolution adopted at the Annual Session of 1891, and as 
found on page 12,670, Revised Journal, was amended by adding at the end of 
word "member" in the third line of said resolution, the following words, 
"entitled to sick benefits by the Constitution or By Laws of his Lodge," so 
that said resolution reads as follows, viz.: "Resolved, That it be, and is, 
hereby made obligatory upon each Subordinate Lodge of the Order to pay 
from its funds, during the continuance of the disability, a weekly benefit 
of not less than two dollars to every member entitled to sick benefits by the 
Constitution or By Laws of his Lodge, who shall be disabled, by sickness or 
bodily injury, from following his usual occupation, or otherwise earning a 
livelihood for himself; provided such disability be not the result of his own 
vice or immorality; provided, however, that Subordinate Grand Lodges 
may provide that, when a member shall have received one full year's benefits, 
the weekly benefits thereafter to such member may be fixed at not less than 
one dollar per week." 



508 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



WIDOW. 

4620. Where a brother dies in good standing, the Lodge is bound to pay the 
widow funeral benefits provided by the By Laws, notwithstanding he may have 
lived with her in adultery prior to their marriage after having deserted his former 
wife and family. No conduct on her part prior to her husbands death can affect 
her right under the law that the benefits shall be paid provided she maintans 
good character after his decease. 

4621. Her right does not depend upon color or any other embarrassment 
under which she may labor at the time of his death. If she was his lawful 
wife at the time of his death, and he died in good standing, she is entitled 
to the funeral benefits. 

4622. A Lodge cannot refuse to pay funeral benefits to the family of a 
deceased brother on the ground that he committed suicide. 

4623. If her husband was admitted by fraudulent misrepresentation of his 
age, which was not discovered until after his death, she is not entitled to 
the funeral benefits. 

4624. A donation to the widow of a deceased brother of $2000 is a viola- 
tion of the law in regard to trust funds. 

4625. The widow has the right to say whether the funeral service shall 
be held over the deceased brother, and to decide whether the Lodge or the 
Encampment, where he belongs to both Bodies, shall conduct the funeral 
ceremony. 

4626. A widow has the same right of appeal as to benefits as her de- 
ceased husband would have enjoyed had he been living. 

4627. The general construction of the law of the Order, as regards 
funeral benefits, is that the widow is primarily entitled to the benefits; the 
clear intention is, that a widow, in order to be entitled, must be one who 
resided with her husband at the time of his decease, or who depended upon 
him for support. If a wife did not live with her husband at the time of his 
death, the law is, that she would not be entitled to the funeral benefits 
unless she can show that her husband had no good or reasonable cause for 
leaving her. 

WIDOWS' AND ORPHANS' FUND. 

4628. In jurisdictions where an Odd Fellows' Home is maintained the 
Grand Lodge of such jurisdictions is authorized to empower the Subordinate 
Lodges to severally merge the widows' and orphans' fund with the general funds 
of the Lodge. . 

WIFE. 

4629. It is illegal for a Lodge to pay a member's wife for nursing him 
when sick. 

4630. A wife may be a witness against her husband where he is arraigned 
upon the charge of inflicting corporal injury upon her 

4631. Where a woman is divorced " a vincula matrimonii,'" she is no longer 
a wife and may testify against her husband, but not where the divorce be merely 
" a mensa et thoro ;" there the separation is not complete, and she may not testify 
except as stated in the preceding section. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 509 

WITHDRAWAL. 

See Cards. See Ancient Odd Fellows. 

Resignation. Transfer of Membership. 

4632. Withdrawal signifies an honorable severance of connection with a 
Lodge or the Order. 

4633. A member wishing to sever his connection with his Lodge or the 
Order, must first comply with all the duties required of him by the laws 
of his Lodge, then he may withdraw by taking a Withdrawal Card or by 
tendering his written resignation, whichever he may prefer. 

4634. Any member of the Order complying with the conditions and the 
requirements of the transfer of membership law, and making application therefor 
in accordance with the requirements for the transfer of membership, may be 
elected to become a member of the Lodge to which he shall apply for membership 
without first withdrawing from his present Lodge. 

4635. A brother paid his dues in advance, taking an Official Certificate 
as a receipt for the same. He then applied for a Withdrawal Card, which 
was granted to him September 5, but did not come into his possession until 
after October 3. On September 15 the brother applied for membership 
in another Lodge by depositing his Official Certificate, and was elected to 
membership. The Lodge electing the brother then wrote his old Lodge, 
requesting his Withdrawal Card, which was forwarded, and on October 
6 the brother deposited his Withdrawal Card and signed the Constitution in 
the Lodge that had elected him to membership. Held, that he was a legal 
member of the Lodge to which he had transferred his membership. 

4636. Upon election of such brother by the Lodge to which he shall 
apply for membership, said Lodge shall notify the Lodge of which he is a 
member of such election, when, being free from all charges and the pay- 
ment of all dues and fees, upon proper application he shall be entitled to a 
Withdrawal Card. 

4637. Upon deposit of said Withdrawal Card with said Lodge in which 
he had been elected, he shall be entitled to sign the Constitution and 
be received in full membership from such time upon the payment of the < 
admission fee required by the By Laws, of said Lodge, or without admission fees, 
according to the methods whereby the transfer of membership was made. 

4638. A rejection by any Lodge of a brother applying, as above, 
shall have the same effect as in the case of a rejection on the deposit of 
card. 

4639. When a brother withdraws from a Lodge by written resignation, he 
becomes at once an Ancient Odd Fellow. 

4640. When a Withdrawal Card has been granted on behalf of a mem- 
ber in his absence, the Lodge, when advised of the fact that no such card 
was desired by the brother, is bound to recall the card. 

4641. In the absence of local law, any brother can deposit a Withdrawal 
Card and a Lodge receive him without asking consent of the Lodge granting 
It, or of any Lodge. The only requirement is that he must reside in the 
territorial Jurisdiction of the Lodge which he proposes to join. 

WITNESSES. 

See Trial. See Evidence. See Testimony. 

4642. A number of the trial committee is not a competent witness against the 
accused. 

4643. Two of the five members of a Trial Committee were without objec- 
tion allowed to testify to some minor matters which the accused did not 
question or contradict, but on the contrary confirmed. Held, not to be error, 
as the testimony could not work injury to the accused, and, in addition, the 
Lodge as a Lodge reheard the case. 



510 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

WITNESSES. 

4644. A wife shall be allowed to testify against her husband in a case 
where he is arraigned upon the charge of inflicting corporal injury upon her. 

4645. A woman divorced "a vinculo matrimonii" may be introduced as 
a witness against her former husband, as she is no longer a wife to and 
ceases to have any interest whatever in the accused, but if the divorce be 
really " a mensa et thoro,'' the separation of the parties is not complete and she 
may not testify except as stated in the foregoing section. 

4646. The following or similar obligation will be administered by the 
Chairman of the Trial Committee to witnesses who are members of the Order. 
You do sincerely declare upon your honor as an Odd Fellow that the evidence you 

shall give in the matter of the charge preferred by Bro. , against Bro. 

, now pending, shaH'be the truth, the whole truth, 

and nothing but the truth. Thus you do affirm. 

4647. And to the testimony, when read and verified by the witness, shall 
be appended the following or similar certificate: I hereby certify upon 
my honor, that the foregoing statements constituting my testimony in the 

matter of the accusation against Brother by Bro. - 

are true, the whole truth in the case, so far as known by me, and nothing 
but the truth. 

(Signed) 

Attest: 



Chairman. 

4648. Witnesses who are not members of the Order will be heard the 
same as members, upon pledge of honor. 

4649. Any member of the Order summoned as a witness, or to produce 
such books or papers as may be required, neglecting or refusing to obey such 
summons, may be reprimanded and fined, suspended or expelled at the option 
of the Lodge to which such refractory member may belong. 

4650. The Secretary of a Lodge who has been properly summoned as a 
witness to produce the Minute Book, who fails to appear or send his books, 
is liable to charges, 

4651. Witnesses who are members of the Lodge trying the case may be 
summoned by the following notice, but a witness who appears voluntarily 
does not require this notice: 

Lodge, No. . . . , I. O. O. F., 

19... 

To 

You are hereby notified and required to appear before the committee 

heretofore appointed to try the charges preferred by Brother 

against Brother at 

on the day of , 

A. D. 19 . . . , at o'clock . . M. of that day, to testify as witness 

therein, on behalf of said 

By order of the Committee, 

, Secretary. 

Or in case the witness is required to appear before a Commissioner who is 
taking: testimony in a contested claim for benefits the following form may be used : 

& Lodge, No , I. O. O. F., 

19 

To 

You are hereby notified and required to appear before me as the Commis- 
sioner appointed to take the testimony in a certain contested claim for benefits 

made by against :'"' 

Lodge, No. 1.0 O.F. at on the day of 

A.D. 19 ... at o'clock M. of that day to 

testify as witness therein on behalf of said 

Commissioner. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 511 

WITNESSES. 

4652. When the accuser or accused shall notify the Chairman of the 
Trial Committee in writing that he requires the presence of a member of 
the Order residing or sojourning within the territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge, as a 
witness, the Chairman shall endorse such notice, stating the time and place 
of meeting, and transmit it to the Noble Grand of the Lodge of which such 
witness is a member, who shall cause the member (or members) to be sum- 
moned according to the above form. 

4653. The party desiring to take the deposition of an absent witness 
shall file with the Secretary of the Lodge the interrogatories he wishes to 
be propounded to the witness or witnesses, naming them. The Secretary 
shall immediately deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the opposite party, a 
copy of the interrogatories. The latter party, within one week of such 
service, may file counter interrogatories with the Secretary if he or they 
think proper. 

4654. At the expiration of the week, or sooner, if counter Interrogatories 
be sooner filled, the Secretary shall forthwith forward them to the Noble 
Grand of a Lodge near the witness, with a communication requesting him to 
take the deposition of the witness or witnesses named. 

4655. Upon receipt of the same, the Noble Grand shall, as soon as pos- 
sible, take, or cause the depositions, to be taken, by some competent member 
of the Order, causing every interrogatory to be propounded to the witness 
and the answers to each reduced to writing in the presence of the witness, 
and when the deposition is completed shall cause the witness to sign the 
same, and then the Noble Grand or persons taking the same shall certify 
the same to be duly taken, and such certificate shall be verified by the seal 
of the Lodge. The deposition shall then be sealed in an envelope and transmitted 
by mail to the Lodge before which the trial is pending. 

4656. Depositions thus taken and certified may be read in evidence in the 
cause to which they relate. 

4657. The testimony of non-resident witnesses may be taken in the 
same manner as for absent witnesses. 

4658. When a witness is not an Odd Fellow the following form of notice 
to appear before the Trial Committee can be used. 

Lodge, No. . . ., I. O. O. F., 

,19... 

To 

Dear Sir: 

A charge of misconduct has been preferred against Brother 

, a member of our Lodge, and it has been suggested that 

your testimony will be important in the disposition thereof. The Trial 
Committee therefore respectfully requests that you will meet them at 
[here state time and place of meeting] to give your evidence, or if incon- 
venient for you to do so, that you will agree with the committee and the 
accused upon some other time and place. 

Yours truly, 



Attest: Chairman of Trial Committee. 
, Secretary. 

(The attendance of a person who is not a member of the Order, as a 
witness, must be procured by the party who desires his evidence. There 
is no law whereby persons not belonging to the Order can be compelled to 
give testimony before a Trial Committee.) 



512 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

WORK. 

(a). General Principles. (b). Devices. (o). Instruction. 

See Ritual. 

(a). General Principles. 

4659 A Subordinate Lodge cannot decide any question relating to the 
work of the Order. The work emanates from the Sovereign Grand Lodge of 
the I. O. O. F., and is conveyed by the Grand Representatives to the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania, where it is imparted to the Representatives of the 
Subordinate Lodges, who instruct the Subordinate Lodges. In the absence 
of an elective officer of the Grand Lodge, or of the District Deputy Grand 
Master, the instructions of the Representative must be conformed to by 
the Lodge. 

4660. To the Sovereign Grand Lodge belongs the power to regulate and 
control the Unwritten Work of the Order, and to fix and determine the 
customs and usages in regard to all things which appertain thereto. And 
to it alone belongs the power to provide and establish suitable lectures and 
other written work therefor. 

4661. Any member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows who shall 
compose, or write, or print, or sell, or exhibit, or use, or have in his posses- 
sion, and who shall in any way aid or abet in composing, or writing, or 
printing, or exhibiting, or using any publication, or writing, or other devices, 
purporting to be the Unwritten Work of Odd Fellowship, or any part, abbre- 
viation or memorandum of such Unwritten Work, shall be deemed guilty of con- 
duct grossly unbecoming an Odd Fellow, and shall, upon conviction, be expelled 
from the Order. 

4662. A Subordinate Lodge has the legal right to require proficiency in 
the Unwritten Work of the last degree taken, as a condition precedent to a 
candidate advancing to the next higher degree. 

4663. Lodges cannot use any forms or ceremonies other than those now 
in use and prescribed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F. 
Lodges deviating from the prescribed form are amenable to the Grand 
Lodge. 

4664. The rehearsal, in any of the halls or Lodge rooms of the Order, of 
any work which is not the present recognized work in use, and prescribed 
as such by the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F., is clearly against 
all propriety and highly censurable, improper and irregular. 

4665. No officer of the Order is authorized to give the secret work to a 
person holding a Dismissal Certificate. 

4666. The question of dispensing with the use of books in the work of the 
Order is a subject for legislation of Grand Bodies. 

4667. The question whether the obligations should be memorized or read 
from the ritual should, in the absence of local legislation, be left to the 
Subordinate Lodges as the best judges of the manner by which their offices 
can most impressively render the work. 

4668. The Written Work is that furnished to Grand and Subordinate 
Lodges and Encampments; the Unwritten Work is found in the secret journal 
and diagrams in possession of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and can only 
be communicated orally. 

4669. It is not permissible for a Lodge to present in public or in private 
a burlesque of any of the ceremonies of the Order, or to give in public any 
dramatic representation claiming to be in any way connected with our 
ritual. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 513 

WOKK. 

(b). Devices. 

4670. Any member of the Order who shall introduce, sell or offer to 
introduce or sell to any Subordinate Lodge, Rebekah Lodge, Encampment 
or Canton of Patriarch Militant, any device which in its character is calcu- 
lated to make ridiculous the sublime lesson taught by the several degrees 
of the Order, shall be guilty of an offence against the Order, and' on con- 
viction thereof, shall be expelled. It shall be the duty of, and obligatory on 
each State, Territorial and District Grand Lodge, Rebekah Assembly, Grand 
Encampment and Department Council of Patriarch Militant to enact such 
laws as will enforce a strict compliance on the part of Lodges, Encampments 
and Cantons subordinate thereto, respectively, with the provisions and spirit 
of the foregoing resolution. 

4671. There is no law, ritualistic or otherwise, authorizing the use of 
firearms or appliances of that nature in a Lodge. 

(c). Instruction. 

4672. It is the duty of the Grand Representatives on their return to this 
Jurisdiction to instruct the Grand Lodge in the Work of the Order. 

4673. There shall be a Lodge of Instruction on the Wednesday evening 
of each Annual Session of the Grand Lodge. 

4674. It is the duty of the Grand Master to require of the Lodges, as 
well as of members, a strict compliance with the instruction received by him 
from the Grand Representatives. 

4675. Where, during the recess of the Grand Lodge, there is a difference 
of instruction between that given by a Grand Representative and that given 
by the Grand Master, the instructions of the latter as the supreme authority 
in the Jurisdiction are to be followed. 

4676. Special Sessions may be held as often as may be necessary to 
give instruction in the Unwritten Work of the Order, and to confer the 
Past Official and Grand Lodge Degrees. 

4677. The Grand Lodge is permitted to exemplify the degrees in the 
presence of all duly qualified members in good standing, and for that pur- 
pose to admit them to the floor of the Grand Lodge. 



REBEKAH. 



The written Laws of the Rebekah Branch consist of— 

(a). The Rebekah Code which was amended and reenaoted by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge in 1903. 

(b). The Constitution for the Rebekah Assembly and 

(c). The Constitution for Subordinate Rebekah Lodges both of which were passed 
upon by the Rebekah Assembly in its Annual Session of 1904, and the 
Amendments approved by the Grand Lodge in 1906. 

ABSENCE-FLOOR WORK. 

6000. The Noble Grand of a Rebekah Lodge can, in case of the ab- 
sence of any of the regular officers, and before assuming the chair or cloth- 
ing herself in appropriate regalia, request members present to take the 
places of such absent officers to aid in the introduction of a little floor work 
at the entrance of the officers in a body to assume their stations before 
the Lodge is called to order for the opening ceremony; provided, that if the 
officer arrives before the procession enters she cannot be excluded from the 
same, or if the procession has entered and reached the chairs, an officer 
then arriving cannot be displaced in her proper chair by such invited sub- 
stitute. 

ANNIVERSARY, 

6001. The 20th day of September is to be recognized as the anniversary 
of the institution of the Rebekah Degree, and it is to be annually celebrated 
and commemorated as such by proper and appropriate ceremonies. 

APPEALS. 

6002. An appeal from a Rebekah Lodge should first go to the Grand 
Lodge of the Jurisdiction. 

6003. A Rebekah Lodge cannot appeal to the Sovereign Grand Lodge 
direct from the decision of a Grand Master, but must first appeal to the 
Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction. Its belief that the Grand Master is pre- 
judiced against it, and that it cannot obtain a fair hearing from the Grand 
Lodge over which he presides, does not excuse, it from appealing in the 
first instance and in conformity with the laws of the Jurisdiction to the 
Grand Lodge. If dissatisfied with the action, an appeal can then be made 
to the Sovereign Body. 

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

6004. If there is no local law of a jurisdiction governing the matter then 
under the General Law it would require a dispensation from the Grand Master in 
order to elect an applicant at the same meeting the application was received. 
But in any event the application must be referred to a Committee at a previous 
meeting, or at same meeting with a Dispensation, and a report made. 

6005. Applications for membership cannot be received at special ses- 
sions of a Rebekah Lodge. 

6006. An Official Certificate is a sufficient guarantee of good standing 
to accompany a petition for membership in a Rebekah Lodge in another 
Jurisdiction. 

515 



516 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPLICATION FOE MEMBEESHIP. 

6007. When the wife of a member of a Subordinate Lodge applies for 
membership in a Rebekah Lodge, she should furnish a certificate showing 
that her husband is in good standing in his Subordinate Lodge. 

6008. Rejected applicants for membership cannot apply again under six 
months. 

6009. Section 24 of the Rebekah Code does not prevent a brother, who 
has asked to be reinstated in his Rebekah Lodge and been refused, and who 
has demanded and received a Dismissal Certificate and paid the price re- 
quired by Section 26, from applying upon that certificate to another Rebekah 
Lodge for membership immediately. He need not wait six months. 

ARREARS. 

6010. A clause in a Rebekah Constitution that a member who is in 
arrears for more than three months shall not be entitled to receive the semi- 
annual Pass Word, nor be privileged to vote upon any question before the 
Lodge, nor at the election for officers, does not violate any law of the Sover- 
eign Grand Lodge. 

ASSEMBLY. 

(a). Powers of. (b). Membership. 

(a). Powers of. 

6011. By universal usage and the common law of all legislative bodies 
no newly elected representative to the Assembly has any right as such until 
her credentials have been properly passed upon by the body to which she 
has been elected. 

6012. A Grand Lodge cannot authorize the existence of any other Rebe- 
kah Grand Body than an Assembly. 

8013. A Grand Lodge has the power to grant the Rebekah Assembly 
the right to make a law that an appeal from a Rebekah Lodge shall be made to 
the Rebekah Assembly, provided that appeals from the decision or action 
of a Rebekah Assembly shall be made to the Grand Dodge. 

6014. A Grand Lodge can delegate to the President of the Rebekah As- 
sembly the power, ad interim to answer questions of Rebekah law (with- 
out the approval of the Grand Master) and answer all questions of law and 
usage arising in Rebekah Lodges and to stand as law until received and 
passed upon by the Judiciary Committee at the succeeding Grand Lodge. 

6015. The creating of Rebekah Assemblies and formulating laws for 
them, clearly indicates that the design of the Sovereign Grand Lodge was 
to allow them full power to govern Subordinate Rebekah Lodges, if the Grand 
Lodges of the several Jurisdictions chose to clothe them with such power. 

6016. In a Jurisdiction where a Rebekah Assembly is instituted, all 
Rebekah Lodges therein are controlled by the same to the extent that power 
is delegated to the Assembly by the Grand Lodge. 

6017. Rebekah Assemblies subject to 'General Law and by concurrence of 
the Grand Lodge, control their legislative, judicial or executive departments. 

6018. In 1895 the Sovereign G/rand Lodge said: A Grand Lodge can- 
not delegate the entire Rebekah Branch to the control of Rebekah Assem 
blies, but the tendency of later legislation has been to greatly increase the 
possible powers of the Rebekah Assembly. 

6019. The Rebekah Lodges were not cut off from the Grand Lodge In 
1903. The action of the Grand Lodge at that session of the Grand Lodge, 
gave more power to the Assembly, such as the President will appoint the 
Deputies and formulate the Pass Words; all Per Capita Tax will be sent to 
the Secretary of the Assembly instead of the Grand Secretary, otherwise the 
conditions are the same. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 517 

ASSEMBLY. 

(b). Membership. 

6020. Only such members have a right to legislate or serve on a Com- 
mittee, or vote for Assembly officers as have been duly authorized by the 
Rebekah Assembly, provided that the action of the Assembly giving such 
authority has been approved by the Grand Lodge to which the Assembly is 
subordinate. The Code provides the general qualifications for membership 
in Rebekah Assemblies, but relegates all matters of construction to the 
Grand Lodges, who are privileged to confer as much tnereof as they deem 
best upon their respective Assemblies. 

6021. All Past Noble Grands, all Past Grands of Subordinate Lodges in 
good standing in Rebekah Lodges, and all who have heretofore received the 
Assembly Degree are members whether Delegates or not and on presenting 
themselves, with satisfactory proof of qualification, must be admitted to the 
Rebekah Assembly. 

6022. Section 33 of the Rebekah Code, as amended at the recent ses- 
sion of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, reads as follows: "Sec. 33. The mem- 
bership of Rebekah Assemblies shall be limited to Past Noble Grands of 
Rebekah Lodges and Past Grands of Subordinate Lodges, who are mem- 
bers in good standing of Rebekah Lodges, and those who have heretofore 
received the Assembly Degree. Under said section it is imperative that Past 
Noble Grands of Rebekah Lodges and Past Grands of Subordinate Lodges 
shall be members of a Rebekah Lodge subordinate to the Grand Lodge of the 
Jurisdiction in which the Rebekah Assembly is located. 

6023. Under Section 33, Rebekah Code, as amended by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, the membership of the Rebekah Assembly in this Jurisdic- 
tion includes many who are neither Past Noble Grands or Past Grands. The 
Rebekah Assembly, with the approval of the Grand Lodge, may legally adopt 
a law which provides that none but Past Noble Grands and Past Grands 
shall take part in its deliberations, vote upon any question or hold office. 

6024. All members in good standing in a ReDekah Lodge are not privi- 
leged to attend the Rebekah Assembly and to receive the Assembly De- 
gree, but only such as are specified in Section No. 33 of the Code. 

6025. Only those members in good standing in a Rebekah Lodge specified 
in. Section 33 of the Rebekah Code may attend a Rebekah Assembly or re- 
ceive the Degree. 

ATTENTIVE BENEFITS. 

6026. A Rebekah Lodge can make provision for a nurse fund for sisters 
only. 

6027. Rebekah Lodges are now charged with the duty of rendering "at- 
tentive benefits" the same as Subordinate Lodges. But the legislation of 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge which provides "that Grand Bodies may limit 
or permit their subordinates to limit by By Law the time for which attentive 
benefits may be rendered and to provide that watchers and nurses paid 
from Lodge funds shall not be furnished to members who shall be so much 
in arrears for dues as to prevent them from receiving sick or funeral bene- 
fits," does not apply to Rebekah Lodges, although the words "in this order" 
would so imply, the fact remains that there are no "qualifications" for 
Weekly Benefits in Rebekah Lodges. The Sovereign Grand Lodge has pro- 
vided that only the sisters in Rebekah Lodges shall perform the services of 
watching with the sick; and for requiring only sisters to watch with sick 
sisters; leaving the watching for, and by, brothers to Subordinate Lodges. 
Rebekah Lodges do not under the law pay weekly benefits as such, and the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge has repeatedly refused to confer that power on 
Rebekah Lodges. The action of the Sovereign Grand Lodge relating to at- 
tentive benefits was intended to apply only to organizations of the Order 
paying weekly benefits, therefore, said law does not apply to Rebekah Lodges. 



518 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ATTENTIVE BENEFITS. 

6028. It is competent for a Grand Lodge to adopt the following resolu- 
tion: "Resolved. That hereafter the services of a watcher or nurse fur- 
nished to a disabled member of any Rebekah Lodge in this Jurisdiction shall 
be limited to a period of four weeks in any one disability, or such less time 
as said services may be needed." 

6029. A Rebekah Lodge can legally provide, by proper By Laws for hir- 
ing a night watcher or nurse, for a sick sister member of the Lodge, paying 
Cor the same out of the General Fund of the Lodge, if authorized or approved 
by the Grand Lodge to which the Rebekah Lodge is subordinate. 

6030. Under Section 36, of the Rebekah Code any Grand Body 
having jurisdiction may provide for requiring only the sisters in Rebekah 
Lodges to perform the service of watching with the sick and may require 
only the sisters to watch with sick sisters leaving the watching for and by 
brothers to the Subordinate Lodges. Under such provisions in the Constitu- 
tion for the Subordinate Rebekah Lodge an assessment cannot be levied upon 
brothers of a Rebekah Lodge for nursing sick or disabled sisters, but such 
assessment may be levied and collected from sisters for such purpose. Under 
said provisions in the Constitution a Rebekah Lodge may provide for em- 
ployment of nurses to watch with sick sisters by levying an assessment 
of a fixed sum therefor, or by detailing sisters for watch service. Under 
Section 14, of the Rebekah Code of 1900 this regulation seems to be within 
the power of the Grand Lodge having jurisdiction. Attentive benefits is 
one of the declared objects and purposes of Rebekah Lodges. See 1st para- 
graph, Rebekah Code of 1900, under the head of "Objects and Purposes." 
Rebekah Lodges, however, are not authorized to pay sick benefits or 
funeral benefits or expenses as such, but in proper cases this may be done 
as a charitable donation. 

BADGE-EMBLEMS. 

6031. The law permits a sister of the Rebekah Degree to wear the three 
linkg. 

BALLOT. 

6032. A member of a Rebekah Lodge cannot vote upon an application 
for membership unless clothed in appropriate regalia. 

6033. The Grand Lodge may require a larger, but not a smaller number 
than three black balls to reject an applicant for membership or reinstatement 
in a Rebekah Lodge. 

6034. The former Rebekah law predicated membership upon a majority 
vote. The present law predicates it upon the number of black balls cast. 
If three appear the candidate is rejected though any number of white balls 
should be cast. Any law that now predicates membership upon a majority 
vote is null and void. 

6035. The question was asked, does the decision approved by the Sover- 
eign Grand Lodge at its session in 1903, to the effect that "while the law 
does not require that the ballot box shall be passed to the Noble Grand and 
Vice Grand when balloting for candidates, it is permissible to do so if the 
Lodge desires, but that it cannot be passed to any other officers, except 
to the Noble Grand and Vice Grand in their official positions," apply to Rebe- 
kah Lodges as well as to Subordinate lodges. To which it was answered 
that the decision set out above was rendered with reference to a Subordinate 
Lodge, but by analogy the same should and does apply to Rebekah Lodges. 

6036. A Lodge elected a candidate to membership. Afterwards they 
became satisfied that she was not a proper person to become a member of a 
Rebekah Lodge. Under these circumstances the Lodge may annul the elec- 
tion and declare it void by a majority of two-thirds of the members present. 

6037. A ball ballot having been taken the Vice Grand and Noble Grand 
declared their decision. Members of the Lodge, doubted the decis- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 519 

FALLOT. 

ion and wished to appeal. An appeal cannot legally be taken from the decis- 
ion of the Vice Grand and Noble Grand on ball ballot, the Vice Grand and 
Noble Grand agreeing in their decision. The Noble Grand and Vice Grand 
are the only ones who examine the ballot and there is no appeal from their 
decision. 

6038. A Rebekah Lodge can legally reject the application of a brother 
who is in good standing in his Subordinate Lodge. The Lodge has the right 
to refuse to admit any applicant by a secret ballot. 

6039. A Noble Grand of a Rebekah Lodge cannot legally call a special 
meeting for the purpose of balloting for a candidate. The law provides tha/ 
.Piloting for candidates must be at a regular stated meeting. 

BENEFITS. 

6040. The new Rebekah Code does not authorize Rebekah Lodges to 
pay sick and funeral benefits. 

BRANCH OF THE ORDER. 

6041. A Rebekah Lodge represents a branch of the Order entirely inde- 
pendent and distinct. 

BY LAWS. 

6042. A Grand Lodge cannot empower a Committee of the Assembly to 
determine and give effect to By Laws of Rebekah Lodges. Such laws must be 
approved by the Assembly. 

6043. A Grand Lodge can delegate to the President of the Rebekah As- 
sembly the power, ad interim, to approve the By i^aws of Rebekah Lodges. 

CHARGES AND TRIAL. 

6044. A sister may prefer charges against a brother of a Subordinate 
Lodge in her Rebekah Lodge. 

6045. A sister is on trial; her husband appears for her, but walks out 
in indignation, leaving her without a Representative, as she is not present 
She is found guilty, appeals to the Grand Lodge, which reverses the decision 
of the Lodge. She can now be tried on the original charges. 

6046. A brother under charges for the same offense in both his Subordi- 
nate and Rebekah Lodge should be tried in each. 

6047. If charges are preferred against the Noble Grand of a Rebekah 
Lodge, the Vice Grand shall appoint the Committee and shall preside while 
any question arising from the charges shall be under consideration. 

6048. The mode of procedure for the trial of charges is governed and 
controlled entirely by local law. 

6049. Although charges are pending against a Noble Grand at the end 
of the term when she goes out of office, she is entitled to her Past .Noble 
Grand's certificate. * 

CHARTER. 

6050. The respective Grand Lodges in Jurisdictions where Rebekah 
Assemblies are, or may be, organized are authorized to enact such 
legislation as will allow the Presidents of such Assemblies to receive peti- 
tions for dispensations and charters for the institution of Subordinate Rebe- 
kah Lodges and grant same and institute new Rebekah Lodges, subject to the 
approval of their Grand Lodges and under such regulations as may be pre- 
scribed by such Grand Lodge. 



520 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

CHAETER. 

6051. The President and Secretary of Rebekah Assemblies are not re- 
quired to sign the charters for Rebekah Lodges, nor has the Grand Lodge 
of the Jurisdiction the right to so require, unless the Charters are issued 
by the Assembly. 

6052. The Grand Lodge may require that the number of applicants for a 
Charter for a Rebekah Lodge shall exceed five. 

6053. The Constitution of a Grand Lodge contains the following provis- 
ion: "Charters for Subordinate Lodges shall be granted only at annual 
sessions of the Grand Lodge, provided, however, that the Grand Master may, 
during the recess of the Grand Lodge, issue a dispensation for instituting 
a new Lodge where the petition for the same has been submitted to a 
Committee of the District in which the Lodge is to be located, and approved 
by it, etc. This section, so far as its relation to the dispensation of the 
Grand Master does not apply to Rebekah Lodges, unless there is some other 
provision in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, which would indicate an 
intention that the section should apply to Rebekah Lodges. 

CODE. 

6054. The Rebekah Code of 1900, is not affected by decisions rendered 
prior to its enactment. 

6055. The Rebekah Code was amended by adding thereto a new section, to 
be numbered 13)4, — to read as follows : 

Section 13 % — "The funds of Rebekah Lodges shall be under the imme- 
diate control of, and subject to such laws and regulations as are enacted by 
the Grand Body to which the Rebekah Lodges may be subordinate." And 
be it further 

Resolved, That Section 18 of Rebekah Code be amended by adding thereto the 
following: "Subject to such laws and regulations governing the disbursements of 
funds enacted by the Grand Body to which the Rebekah Lodges may be subor- 
dinate," making Section 18, when amended, read : 

Section 18. — "To pay and disburse the funds of the Lodge as a majority 
of the members present shall, by vote, determine for any of the declared 
purposes of this degree, as set forth in subdivisions first, second and third, 
under the head of "Objects and Purposes," subject to such laws and regu- 
lations governing the disbursement of funds enacted by the Grand Body to 
which the Rebekah Lodges may be subordinate." Provided, however, that 
no Rebekah Lodge shall be allowed to pay sick or funeral benefits. 

6056. The Rebekah Code contains only general laws and regulations for 
Rebekah Lodges and specifically recognizes in Section 14 "the rules, usages, 
and general regulations of the Order applicable thereto, and provisions of 
Constitutional and other laws enacted for their government by the Grand 
Body to which they are subordinate." 

6057. That a Constitution and By Laws are contemplated to be provided 
by the Grand Lodge will clearly appear from sections 16, 17 and 19 of the 
Code. 

6058. The Rebekah Code, being in the list of supplies published by the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge, it is not permissible for a Grand Officer to publish 
It with other laws of the Jurisdiction. 

COMMITTEE. 

6059. When there is a majority and a minority report submitted by a 
Trial Committee, both reports should be read to the Lodge. 

CONDUCTOR. 

6060. The conductor of a Rebekah Lodge cannot be deprived of the right to 
hold that position in the team by the Noble Grand or captain of the team. 

6061. By direction of the Noble Grand, the conductor may assist the 
warden in taking up the Pass Word. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 521 



CONSOLIDATION OF LODGES. 

6G62. No special law has been enacted providing for consolidation of 
Rebekah Lodges, and in the absence of such legislation, so long as the num- 
ber of members desiring to retain the charter of such Lodge is equal to that 
prescribed by the law as the minimum number of petitioners to whom a 
charter can be given, such charter cannot be revoked by the majority, nor 
such Lodge forced to consolidate with another Lodge. 

COSTUMES. 

6063. It is not legal for the Degree Team of a Rebekah Lodge to appear 
in costumes at a public entertainment. 

6064. There is nothing prohibiting additional robes to those prescribed 
in the Ritual, but others cannot be substituted in place of those prescribed. 

6065. The costumes used in conferring the Rebekah Degree form part 
of the paraphernalia belonging to the secret work and it is improper to make 
a public display of them. It is a violation of law to have a photograph taken 
of a Degree Staff in paraphernalia, even if such pictures are to be hung in 
the Lodge room and none are sold or offered for sale. 

DEGREES. 

(a). Rebekah Degree. (b). Assembly Degree. 

(aj. Rebekah Degree. 

6066. The Rebekah Degree is now recognized as a regular degree, to 
be conferred in a regularly chartered Rebekah Lodge, and is now in the 
same position as the other degrees of the Order, which cannot be revoked by 
a mere majority of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

6067. In initiating, the Noble Grand may call upon any one qualified to 
give the unwritten work, but it must be under the Noble Grand's authority 
and control. 

6068. It is a violation of law to initiate in a Rebekah Lodge persons 
known to be residents of a Jurisdiction other than the one where they are 
initiated. 

6069. A person elected to membership in a Rebekah Lodge must have the 
Degree conferred upon him in the Lodge in which he was elected. The 
right and duty of conferring this Degree, which is equivalent to initiation, 
cannot be transferred to another and different Lodge. One Rebekah Lodge 
cannot authorize another to confer the Degree upon a person elected to 
membership in the first named Lodge. 

(b). Assembly Degree. 

6070. The President of the Rebekah Assembly is authorized to confer 
the Rebekah Degree or cause the same to be done in the Assembly upon 
sisters and brothers who are eligible to membership in said Rebekah Assem- 
blies. 

6071. The Rebekah Assembly Degree adopted in 1895 is not for Past 
Noble Grands. It can be conferred only on those entitled to admission to a 
Rebekah Assembly at Assembly meetings. 

6072. The Grand Lodge has the right to so legislate as to confer the As- 
sembly Degree on Past Grands who are members of Rebekah Lodges, but 
who are not Past Noble Grands. 

6073. The Rebekah Assembly Degree is open to the Grand Master ana 
Grand Representatives of their Jurisdiction for official visitations. 

33 



522 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

DEGREE STAFF OR TEAM. 

6074. The officers of the Lodge have a right to their respective posi- 
tions upon the staff in the regular Lodge work, and cannot be deprived of that 
right except by their consent. 

6075. The Degree Staff of a Rebekah Lodge cannot lawfully write off for 
commitment certain parts of the 'Ritual of the Rebekah Lodge. It is against 
the law to write or print any part of the Ritual. 

DELEGATES. * 

See Assembly. 

6076. A Subordinate Grand Lodge has the right to authorize representa- 
tion of Rebekah Lodges in the Rebekah Assembly by Past Grands of Sub- 
ordinate Lodges who are members of Rebekah Lodges in good standing, as 
well as by Past Noble Grands of Rebekah Lodges. In case such authority 
is given, a Rebekah Lodge having in its membership a Past Grand need not 
go without representation until it has a Past Noble Grand. In all cases a 
representative from a Rebekah Lodge to a Rebekah Assembly must possess 
the qualifications required by the law of the Jurisdiction. If the Lodge has 
not among its members in good standing such qualified members, it may 
elect as its representative a member of another Rebekah Lodge who does 
possess the requisite qualifications, if the local law so provides. 

6077. A Rebekah Assembly may, with the approval of the Grand Lodge, 
adopt a law providing that only Past Noble Grands and Past Grands shall 
participate in its deliberations, vote upon any question or hold office. 

6078. Rebekah Assemblies cannot admit Delegates to seats therein who 
do not possess the qualifications designated for membership therein by the 
charter of the Assembly and the laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

DEPUTY PRESIDENT. 

6079. In all Jurisdictions of this Sovereign Grand Lodge where Rebekan 
Assemblies are organized, Grand Lodges are permitted to> authorize and em- 
power the Presidents of such Assemblies to appoint and commission Deputy 
Presidents for Rebekah Lodges in their respective Jurisdictions, having the 
corresponding powers and privileges of Presidents of the Rebekah Assem- 
blies in the same manner as possessed by District Deputy Grand Masters in 
Subordinate Lodges. Provided, that in Jurisdictions where no Rebekah 
Assemblies exist the title of such officers shall De District Deputy Grand 
Master, otherwise to be known and hailed as ''Deputy Presidents." 

6080. The title of the Deputy appointed by a President of a Rebekah As- 
sembly was formerly "District Deputy President." 

6081. A Grand Master's Deputy for Rebekah Lodges, if a Past Grand and 
a member of a Rebekah Lodge in good standing, need not be a Past Noble 
Grand. 

6082. It is legal for Rebekah Assemblies to provide that in the absence 
of the Presidents they (the Deputy Presidents) shall at Constitu- 
tional periods install officers of Rebekah Lodges who are properly qualified 
by previous service in office and having committed their charge of office to 
memory and to communicate the annual or semi-annual Pass Words to the 
Noble and Vice Grands they having fully exemplified the unwritten 'work of 
the Rebekah Degree in open Lodge. 

6083. A Deputy President cannot also and at the same time be Noble Grand 
or Vice Grand of a Rebekah Lodge. There is some apparent conflict between the 
several statements of the law but the later decision must control as it em- 
bodies later and definite legislation upon the subject. See the report of 
the Committee in the Sovereign Grand Lodge Journal of 1890, middle of the 
page, 12,177. This report was adopted as shown on page 12,274. This related 
to a Subordinate Lodge but the principle applies to Rebekah Lodges. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 523 

DISMISSAL CERTIFICATE. 

6084. A member in a Rebekah Lodge suspended for tbe non-payment of 
dues has the right to demand a Dismissal Certificate on the payment of one 
dollar without first applying for reinstatement. 

6085. In a Rebekah Lodge no ballot is required in granting a Dismissal 
Certificate. 

6086. Dismissal Certificates for members of Rebekah Lodges are printed 
and sold at same price as other Dismissal Certificates. 

DISPENSATIONS. 

6087. If the power has been delegated by the Grand Lodge of the Juris- 
diction, the President of the Rebekah Assembly can, " q,d interim, grant dis- 
pensations to Rebekah Lodges without the approval of the Grand Master. 

6088. A Deputy President of a Rebekah Lodge cannot grant a dispensation 
to receive the application of, ballot upon, and initiate a candidate on one and the 
same meeting night of the Lodge, unless this power is given by local legislation. 

DONATIONS. 

6089. A Rebekah Lodge cannot from its Lodge funds make a dona- 
tion to a Christian Endeavor Society. 

6090. The adoption of the new Rebekah Code does not authorize Rebekah 
Lodges to pay sick and funeral benefits. Under Section 18 of the Code, if a 
majority of members present should so vote, they might possibly have the 
right to occasionally make donations on charitable and benevolent grounds 
to their members or any other proper object within the scope of the purpose 
of the Degree. 

DUAL OFFICE HOLDING. 

6091. The officers of a Rebekah Assembly, such as President, Vice-Presi- 
dent, Treasurer and Secretary have the right to hold office in the Rebekah 
Lodge in which they severally hold membership. 

6092. The Vice Grand cannot legally fill her office and the office of Treas- 
urer at the same time. An elective officer cannot hold two elective offices at 
the same time. 

ELECTIONS. 

6093. In the case of a tie on election of officers in a Rebekah Lodge, there 
is no deciding vote. In case the election of officers is a tie vote, the Noble 
Grand orders another vote taken. 

6094. The Noble Grand of a Rebekah Lodge can vote at the election of 
officers. 

6095. The right of a Past Grand who has also served a term as Noble 
Grand of a Rebekah Lodge to vote for officers in tue Assembly is not an inher- 
ent right growing out of the usage and custom of the Order, as in a Sub- 
ordinate Lodge, but if the right exists at all, it depends entirely upon the 
legislation of the Assembly as approved and permitted by the Grand Lodge. 

6096. The Constitution of a Rebekah Lodge provided that to elect to 
the office of Vice Grand requires a majority of all votes cast. At an elec- 
tion there were cast 22 votes. Of these 12 were cast for A., who was not 
eligible, and 10 for B., who was eligible. Neither was elected. A., because 
she was not eligible; B., because she did not receive a majority of the 
votes cast. Votes cast for an ineligible candidate are as much to be counted 
in measuring the total vote as blank ballots would be. 



524 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

ELECTIONS. 

6097. By the Rebekah Code no one shall be permitted or entitled to 
take part in the legislative work of the Assembly or vote for officers thereof 
excepting those designated in the Constitution of such Assembly. By the 
Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly of Pennsylvania, no one shall be per- 
mitted to take part in the legislative business of the Rebekah Assembly, 
except the elective officers, past elective officers and duly elected delegates 
to the Rebekah Assembly. 

6098. A Rebekah Assembly may lawfully limit or restrict the right 
to vote for officers of the Assembly, to legislative members ; i. e., a Past Noble 
Grand, a member in good standing in a Rebekah Lodge, and being present in 
the session of the Assembly, may be deprived of the right to vote for As- 
sembly officers by a Constitutional provision limiting the right to vote to 
Representatives or by the absence of any constitutional provision granting 
her such privilege. 

ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE. 

6099. A member who has served in an elective office, out never in an 
appointive office, is eligible to elective offices under Section 12 of the Rebe- 
kah Code. 

6100. In the absence of any prohibition by local law, a sister, mem- 
ber in good standing of a Rebekah Lodge, may be elected to, and installed 
into office, in the Rebekah Assembly of the State in which the Lodge to which 
she belongs is located, even though she does not then reside in such State. 

6101. The usage and custom of the Order does not confer upon a Past 
Grand who also served a term as Noble Grand of a Rebekah Lodge the right 
to hold office in a Rebekah Assembly. This right, if it exists at all, depends 
entirely upon the legislation of the Assembly as approved and permitted by 
the Grand Lodge. 

6102. A sister filling an appointed office, but not seiving a majority of 
the nights and to the end of the term after having been regularly installed 
therein would not be eligible as Vice Grand. 

6103. A Rebekah Lodge cannot lawfully make a rule that a sister must 
fill the office of Recording Secretary before she is eligible for the Vice 
Grand's Chair. A sister filling any subordinate office is eligible to the office of 
Vice Grand if she serve a majority of the nights and until the end of the 
term. 

6104. The last six words " but all officers shall be women " in Section 1 
Article 12 of Constitution of Rebekah Lodges is contrary to the provisions of 
the Rebekah Code and therefore illegal. 

EXPELLED MEMBERS. 

6105. If such powers have been conferred upon Rebekah Assemblies by 
the Grand Lodge it may have the right to authorize and empower the Presi- 
dent of such Assembly to restore expelled members of Subordinate Rebekah 
Lodges, but without such direct authority from the Assembly, no matter how 
undoubted may be the power of the Assembly to act in such matters the 
President cannot grant such authority, no more than a Grand Master could 
in the absence of authority of his Grand Lodge. 

FUNDS. 

6106. The Grand Lodge may authorize Rebekah Lodges to set aside 5 per 
) cent of their receipts for dues for a contingent fund. 

6107. While Rebekah Lodges do not pay stated benefits, and the author- 
ity to do so has frequently been denied by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, the 
funds of Rebekah Lodges are nevertheless trust funds for the relief of dis- 
tress and the kindred purposes mentioned in the Rebekah Code, and it would 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 525 

FUNDS. 

not be proper or lawful for Rebekah Lodges to vote money from its general 
funds to purchase flowers for the sick or dead, or for refreshments when 
entertaining other Lodges, or at installation. Section 18, of the new Rebe- 
kah Code is in substance the same as Section 18, of the Rebekah Code of 
1894, as to the purposes for which expenditures can be made. Section 18, 
of the Code of 1894, refers to disbursements from the funds "for any of the 
declared purposes of this Degree," and while it does not there enumerate the 
purposes, these purposes are clearly set forth just preceding the first 
Section of the Code, and the purposes are, in substance, the same as in 
the Code of 1900. Section 18, of the Code of 1900, in referring to such 
disbursements enumerates the purposes set forth in the Code, which does 
not change the substance of this Section 18 from* that of the former Code. 
While therefore the Code of 1894 was of force, under it, Decision No. 
54, of the Grand Sire at the Session of 1897 (see Journal of Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, page 15,171), held Subordinate Jurisdictions could authorize Rebekah 
Lodges to set aside five per cent, of the receipts for dues for contingent 
fund, and this Decision was adopted, and this clearly implied that the same 
rule as to Lodge funds being trust funds applied to Rebekah Lodges, and 
that the latter were entitled to have the same authority from Subordinate 
Grand Jurisdictions authorizing the setting aside of five per cent, of receipts 
for dues for contingent fund from which certain expenditures could be made 
which would not be authorized from the general fund. If, therefore, the Con- 
stitution of the Rebekah Assembly or legislation of the Grand Lodge so 
authorizes, this five per cent, contingent fund can be provided, out of which 
proper expenditures can lawfully be made. 



FRATERNAL PAPER. 

6108. The Grand Lodge is invested with the power to authorize Rebekah 
Lodges under its Jurisdiction to make appropriations from their general 
funds for the purpose of subscribing for a paper or journal devoted exclu- 
sively to Odd Fellowship for each of its members. 

FUNERAL BENEFITS. 

6109. It is not permissible for a Rebekah Lodge to levy assessments to 
be charged and collected as dues, which assessment is for funeral purposes 
and is provided for as funeral dues. The Lodge may raise its annual dues to 
such sum as it may deem proper, and can then make donations when needed, 
but not by specific levy. 

GENERAL LAW. 

6110. If the Rebekah Code is silent on any point, the general law gov- 
erns. 

"GRAND." 

6111. At the session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of 1903, the following 
was adopted: "That the title 'Grand' be abolished in all Subordinate Lodges 
of Rebekahs as a prefix to official title." As the language in this resolution 
is ambiguous an interpretation thereof was asked for, which resulted as fol- 
lows: — There is nothing in Rebekah Lodges to which said resolution could 
relate or apply, unless it was intended to eliminate the word "Grand" where 
it occurs after "Noble" in Noble Grand; after "Vice" in Vice Grand, and 
after "Past Noble" in Past Noble Grand. If it was intended to apply to said 
official titles or designations, then by inadvertence or oversight the word 
"prefix" was used when "subfix" should have been employed, as "Grand" in 
the instances named occurs after "Noble" and "Past Noble." The resolution 
set forth is void and of no effect. 



526 ^HE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



GRAND MASTER. 

6112. The Grand Master can of right officially visit the Rebekah Assem- 
bly of this Jurisdiction. 

6113. The Rebekah Lodges and Rebekah Assembly are subordinate to 
the Grand Lodge, and in the interimi of its sessions the Constitution vests a 
suspending power in the Grand Master, which cannot be taken away from 
him. 

GRAND REPRESENTATIVE. 

6114. Should a Grand, Representative be elected by his Lodge as a Re- 
presentative to the Assembly, he should take the obligation of the Assembly 
Degree before entering upon his duties as a member. 

GRAND SECRETARY. 

6115. The Grand Secretary, simply by virtue of his office as such, has not 
the right to visit and take part in the Rebekah Assembly. 

GRAND WARDEN. 

6116. A Grand Warden who is not a member of a Rebekah Lodge, has 
no right to the Rebekah Ritual. 

HONORS OF OFFICE. 

6117. Officers of a Rebekah Lodge must serve a majority of the meet- 
ings held in the term and to the end of the term in order to be entitled to 
the honors of the office. Officers elected to fill vacancies, and serving to the 
end of the term, shall be entitled to the honors of the office. 

HONORS OF THE DEGREE, 

6118. The honors of the Rebekah Branch of the Order' are to be given 
both to officers of the Assembly and officers of the Grand Lodge when visit- 
ing officially and when so announced. If an officer of the Assembly or Grand 
Lodge should not be visiting officially they should not so announce. 

6119. The honors of the Rebekah Degree are given to officers of the As- 
sembly and Grand Lodge when visiting officially and announcing as such 
and this includes officers conducting installation. 

6120. The law providing for the honors of the Order, for elective and 
past elective officers of Rebekah Assembly, contemplates that these honors 
shall be paid to elective and past elective officers of a Rebekah Assembly 
when visiting a Rebekah Lodge outside of their own Jurisdiction, provided, 
the visit is on official business, or in an official capacity. 

6121. When District Deputy Grand Masters or Deputy Presidents 
visit Rebekah Lodges for the purpose of installing officers-elect, or upon other 
official duty, they, as the Representatives of the Grand Master or President 
of the Rebekah Assembly shall be accorded the same honors as are given 
to those officers. All provisions or decisions inconsistent herewith are re- 
pealed. 

6122. A Rebekah Lodge, desiring to perfect themselves in giving the H. 
of the D., gives it immediately after a new member is introduced to the 
Lodge, both for instruction to the new member, and for practice, not as an 
honor due the new member, but so as to have a systematic practice. The 
above exercise is allowable, with the understanding that it is not given to 
the new member as an honor, but for instruction and practice. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 527 



IMPROPER, ADMISSION. 

6123. A sister admitted to membership by error on the part of the Lodge, 
or innocently on her own part, should not be required to resign her mem- 
bership nor be expelled. x 

6124. A lady, desiring admission into a Rebekah Lodge, presents her- 
self with a number of iothers in the ante-room of the Lodge. She, with 
others, was then admitted and initiated. Subsequent to the initiation it 
was discovered that no application from this lady had been filed with the 
Lodge, no committee appointed to investigate, and no ballot had ever been 
taken upon her admission. It was held that one admitted to mem- 
bership under such conditions must, after her initiation, be deemed a mem- 
ber of the Lodge to the same extent as if legally initiated. If the error 
was on the part of the Lodge, the Lodge cannot take advantage of its own 
wrong. If the individual has been guilty of fraud in obtaining admission, 
she becomes liable to charges and to punishment for such fraud, but hav- 
ing been admitted to the Lodge and recognized as a member, she must 
continue to be deemed such until her membership is terminated in a man- 
ner provided by law. 

INSTALLATION. 

6125. An officer installed by others than Past Noble Grands incurs no 
penalty. The responsibility is upon the installing officer who violates the 
law. 

6126. A new Lodge at installation has but one available Past Noble 
<^rand, and she installed the officers in a creditable manner. This was legal if 
the sister was directed by the Deputy President to perform the work. 

6127. The Deputy President should install the officers of the 
Lodge, although the Noble Grand elect is absent. She should install the 
officers elective and appointive and appoint a Past Noble Grand to install the 
Noble Grand at the first meeting at which she is present. 

INSTITUTION OF NEW LODGE. 

6128. The instituting officer of a Rebekah Lodge, in the absence of a 
qualified representative of the Jurisdiction, may invite a Past Grand Master 
of another Jurisdiction, who happens to be present, to exemplify the secret 
work of the Degree. 

6129. A Past Noble Grand, if duly appointed, can institute a Rebekah 
Lodge. The appointment must come from the Grand Master. 

6130. A District Deputy Grand Master cannot lawfully assist in institut- 
ing a new Rebekah Lodge who is himself not a Rebekah nor willing to be. 

6131. Whether or not the Grand Master has the privilege to instruct 
the President of a Rebekah Assembly or a Past Noble Grand to institute 
a new Rebekah Lodge is a matter determined entirely by the law of the 
Grand Lodge. 

6132. A lady who is a Past Noble Grand of a Rebekah Lodge may legally 
be appointed Special Deputy to institute a Rebekah Lodge, if properly ap- 
pointed. 

6133. A Special Deputy appointed to institute a Rebekah Lodge fulfils 
his or her duty when such Lodge has been instituted, and a proper report and 
return has been made of the same. 



528 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



t JEWELS. 

(a). Rebekah Assembly. (c). Rebekah Veteran. 

(b). Rebekah Lodge. 

/ 

(a), Rebekah Assembly. 

6134. President — A jewel of gold, gold-plaited, or yellow metal, circular 
in form, one and one-half inches in diameter, one side to be plain, and 
on the other side, stamped or engraved, a figure or representation of Queen 
Esther, with the word Service underneath. 

Vice-President — The same, with representation or figure of Rebekah 
at the well, with the word Fidelity underneath. 

Warden — The same, with representation or figure of Ruth and Naomi 
with the word Industry underneath. 

Secretary — The same, with representation or figure of a Pen, with the 
word Deborah underneath. 

Treasurer — The same, with representation or figure of a Key, with 
the word Trust underneath. 

Marshal — The same, with representation or figure of a Baton, with the 
word Hope underneath. 

Conductor — The same, with representation or figure of two Wands, 
crossed, with the word Safety underneath. 

Chaplain — The same, with representation or figure of a Bible, open, 
with the word Holy underneath. 

Inside Guardian — The same, with representation or figure of a Shield, 
crossed by a Spear, with the word Prove underneath. 

Outside Guardian — The same as for the Inside Guardian, except that 
the word shall be Vigilance. 

6135. Past Presidents — Said jewel to be worn in form circular, of the 
diameter of 1% inches; on the face thereof, on the upper side of the circle, 
seven stars set in the centre thereof with diamonds; on the immediate left 
of said stars a raised crescent; on the extreme lower edge of said circle, a 
raised representation of a bee hive; and immediately thereunder, three links; 
on the immediate left of said .bee hive, a raised figure of a lily, and on the 
immediate right, and on a line with the top of said bee hive, the figure of a 
flying dove, holding in its bill an olive brancn, the figure of which is to be 
cut into the surface of the jewel. The disc of said jewel to be milled; the 
back thereof to have inscribed thereon the words: "Presented to (name of 
Past President, date of presentation), President of (name of Assembly) 
Rebekah Assembly." 

6136. Since the adoption of a Past President's Jewel by the Sovereign 
Grand Dodge, the Jurisdictions are compelled to use that Jewel, they can- 
not use the Jewel heretofore adopted by the Jurisdiction. No other Jewel 
can be furnished than the one authorized by the Sovereign Grand Dodge at 
the session of 1905, though there can be no objection to using those hereto- 
fore authorized by parties having them and entitled to use them. 

6137. The D. D. G. M. jewel cannot be sold to be worn by a sister who 
is a D. D. G. M. in a Rebekah Dodge. All laws enacted upon this subject 
refer only to brothers who have' been appointed D. D. G. M. 

(b). Rebekah Lodge. 

6138. Past Noble Grand — A five-pointed star of white metal, one and 
one-half inches in diameter. 

Noble Grand — Of silver or silver-plated, circular in form, one and one- 
half inches in diameter, with figure of Rebekah at the well engraved or 
stamped on one side, with 1 the word Fidelity underneath. The other side 
of the jewel to be plain. 

Vice Grand — The same, with representation of figure of Ruth and Naomi, 
with the word Industry underneath. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEb i\ 529 

JE WELS-Rebekak Lodge- 

Secretary — The Same, with representation of a Pen, with the word 
Deborah underneath. 

Financial Secretary — The same as for the Secretary with the word De- 
borah omitted. 

Treasurer — The same with representation or figure of a key, with the 
word Trust underneath. 

Warden — The same, with representation or figure of a Bar and Axe, 
crossed, with the word Hope underneath. 

Conductor — The same, with representation or figure of two Wands, cross- 
ed, with the word Safety underneath. 

Inside Guardian — The same, with representation or figure of a Shield, 
crossed by a Spear, with the word Prove underneath. 

Outside Guardian — The same as for the Inside Guardian, except that 
the word shall be Vigilance. 

1(c). Rebekah Veteran. 

6139. Any sister, member of the Rebekah Degree, who has been a mem- 
ber in good standing of a Rebekah Lodge for fifteen consecutive years, shall 
be entitled to wear a jewel, to be designated the Rebekah Veteran Jewel. 

6140. Of yellow metal, one and one-quarter inches in diameter. A round 
bar with pin is attached to the jewel by two chains of yellow metal, and 
between the chains and suspended the monogram V. R. D. The round bar is 
enameled pink and green. In the center of the jewel are the figures 15, in 
white enamel, surrounded by an olive wreath on a dark ground. The outer 
edge of the jewel is finished with white enamel. The entire length of the 
jewel, including the bar and chains, is two and one-quarter inches. The 
design is patented and the jewel is sold by the Grand Secretary of the Sover- 
eign Grand Lodge, on an order from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge. 

6141. The Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge is authorized 
to sell Rebekah Veteran Jewels on the order of the Secretary of a Rebekah 
Assembly in Jurisdictions which have delegated to the Rebekah Assembly 
the right to handle Rebekah Lodge supplies; provided that said Rebekah 
Assembly shall first provide for securing and retaining the record of mem- 
bership necessary to entitle a sister to wear the Rebekah Veteran Jewel. 

JUNIOR PAST NOBLE GRAND. 

6142. As to the proposed provision "that at the institution of a new 
Rebekah Lodge, no sister can act as Past Noble Grand unless she has 
filled such an office by going through a Noble Grand's chair in a Rebekah 
Lodge," the chair of Past Noble Grand is not an office, nor is the Past Noble 
Grand an officer, and as no official instructions are connected with the 
charge of Past Noble Grand, as in the case of the first officers of a new 
Rebekah Lodge, previous service is not required as a qualification and no 
good can be obtained from such change. Therefore, at the institution of a new 
Rebekah Lodge and during the first term of such Lodge, when no Past 
Noble Grand is present any member in good standing may be selected to fill 
the Past Noble Grand's chair. 

6143. A Past Noble Grand serving her second term as Noble Grand may 
be elected as Secretary. 

6144. Subdivision "F" of Section 16 of the Rebekah Code (1896 Jour- 
nal) is applicable only to the first term of a Rebekah Lodge. After the first 
term a Past Noble Grand must deliver the charge referred to in the said 
subdivision. Except in the case of a new Lodge, one must be a Past Noble 
Grand to be entitled to deliver the charge of that officer. 

6145. A member filling the position of Junior Past Noble Grand during the 
first term of a New Rebekah Lodge, is not thereby made a Past Noble Grand. 



530 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



MARRIAGE. 

6146. The marriage of a sister with a man not an Odd Fellow does not 
affect her standing in the Lodge. 

MEETINGS. 

6147. The place of meeting of Rebekah Lodges is left with State Grand 
Bodies. The new Code makes no change in that respect. 

6148. The regular time of meeting cannot be altered by issuing a special 
dispensation, although a dispensation can be issued to a Lodge to hold a 
special meeting at a time not provided for in the By Laws. 

6149. The Charter for a Rebekah Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction pro 
vides that the said Lodge shall meet in the place designated in said Char- 
ter and shall not be removed therefrom without the consent of the Grand 
Master. It shall be lawful for Rebekah Lodges, whenever their regular 
meetings fall upon legally established or generally recognized holidays, to 
omit such session. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

(a). Qualifications for. (d). Those who Have Taken the Degree. 

(b). Sisters. (e). In Only one Rebekah Lodge. 

(c). Brothers. 

(a). Qualifications for. 

6150. Good moral character and belief in a Supreme Being, though not 
specified as conditions of membership, in Subdivisions 1 and 2 of Section 
6 of the Code, are prerequisites to membership, as much as under Subdivis- 
ion 3. Those conditions are "ancient landmarks" and are not repealed by 
Section 35. 

6151. Under Section 6, Subdivision 1 of the Rebekah Code, a woman 
that is of mixed blood (Indian or negro), who is the wife of an Odd Fellow 
in good standing is not eligible to membership. 

6152. A lady who is the daughter of a saloon keeper is not by that fact 
ineligible to membership. 

6153. A woman selling liquor for a living is not legally admissible to mem- 
bership in a Rebekah Lodge. 

6154. The wife of an Odd Fellow who, after taking a Withdrawal Card,, 
becomes a saloon keeper, is not eligible to membership. 

6155. A totally deaf person cannot legally become a member of u Rebe- 
kah Lodge. 

(b). Sisters. 

(a). Single Woman. (e). Wife of an Odd -Fellow- 
lb). Widow. (f). Stepmother. 
(c). Daughter, Sister, Mother, (g). Divorced Woman. 
(d). Age. 

(a). Single Woman. 

6156. A young lady, single, of the age of 18, who has no relative, may 
join a Rebekah Lodge. 

6157. The adoption of the following amendment to Section 6, of the 
Rebekah Code (1899 Journal 330, 332, 355, 373) : "All Odd Fellows in good 
standing, their wives, their daughters, their sisters and their mothers, and 
the daughters', sisters and mothers of deceased Odd Fellows," did not repeal 
Subdivision 3 of said section, which provides that "all unmarried white 
women" are eligible to the Degree. 

6158. A lady whose husband is dead, is eligible to apply for member- 
ship in a Rebekah Lodge, she having no relationship as a basis for appli- 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 531 

MEMBERSHIP— Sisters— Single Woman. 

cation. Being a widow she is an unmarried woman and is eligible to mem- 
bership. 

(b). Widow. 

6159. A widow — an unmarried woman — is entitled to be admitted to a 
Rebekah Lodge under the new Code, although her husband was not an Odd 
Fellow in good standing at the time of his death. 

6160. If by "grass widow" is meant one living apart from her husband, 
he being alive, she is not eligible to membership as a widow. 

(c). Daughter, Sister, Mother. 

6161. The daughter, sister or mother of an Odd Fellow, in good stand- 
ing, or who died in good standing, is eligible to membership, though mar- 
ried to a man not an Odd Fellow. 

6162. A deceased Odd Eellow must have been in good standing at the 
time of his death to render his daughter, sister or mother eligible to mem- 
bership in a Rebekah Lodge. 

6163. A married woman whose husband is not an Odd Fellow, but whose 
father or brothers are or were Odd Fellows in good standing, is entitled to 
membership in a Rebekah Lodge. 

6164. A married sister of an Odd Fellow is eligible to membership in a 
Rebekah Lodge by virtue of such relationship, irrespective of the fact that 
her husband may not be a member of the Order. 

6165. The legally adopted child of an Odd Fellow, in a Jurisdiction 
where the laws provide that such child possesses all the rights of a natural 
born child, is eligible to membership in a Rebekah Lodge. 

6166. A married lady, whose husband is not a member of the Order, but 
whose father or brother is a member of the Order, is eligible for membership 
in a Rebekah Lodge. Rebekah Degree Code, Section 6, states the qualifica- 
tions for membership in Rebekah Lodges as follows: 

(1) All persons who have received the Rebekah Degree. 

(2) All Odd Fellows in good standing; their wives, daughters, sisters, 

and mothers; also the daughters, sisters, and mothers of deceased Odd 

Fellows, who at the time of their death were members of our Order. 

Note. — Good standing within the terms of this law means not suspended for cause 
or non-payment of dues, or, in other words, that the Brother at the time of his death was 
a contributing member. 

(3) All unmarried white women, who have attained the age of 18 
years. . 

Under this designation the applicant is the daughter and the sister of 
a member of the Order in good standing. The fact that she is married to 
a man who is not an Odd Fellow does not render her ineligible. 

6167. If a daughter or a sister of an Odd Fellow (as specified) is mar- 
ried to one who is net an Odd Fellow, she is eligible to membership in a 
Rebekah Lodge by virtue of her relationship to an Odd Fellow in good stand- 
ing. 

(d). Age. 

6168. Section 6 of the Rebekah Code was amended in 1903, so that the 
wife of an Odd Fellow is eligible to membership in a Rebekah Lodge, irre- 
spective of her age. 

6169. When a married woman, not the wife of an Odd Fellow, who is not 
eighteen years of age, but is/the daughter of an Odd Fellow in good stand- 
ing, whose mother is a Rebekah and whose father-in-law and mother-in-law 
are also members of the Order, and whose husband is not old enough to 
become an Odd Fellow, applied for membership in a Rebekah Lodge, it was 
held that she is not eligible because she has not attained the age of eighteen 
years. The eighteen year age limit applies to all applicants, except the wife 
of an Odd Fellow. 



532 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

MEMBERSHIP-Sisters. 

(e). Wife of an Odd Fellow 

6170. The wife of an Odd Fellow who holds an unexpired Withdrawal 
Card is not eligible to membership. 

6171. A Rebekah Lodge cannot act upon the report of its Committee 
and receive into membership the wife of a brother of a Lodge acting, at 
the time of application, under dispensation, but whose Grand Lodge refused 
it a charter before the Rebekah Lodge had acted on the report of the Com- 
mittee. > 

6172. The wife of a man who is not an Odd Fellow cannot lawfully be 
admitted to membership if the lady is not related to an Odd Fellow as mother, 
sister or daughter. 

6173. The wife of a suspended member of a Subordinate Lodge, if she 
has never held the Degree of the Rebekah Order, is not eligible to mem- 
bership. 

6174. A married lady who does not live with, but is not divorced from 
her husband (who is an Odd Fellow), and is likewise the sister of an Odd 
Fellow, in seeking membership in a Rebekah Lodge may apply as the wife 
or as the sister of an Odd Fellow, as she may choose. 

(f). Stepmother. 

6175. A married woman, not the wife of an Odd Fellow, is not entitled 
to membership because she is the stepmother of an Odd Fellow. 

(g). Divorced Women. 

6176. A woman divorced absolutely from her husband is an "unmarried 
woman" and eligible to membership in a Rebekah Lodge. 

V 

(c). Brothers. 

6177. A member may retain his membership in a Rebekah Lodge after 
his Subordinate Lodge becomes defunct and he has a Witndrawal Card, but 
not deposited in another Subordinate Lodge, providing the Withdrawal Card 
is deposited in a Subordinate Lodge within twelve months after it has been 
issued. 

6178. Membership in a Rebekah Lodge is dependent upon the brother's 
continuous good standing in his Subordinate Lodge, and a brother sus- 
pended for non-payment of dues in his Subordinate Lodge is by reason there- 
of suspended from membership in the Rebekah Lodge to which he belongs. 
Such suspension in his Rebekah Lodge , dates from the date of his suspen- 
sion in his Subordinate Lodge. When the brother's disabilities are removed 
in the Subordinate Lodge, and he is restored to good standing tnerein, he 
becomes ipso facto reinstated in his Rebekah Lodge, provided he is not in arrears 
for dues in such Rebekah Lodge. 

6179. The holding of a live Withdrawal Card does not sever the holder's 
connection with the Order, but only with his Lodge, and the severance in 
this case is not complete, as he is a quasi member, and may visit Lodges. 
He retains his membership in his Rebekah Lodge. 

6180. A brother who has received the Rebekah Degree in a Grand Lodge 
or in a Rebekah Lodge is eligible to be an applicant for a charter for a 
Rebekah Lodge, or to be admitted to membership in such Lodge after its 
institution on a favorable ballot; provided, he is in good standing in his Sub- 
ordinate Lodge and is not a suspended or expelled member of a Rebekah 
Lodge. 

6181. An initiatory degree member is qualified to become a charter mem- 
ber of a Rebekah Lodge, or to become a member in a Rebekah Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 533 

MEMBERSHIP-Brothers. 

6182. A brother holding live Withdrawal Cards from a Subordinate and a 
Rebekah Lodge, cannot join a Rebekah Lodge until he has first connected 
himself with a Subordinate Lodge. 

6183. In the case of brothers, membership in a Rebekah Lodge is de- 
pendent upon continuous good standing in a Subordinate Lodge, except that 
if a brother shall take a Withdrawal Card from the Subordinate Lodge of 
which he may be a member, his membership in his Rebekah Lodge shall not 
be affected thereby for one year from the date of said Withdrawal Card, if 
during that time he shall keep his dues paid up in the Rebekah Lodge; and 
if he shall during said year become a member of another Lodge by deposit 
of said card, his membership in the Rebekah Lodge shall not be affected 
by the taking of the card. A brother's standing in a Rebekah Lodge de- 
pends upon his continuous good standing in a Subordinate Lodge in good 
standing except in case of a brother holding a Withdrawal Card in date his 
membership in a Rebekah Lodge is not affected tnereby, provided he keeps 
his dues paid for one year from date of Withdrawal Card. 

6184. If a brother is suspended or expelled from his bubordinate Lodge, 
"his membership terminates at once in his Rebekah Lodge. 

(d). Those Who have Taken the Degree. 

6185. The wife and husband, both of whom once belonged to a Rebe- 
kah Lodge but took Withdrawal Cards, now out of date, can join a Rebekah. 
Lodge. This decision is to be considered as modified by Section 10 of the 
Rebekah Code, which reads as follows : " A brother's membership in a Rebekah 
Lodge is dependent on continuous good standing in a Subordinate Lodge. 

6186. A member of Rebekah Lodge has taken a Withdrawal Card that 
has expired. Her husband has also taken one from his Lodge that has 
expired. She can regain membership in a Rebekah Lodge without her hus- 
band first joining the Subordinate Lodge, under first subdivision of Sec- 
tion 6, by depositing her card with her application for membership. 

6187. The first clause of Section 6, "All persons who have had the de- 
gree," does not embrace an expelled Odd Fellow who once had the degree, 
nor his wife, if she has been expelled, though she may have had the 
degree. 

6188. If the Subordinate Lodge to which a brother belongs has become defunct, 
and both he and his wife have received the degree, the wife is eligible for 
membership in a Rebekah Lodge upon production of proof of being in pos- 
session of the degree. The husband is eligible when he becomes a mem- 
ber in good standing in a Subordinate Lodge. 

6189. Suspended members who have had the Rebekah Degree are eligible 
to membership upon a Card or Certificate, provided Section 10 of the Rebe- 
kah Code is complied with. 

(e). In only One Rebekah Lodge. 

6190. A woman joins a Rebekah Lodge. Some montns after she moves 
to another town in the same Jurisdiction, where she makes application to 
a Rebekah Lodge located there for admission by initiation. She is duly 
elected before it is learned by the last named Lodge that she held member- 
ship in another Lodge. She never applied for nor received a card from the 
Lodge she first joined. The status of such a person is that she is still a 
member of the first Lodge she joined, never having legally become a member 
of the last named Lodge. She is liable to have charges preferred against 
her in the first Lodge, and while she acted in possible ignorance of the law, 
such ignorance, if proven, may be taken in mitigation of the offense, which 
is seeking to become a member of a Lodge by fraudulent misrepresenta- 
tion. The Grand Master, after his attention has been called to the case, 
should direct the second Lodge to strike the name of the woman from 



534 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

MEMBERSHIP— In only One Rebekah Lodge. 

the roll of membership and notify the Lodge to which she really belongs 
to prefer charges against her. 

6191. A Rebekah who has been suspended for non-payment of dues, 
cannot lawfully join another Lodge without a Dismissal Certificate from her 
old Lodge. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE. 

6192. A memorial service for deceased members of Rebekah Lodges, 1. 
O. O. F., was adopted in 1903. 

MUSIC. 

6193. A sister may furnish marches to be used in Kebekah Lodges, if 
not issued in the name of the Order and do not supplant any required by the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge to be used. 

NAME OF LODGE. 

6194. A Rebekah Lodge cannot have the christian or surname, of a liv- 
ing person especially where such name, if given, would be intended for 
or as an honor to any such living, person. Although it may be true that the 
Christian name is one frequently borne by women, and although it may be 
equally true that ^ ■ t e i na i s and the on which is intended to be 
used, is borne by many people. The purpose and spirit of the law is intended 
to prohibit entirely any naming whatever of Lodges for living persons. Rebe- 
kah Lodges are required to select feminine names. They cannot take the 
name of any Subordinate Lodge in this Jurisdiction. 

NAME OF THE ORDER-EMBLEMS. 

6195. A Rebekah Lodge, desiring to raise funds to furnish a. room in 
the Widows' and Orphans' Home, and to help defray the expenses of their 
team to the session of the Grand Lodge, where it will compete for prizes 
offered for the best work, arranged to serve meals at the State Fair, dis- 
played a sign about as follows: "Rebekah Lodge, No. — , I. O. O. F. Lunch 
Stand." This action is not in violation of the law of the Order, unless 
the Lodge funds are used orjeopardized in the matter. 

6196. Where a sister belonging to a Lodge desired to hold an enter- 
tainment for her own benefit in the name of Deborah Lodge. It was held that 
it would not be legal for her to hold the entertainment under the name of 
the Lodge and for her own benefit. 

NOMINATION. 

6197. A sister can lawfully be nominated and elected to an office in a 
Rebekah Lodge who is not present in the Lodge either on the night of nomi- 
nation or on the night of election. 

NON-CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS. 

6198. The resolution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, providing for the 
retention of members over 60 years of age, as Non-Contributing Members, 
their protection against suspension for the non-payment of dues and the 
relief of the Lodge against the payment of per capita tax, does not apply to 
the Rebekah branch of the Order. 

OFFICERS. 

6199. The President of a Rebekah Assembly doubtless may appoint other 
than those officers named in Section 31, e g., supporters, but they would not 
rank as officers, only assistants. The elective officers of a Rebekah Lodge shall 
consist of a Noble Grand, Vice Grand, Secretary and Treasurer. The appointed 
officers shall consist of a Warden, Conductor, Outside Guardian, Inside Guardian, 
Right and Left Supporters to the Noble Grand, who shall be appointed by the 
Noble Grand and the Right and Left Supporters to the Vice Grand, who shall be 
appointed by the Vice Grand. The Noble Grand may also appoint two Altar 
Supporters. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 535 

PASS WORD. 

(a). Annual Pass Word. (b). Semi-Annual Pass Word. 

(a). Annual Pass Word. 

6200. Unless the By Laws provide otherwise, the additional characters 
upon the Degree Staff shall be appointed by the Committee authorized to 
supervise the Work of the Degree in the beautified form. 

6201. A brother or sister is entitled to receive the Annual Pass Word 
who has paid his or her dues to the date of requesting it. 

6202. TI:e Annual Pass Word should be communicated to the candidate 
after he or she has signed the Constitution. 

(b.) Semi-Annual Pass Word. 

6203. Where the authority has been delegated by the Grand Lodge, the 
President of the Rebekah Assembly may formulate and give out the Term 
Pass Word. 

6204. In a jurisdiction where Rebekah Lodges have yearly terms the 
Term Pass Word may be for the year, or there may be a Pass Word for 
each half-year, at the option of the Grand Lodge. 

6205. In the absence of any law limiting local legislation, the declaration of 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge "("or cause them to be communicated") gives 
the Noble Grands of Rebekah Lodges the same power in communicating the 
Pass Words that is given to the Noble Grands of Subordinate Lodges. 

6206. The Semi-Annual Pass Word should be communicated on an official 
certificate to a member of a Lodge belonging to this Jurisdiction. The offi- 
cial certificate must show the holder's dues paid to a date later than when 
it is presented and request is made for the Pass Word and should then only 
be communicated to the holder after proper identification and examination. 
No other order is required. 

6207. The term Pass Word cannot be given openly in a Rebekah Lodge. 

PAST GRAND. 

6208. A brother, a Past Grand in good standing in his Subordinate Lodge, 
also a member of the Grand Lodge, and in possession of the Past Grand anu 
Grand Lodge degrees and a member of the Rebekah Assembly, having re 
ceived the Assembly degree, and served a term as Noble Grand in a Rebe- 
kah Lodge, claims the right by virtue of being a Past Noble Grand of a 
Rebekah Lodge to vote at election of officers and hold office in a Rebekah As- 
sembly. His right to vote and to hold office depends on the legislation of 
the Assembly of his Jurisdiction as approved and permitted by the Grand 
Lodge of that Jurisdiction. This legislation may be found either in the Con- 
stitution or the By Laws of the Assembly, or in other legal forms of legisla- 
tion. 

6209. A Past Grand, a member of a Rebekah Lodge, cannot deliver the 
Past Noble Grand's charge at initiations except during the first term after the 
institution of the Lodge. A past officer of a Subordinate Lodge shall not be 
entitled by reason thereof to any special privilege in a Rebekah Lodge other 
than the wearing of the collar of the highest rank attained. 

PAST NOBLE GRAND. 

6210. A sister is entitled to the honors and rank of Past Noble Grand 
if the nights actually served as Noble Grand, added to the nights when ex- 
cused for sickness and the nights when the government prohibited meetings 
because of the prevalance of an epidemic, would together make a majority 
of the meeting nights of the term. 



536 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

PAST NOBLE GRAND. 

6211. The Noble Grand becomes a Past Noble Grand upon the expira- 
tion of her term of office, regardless of whether she is re-elected to the same 
office or not. 

6212. The Noble Grand of a Rebekah Dodge is not entitled to a Past 
Noble Grand's Certificate, even though she served a majority of nights in the 
term, if her Dodge becomes defunct before the end of the term. 

6213. An officer is entitled to the honor and rank of Past Noble Grand 
if the nights she actually served added to the nights she was excused for 
sickness and the night she was prevented from attending because of the 
change of the meeting night unknown to her, and the nights which the Dodge 
did not meet by reason of the prevalence of an epidemic when the Govern- 
ment prevented meetings, would make a majority of the meeting nights of the 
term. If the nights she actually served as Noble Grand and the meetings 
which she was absent from by the unknown change of the meeting night and 
the nights when the Dodge did not meet because of the Act of the Civil Gov- 
ernment, would not together make a majority of the nights, and if it should 
be necessary to include some of the nights when she was absent under ex- 
cuse, if the minutes do not show that she was excused or under leave of 
absence, then the Dodge should by some action taken, show that she was 
excused or under leave, if such was the case, a Past Noble Grand's certificate of 
the Secretary under seal would not be sufficient. The certificate of the Secretary 
to be of force in this state of the record should be executed by authority of the 
Lodge. 

PER CAPITA TAX. 

6214. The Grand Dodge may transfer its powers to tax Rebekah Dodges 
to the Assembly under Section 30 of the Rebekah Code. 

6215. The Grand Dodge can authorize its Rebekah Assembly to levy upon 
and collect from its Rebekah Dodges a per capita tax. 

PRESIDENT OF ASSEMBLY. 

6216. The Grand Dodge cannot give to the President of its Rebekah As- 
sembly power to decide all questions of law and usage governing Rebekaij 
Dodges and make such decisions binding until reversed by the Assembly. 
The power thus given must be approved of by the Grand Master. 

6217. A Grand Dodge can delegate to the President of the Rebekah As 
sembly the power to act ad interim on appeals from Rebekah Dodges. While 
the Grand Dodge can so delegate its powers, and if it so delegates them, the 
appeal lies in the first place to the President of^the Rebekah Assembly, with 
the right of appeal from her decision to the Grand Master. 

PUBLIC EXHIBITION. 

6218. A Rebekah Dodge cannot legally give an exhibition drill in cos- 
tume before persons not members of a Rebekah Dodge, using the drill or 
floor work pertaining to the degree, nor use the costumes in giving a public 
exhibition, nor have photographs of the staff taken in the robes and costumes 
used in conferring the degree. Rebekah Dodge staffs cannot lawfully have 
photographs taken in the robes and costumes of the staff work. 

RE-ADMISSION. 

6219. A member of the Dodge is granted a Withdrawal Card and presents 
the same to her former Dodge inside of one year, with request for re-admis- 
sion. The Dodge is, nevertheless, required to take a ballot on the admission 
of the holder of the Withdrawal Card. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 537 

REGALIA. 

6220. Rebekah Assemblies cannot authorize or permit wearing of other 
Regalia than that prescribed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

6221. Floral bouquets of pink and green cannot be worn in lieu of Re- 
galia. 

6222. In a Rebekah .Lodge the Regalia must be worn by the officers, it 
possible. It is not sufficient excuse for omitting to do so that it is locked up 
in the wardrobe. 

6223. A solid gold jewel in the form of a five-pointed star in a circle 
with the emblem of the Rebekah Degree on it, attached to a pink and green 
ribbon is not a sufficient Regalia for a Past Noble Grand to wear in a Rebe- 
kah Lodge, and to take part in its deliberations. 

6224. Lady members other than the officers of a Rebekah Assembly may 
wear the badge prescribed in Section 25, Rebekah Code. 

6225. A brother, not an officer in a Rebekah Lodge, may wear therein the 
Regalia he is entitled to wear in a Subordinate Lodge or Encampment, or in 
case he is a Chevalier the full or undress uniform he is entitled to wear in his 
Canton. 

6226. Brothers in a Rebekah Lodge should wear the Regalia they are 
entitled to wear in a Subordinate Lodge, unless they are officers, when they 
must wear the Regalia of the office they hold. 

6227. A brother, who is a Noble Grand of his Subordinate Lodge cannot 
lawfully wear his Noble Grand Regalia in the Rebekah Lodge or Encamp- 
ment of which he is a member. The Regalia of a Noble Grand, Vice Grand, 
or other officer of a Lodge should be worn by the person lawfully occupying 
the office or chair at the time being. The Noble Grand's Regalia is not one 
that should be worn by the Noble Grand, except when performing some duty 
of his office. 

6228. A Past Noble Grand cannot lawfully wear the Regalia of a Past 
Noble Grand while acting as Right Supporter to the Noble Grand. She must 
wear the Regalia of the office she is occupying. 

6229. Any Lodge may make its own Regalia, provided the same is made 
as prescribed by law. 

REINSTATEMENT. 

6230. Rebekah Lodges may provide in the By Laws the terms of reinstate- 
ment. 

6231. To reinstate a suspended sister to membership, a certificate of her 
husband's good standing in his Subordinate Lodge is not required. 

6232. The fact that a lady received the Rebekah Degree in a Subordinate 
Lodge of which her husband was a member, and who is now a widow, and 
has been suspended for non-payment of dues, does not hinder her reinstate 
ment in a Rebekah Lodge. 

6233. A suspended sister, after marrying a non-Odd Fellow, may be re- 
instated in a Rebekah Lodge. 

REPORTS. 

6234. Reports of Rebekah Lodges must be made to the Grand Secretary 
or the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly of the Jurisdiction, as the Consti- 
tution of the Rebekah Assembly may provide. 

6235. A Grand Lodge, having under its Jurisdiction Rebekah Lodges, 
Bhall require returns to be made by them on the 31st of December of each 
year, and may require that such returns shall be made to the Secretary of 
the Rebekah Assembly, and in such case shall require such officer to make 
a full report of same to the Grand Lodge. Any neglect to make such returns 
shall be visited with such penalties as the Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction 
may direct. 

34 



£38 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

EEPOETS. 

6236. In future, Grand Lodges must prepare and furnish to the Rebekah 
Lodges in their Jurisdictions blank forms for reports, which forms must 
require all the information demanded by the law of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge. 

6237. The Rebekah Code gives Grand Lodges power to fix the penalty for 
neglect to make returns, and the Constitution fixing such penalty for a time 
longer or shorter than the month allowed under the old law for forfeiture of 
charter is legal. 

RESPONSE. 

6238. It is not a violation of any law if a member addressed by the Noble 
Grand responds "Noble Grand." 

6239. It is legal for a Rebekah Lodge to refuse to restore a sister 
who was under suspension for two years, and who appealed to the Grand 
Lodge, which reinstated her, if, pending such appeal, other charges were 
preferred against her and she was expelled. 

REVOCATION OF CHARTER. 

6240. The Grand Lodge cannot give to its Rebekah Assembly power to 
revoke the charter of a Rebekah Lodge or disturb a Lodge in possession of 
its chartered rights. The power' of revocation belongs to the body authorized 
to grant the charter. The Grand Lodge cannot delegate that power. 

6241. The Grand Lodge cannot transfer from the Grand Master to the 
President of the Rebekah Assembly the power to reclaim the charter, books 
and effects of a Rebekah Lodge. 

RITUAL. 

6242. The Ritual of the Rebekah Degree has been authorized in the Ger- 
man and French languages. 

6243. Rituals cannot be taken from the Lodge room, even for binding. 

6244. No portion of the Encampment Ritual can be used in a Rebekah 
Lodge under any circumstances. 

SEAL. 

6245. All seals used by Rebekah Lodges should bear the legal designa- 
tion "Rebekah Lodge," and not that of "Degree of Rebekah," "D. of R.," etc. 

SECRETARY. 

6246. Where a Subordinate or Rebekah Lodge has two Secretaries, the 
official titles are Recording Secretary and Financial Secretary. 

6247. There is no law prohibiting a brother from acting as permanent 
Secretary of a Rebekah Lodge. 

SPECIAL DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. 

6248. If no local law exists to the contrary, a Past Grand, who is a mem- 
ber in good standing in a Rebekah Lodge also, may be commissioned by 
the Grand Master as his special deputy over a Rebekah Lodge. 

SPECIAL SESSION. 

6249. Unless the Grand Lodge or the charter of a Rebekah Assembly 
permits, a Rebekah Assembly cannot convene in special session to confer the 
Assembly Degree. 

6250. Permission has been given by the Grand Lodge for the Rebekah As- 
sembly to be convened in special session by the President to confer the As- 
sembly Degree, but executive authority to confer the Degree is vested in the 
President. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 539 

SUBORDINATE LODGE. 

6251. The term "Subordinate Lodge" has and holds a technical mean- 
ing, and does not include a Rebekah Lodge. 

6252. There is no law to prevent the members of a Subordinate Lodge 
from organizing two or more Rebekah Lodges from among its member- 
ship. 

6253. In case two Rebekah Lodges are organized from the same Subordi- 
nate Lodge, both should be accorded the same privileges by the Subordinate 
Lodge. 

SUPPLIES. 

6254. When authorized by the Grand Lodge the Secretary of a Rebekah 
State Assembly may purchase direct from the Grand Secretary of the Sover- 
eign Grand Lodge all supplies to be used by Rebekah Lodges, the Grand 
Secretary of this Jurisdiction having first notified the Grand Sacretary of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge that such permission has been granted. 

TERM- 

6255. A Rebekah Lodge may have six months' terms, if its By Laws so 
provide, and may meet semi-monthly, in which event thirteen meetings would 
constitute a term, and seven a majority of nights of the term. 

6256. A Secretary was elected for six months, until the 1st of June, it 
would not be lawful for her to serve until December without being re-elected. 
She must be re-elected. 

6257. On the night of Installation of Officers the Secretary elect was ab- 
sent, the Lodge appointed a Secretary pro tern. The work of Secretary would 
be done by the retiring Secretary, as she was installed at the beginning of 
the term and will continue to act as Secretary until her successor is installed 
into office. 

TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION. 

6258. The Constitution for Rebekah Lodges provides that upon all points 
not covered by the Rebekah Oode or the Constitution, Rebekah Lodges shall 
be governed by the laws and regulations applicable to Subordinate Lodges 
where applicable. This provision will be found peculiarly forcible in refer- 
ence to the subject of Territorial Jurisdictions upon which- there has been 
no express legislation for Rebekah Lodges. 

6259. Where an applicant is a resident of a Grand Jurisdiction other 
than the one in which she seeks admission, consent of that Jurisdiction must 
be obtained before she can be lawfully admitted in the contiguous Juris- 
diction. 

6260. The penalty to be inflicted upon a Rebekah Lodge violating tbe 
provisions of the law prohibiting Rebekah Lodges from admitting 
persons as members not residing within their territorial jurisdiction, 
without having secured proper permission as provided by law, shall be as 
follows: Said Rebekah Lodge shall, upon conviction of such off ence, imme- 
diately remit to the Rebekah Lodge having such territorial jurisdiction, the 
initiation and degree fees received from the member so admitted to mem- 
bership, and that from time to time thereafter, when requested by the Lodge 
which has received the initiation and degree fees, pay to such Lodge all 
dues from said members so admitted to membership, and shall so continue 
to pay all such dues while he or she shall retain his or her membership, pro- 
vided, nevertheless, that this resolution shall not affect the present legis- 
lation or any decisions in respect of and in relation to members being 
admitted by cards. 



540 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 



TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP. 

6261. A member of the Order entitled to a Withdrawal Card, changing 
his or her residence from the Territorial Jurisdiction of his or her own 
Lodge to the Territorial Jurisdiction of another, and desiring to unite with 
a Lodge at his or her new place of residence, upon so stating in his or her 
application for membership, and being elected by ball ballot, as provided by 
local law, shall be entitled upon notice being sent to his or her old Lodge by 
the new Lodge to receive a Withdrawal Card at the actual cost of the card 
to the Lodge, and to admission to his or her new Lodge without being re- 
quired to pay a card or admission fee; but wnere a physician's certificate 
is required he or she must pay the expense of the same. 

6262. A member of a Rebekah Lodge desirous of availing himself or her- 
self of said law, shall send with his or her application for a Withdrawal 
Card, the sum of 25 cents (cost price of such card), and an additional amount 
equal to four weeks' or one month's dues, which shall entitle the brother 
or sister to the protection of the Lodge from which he or she proposes to 
withdraw, for the period of four weeks or one month, or such less lime as may be 
necessary to complete the transfer of his or her membership. 

VICE GRAND. 

6263. In a Rebekah Lodge the chair of Vice Grand cannot be filled by ap- 
pointment of a member from the floor unless the member has served a 
term in some office other than Trustee. 

VISITATION. 

6264. The holder of a Withdrawal Card from a Rebekah Lodge may law- 
fully visit Rebekah Lodges during one year from the date of the card. 

6265. A brother is granted a Withdrawal Card from his Subordinate 
Lodge on December 14; on September 10, following, he applies for admis- 
sion by card, and is rejected; on December 1, following, he applies for a 
Withdrawal Card from the Rebekah Lodge. It is held that the Rebekah 
Lodge of which he is a member has the right to grant him a Withdrawal 
Card, and when it has been so granted he has a right to visit upon it for 
twelve months after its date. 

6266. A sister is granted a Withdrawal Card and makes application for 
membership in another Lodge on the card, but her application is rejected. 
She may visit her former Lodge or any other Lodge inside of six months, and 
she can make application for membership on the Withdrawal Card to her 
former Lodge or to any other Lodge, except to the Lodge in which her appli- 
cation was rejected, inside of six months. 

VOTING. 

6267. Section 24, Rebekah Code, which provides that votes in all other 
cases (excepting such as are specifically stated shall be by ballot) shall be 
viva voce which means that the vote may be either yea or nay, or yes or no. 

6268. A member of a Rebekah Lodge cannot vote upon an application for 
membership unless clothed in appropriate regalia. 

WITHDRAWAL CARD. 

6269. Upon application for a Withdrawal Card, should objection be made 
to its being granted, it will be proper to withhold the granting of it until 
proper investigation can be made, as it is a certificate of good character 
and fitness to visit for one year, as in a Subordinate Lodge. 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 541 

WITHDRAWAL CARD. 

6270. A Rebekah Lodge can legally refuse to grant a Withdrawal Card 
to members who are clear of the books of whatsoever kind, even though of good 
moral character and free from charges. 

WORK. 

6271. Rebekah Assemblies cannot permit any deviations from the work 
in the Ritual of the Rebekah Lodge. 

6272. A State Assembly passed the following resolution: Resolved, That 
we petition the Grand Lodge to grant the President of the Rebekah Assembly 
the power of appointing upon the recommendation of the Grand Lodge Board 
of Instruction, three sisters to be known as the Rebekah Board of Instruc- 
tion, who shall bear the same relationship to the Rebekah Assembly as the 
said Board to the Grand Lodge. This resolution and request is legal and 
proper. 



APPENDIX. 



Being a reprint of certain Acts of Assembly of the Commonwealth of Penn- 
sylvania, relating to Fraternal Associations. 

AN ACT. 

Relieving members of beneficial societies from individual liability for Lodge 

indebtedness. 

Section 1. — Members of Lodges of the Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of 
Pythias and other organizations paying periodical or funeral benefits, shall 
not be individually liable for the payment of periodical or funeral benefits, 
or other liabilities of the Lodge or other organizations, but the same shall 
be payable only out of the treasury of such Lodges or organization. 

Provided, That the provisions of this Act shall only apply to unincorpor- 
ated associations; and 

Provided further, That this Act shall not apply to any liability heretofore 
incurred. 

Approved the 28th day of April, A. D. 1876. 

J. F. HARTRANFT. 

AN ACT. 

To prevent the wearing of the badge or button of any labor or fraternal or- 
ganization by others than members, and fixing a penalty for the same. 

Section 1. Be it enacted, etc., That any person who shall wilfully wear 
the insignia, badge or button of any labor or fraternal organization, or use 
the same to obtain aid or assistance within this State, unless he or she shall 
be entitled to use or wear the same under the constitution and by-laws, rules 
and regulations of the above nanied organization, shall be guilty of mis- 
demeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not to exceed one 
hundred dollars. 

Approved— The 10th day of June, A. D. 1897. 

DANIEL H. HASTINGS. 

AN ACT. 

To provide for the disposal of the property of unincorporated associations organ- 
ized for benevolent, charitable or beneficial purposes, upon the dissolu- 
tion, expulsion, surrender of warrant or charter, or vacation of the same, 
under which such associations have been constituted or organized. 

Whereas, There are in existence in this Commonwealth a large number 
of unincorporated associations constituted or organized for benevolent, chari- 
table and beneficial purposes, under warrants or charters granted by asso- 
ciations which are recognized as the parent or superior body, and them- 
selves acknowledged and recognized as subordinates, and which associa- 
tions have acquired considerable sums of money or other property. 

And Whereas, Nearly all of the parent or superior' bodies have adopted 
rules and regulations for the government of the associations subordinate to 
such parent or superior body from whom the warrant or charter under which 
they are or* have been constituted or organized, and such rules and regula- 
tions of the parent or superior body provide, that, upon the dissolution, expul- 
sion, surrender of warrant or charter, or vacation of the same, of any of 
such subordinate associations, that the moneys, property, books and effects 
of such subordinate associations shall be transmitted and delivered to the 
parent or superior body from or under wnich they have received or held their 
warrants or charters, to be by said parent or superior body used and applied 
fo the uses and purposes for which they have been collected and received. 

543 



544 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPENDIX. 

and such subordinate bodies or associations received the warrant or charter 
under which they became constituted or organized upon the condition that 
they would comply with the rules and regulations of such superior or parent 
body from which they received their warrant or charter. 

And Whereas, It has occurred that some of these subordinate associa- 
tions have dissolved, been expelled, surrendered their warrant or charter, or 
the same has been vacated by the parent or superior body, and that such 
subordinates have divided the funds or properties which they held at the 
time of such dissolution, expulsion, surrender of warrant or charter, or the 
vacation of the same, among a part or the whole of the members of such 
subordinate association, in violation of the conditions upon which they 
received the warrant or charter from such parent or superior body. 

And Whereas, Doubts exist as to whether the agreement or condition 
hereinbefore referred to could be enforced or sustained in the courts of the 
Commonwealth, for the purpose of removing said doubts and to confer power 
to enforce the same, therefore 

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of 'Representatives 
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, and it is 
hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That the funds and effects of 
unincorporated associations for benevolent, charitable or beneficial purposes, 
constituted or organized under any warrant or charter granted by any asso- 
ciation recognized or acknowledged as the parent or superior body, where 
the rules and regulations of such parent or superior body require that upon 
the dissolution, expulsion, surrender of warrant or charter, or vacation of the 
same, by such parent or superior body, the moneys, property and effects, 
of such subordinate association shall be delivered and paid to the parent 
or superior body, are hereby declared to be trust property, and it shall be 
unlawful for any such subordinate association to divide or distribute the 
moneys, property or effects, or any part thereof, to and among the members 
of such subordinate association, or any member thereof, either directly or 
indirectly, or by way of donation; but all such moneys, property and other 
effects of such subordinate association, upon the dissolution, expulsion, sur- 
render of warrant or charter, or vacation of the same, by the parent or super- 
ior body for which they have obtained the warrant or charter under which 
they have been constituted or organized, shall be paid and delivered to the 
proper officers of such parent or superior body; and in case any such sub- 
ordinate association shall or may have made any division or distribution 
of the moneys, property or effects held by such subordinate association, or 
any part thereof, to or among the members thereof, or any member of them, 
either directly or indirectly, the principal officers or trustees of the parent 
or superior body, to the use of such parent or superior body, may recover 
such moneys, property or other effects so divided or distributed, contrary 
to the provisions of this Act, from the person or persons to whom the same 
or any part thereof shall or may have been paid or delivered; and the several 
courts of equity of this Commonwealth are hereby vested with fuU power 
and authority to enforce the provisions of this act as in other cases within 
their jurisdiction. And the said parent or superior body to whom any moneys, 
property or other effects of such subordinate associations shall be paid and 
delivered, shall take and hold the same for the purposes and intents for 
which they were received and held by such subordinate associations; Pro- 
vided, however, That all suits commenced or brought to enforce the provis- 
ions of this Act shall be commenced or brought within two years next after 
the time when such division or distribution shall have been made. 

JOHN E. FAUNCE, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

CHAUNCEY F. BLACK, 
President of the Senate. 

Approved the twentieth day of June, Anno Domini one thousand eight 
hundred and eighty-three. 

ROBERT E. PATT1SON. 



!907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 545 

APPENDIX. 

DIVIDING LODGE FUNDS. 

At the Annual Session of the Grand Lodge, held May 17th, 1887, the 
Grand Secretary reported that Eilert Lodge, No. 582, located at New Ham- 
burg, Mercer County, was defunct, and that certain members of said Lodge 
were endeavoring to dispose of its property, and were boldly defiant of 
the laws of the Order. The D. D. Grand Master was at once advised to 
apply for an injunction against them. He retained A. P. Henlein, Esq., as 
counsel upon the part of the Grand Lodge, and made a formal demand upon 
the officers for the books, papers, furniture and property of the Lodge, with 
which they refused to comply. A preliminary injunction was applied for 
and granted. A paper-book was prepared and printed, setting forth the 
laws of the Order and of the land. To this a reply was made and the case 
argued. The decision of the Court and the final decree are hereunto ap- 
pended: 

In the Court of Common Pleas, of Mercer County, Sitting in Equity No. 5, 
January Term, 1887. 

OPINION. 

It is not necessary to discuss the evidence in this case in order to justify 
the conclusions of the learned Master in the particulars complained 01 
in the defendant's first and second exception. The property of Eilert Lodge, 
No. 582, was purchased with the funds of the association, contributed by 
its members without condition. Hence" no trust resulted in favor of the 
donors. Whatever interest they had in the property arose from the fact 
that they were members of the Lodge. The third exception complains that 
the learned Master erred in concluding that the Grand Lodge of the Indepen- 
dent Order of Odd Fellows is now entitled to the real estate mentioned in 
the fifth paragraph of the plaintiff's bill. 

The real estate in question was conveyed, in fee simple, by deed dated 
June 19th, A. D. 1873, from Wm. Moyer and wife to K. T. Green, D. Snyder 
and D. H. Bell, Trustees of Lodge, No. 582, of the I. O. O. F., and their suc- 
cessors in office, of the village of New Hamburg, etc. 

Lodge No. 582, of the I. O. O. F., was an unincorporated association, con- 
stituted or organized under a warrant or charter granted by the Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

The Charter was granted and the Lodge was organized in May, 1866. 
The object of the Association, as set forth in -the charter was "for the 
encouragement and support of brothers of the Order, in sickness, distress 
or on travel, and for the purposes of benevolence and charity." 

The Charter provided, that if said Lodge should be dissolved, or should 
forfeit its charter, then all the property, money, books and papers of said 
Lodge should become the property of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. 

This provision was amplified in the laws of the Order as they existed 
at the time the Charter of Lodge No. 582 was granted, and as they have con- 
tinued to exist ever since. Thus Section 631 of the Digest of the Laws of the 
Order, page 180, is as follows: "The funds and property collected under 
and by authority of a charter duly granted to a Lodge are trust funds, and 
can be applied only to the objects for which they were collected. .No divis- 
ion or diversion of the funds or property, or other disposition of it, except 
for the legitimate objects of the Order can be recognized by the Grand Lodge. 
When a Lodge shall fail, for any cause, to continue as a working body and 
yield up its charter, the money and property of whatever kind of which it 
may be possessed and belonging thereto, must be surrendered up and paid 
over to the Grand Lodge." Again Section 634, page 181, is as follows: "The 
funds of a Lodge are held in common, but no individual has a right as a 
mere member to~ receive a share therein. In other words, they are not sub- 
ject to an equal partition. Until a member is sick he has no claim on the 
funds." Section 1128, page 310, contains the following: "The peculiar office 
of a Subordinate Lodge is to provide the means to meet the claims of its sick 
and distressed members, to care for them properly during illness, to bury 



546 _ THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPENDIX. 

the dead, to succor the widow, and to educate the orphan. Among its objects 
shall be the formation of a fund for the benefit of members, their widows 
and orphans in times of sickness and distress." Section 1133, page 312, is 
as follows: "Should a Lodge be dissolved or forfeit its warrant, then all the 
property, money, books and papers of said Lodge shall become the property 
of the Grand Lodge, in trust for the objects of the Order." Section 1151 
is as follows: "A Lodge in surrendering its charter and effects, must also 
relinquish into the control and custody of the Grand Lodge, its books and its 
available funds and property." 

Lodge No. 582, styled and known as Eilert Lodge, No. 582, continued to 
exist as a working body from the time of its organization in May A. D. 1866. 
until the 18th day of December, A. D. 1886, when by proper representatives, 
it formally surrendered its charter to the proper representative of the Grand 
Lodge. Notwithstanding the surrender of its charter and the consequent 
extinction of Eilert Lodge, No. 582, defendants deny the right of the Grand 
Lodge to the property which belonged to the subordinate association. 

It has already been determined that defendants had no rights in the 
property in suit save those which arose from the fact that they were mem- 
bers of Eilert Lodge, No. 582. 

It remains to consider whether the property belongs to the Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. If the charter 
of Eilert Lodge, No. 582, and the laws of the Order to which it belonged are 
given force according to their clear meaning, the question is of easy solution. 
But unless this Lodge, and the Order to which it belonged, were an entity, 
in some sense distinct from their membership, there may be a legal reason 
why the rights of the parties could not be determined by that charter and 
those laws. The deed by which the real estate in suit was conveyed con- 
tains no declaration of trust further than what is implied from a grant to 
the three persons named, "Trustees of Lodge, No. 582, of I. O. O. P., and 
their successors in office." If Lodge No. 582, of I. O. O. F., signified only its 
membership, it could be urged with much force thai; the trust was executed 
in the members, who therefore took vested interests as tenants in common. 
If that were the case, the charter and laws of the Order could hardly oper- 
ate as a declaration of trust by the members, or a conveyance from them 
or in any other way to divest their title, for it does not appear that they 
aid the plaintiffs, for it could not ex proprio vigore, transfer from one to an- 
signed any instrument embodying the provisions of the charter and laws 
relating to property. Neither could the Act of 26th of June, 1883, (P. L. 133) 
other, property which had vested ten years before that Act was passed, it 
is of use to inquire then whether that unincorporated society, Eilert Lodge, 
No. 582, was a legal entity, so far distinct from its membership as to prevent 
a vesting of the property in its members and preserve it for the objects of 
the Order. 

The learned Master evidently had this question in mind and answered 
it by concluding that the property acquired by Eilert Lodge, No. 582, was 
for charitable uses. Thia conclusion, however, was erroneous, as appears 
from the decision in Babb vs. Reed and others, 5 Rawle 151, and in Swift 
Executors vs. The Beneficial Society of Elaston, 73 Pa. St. Reports 362. But 
while this Lodge was not a charity, its objects was "the encouragement and 
support of brothers of the Order, in sickness, distress or on travel, and for 
the purposes of benevolence and charity." The funds of the Lodge were 
contributed to further that object, and not for the private gain of the mem- 
bers. However, those funds might be changed in form, by investment in 
personal property or real estate, the use to which they were to be put re- 
mained the same. It was not necessary that any instrument should be 
formally signed in order to show that this was the intention of the donors 
of the funds and the agreement of the members of the Order. The charter 
which gave life to this Lodge and the laws by which each member con- 
sented to be bound, show a clear denial of all private right and a com- 
plete intention and a solemn mutual promise to dedicate all contributions 
to the objects of the Order. 

Had the dedication been to a charitable use, equity, out of regard for 



1907. J THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 547 

APPENDIX. 

the object, would hold the rights of the aggregate association to be in some 
degree distinct from and superior to the sum of the rights of the individual 
members; and this notwithstanding the Statute of Charitable Uses, 43 Eiiz. 
Ch. 4 was not extended to Pennsylvania. In Whitman vs. Lex 17 S. & R. 
90, Chief Justice Gibson said: "The simplicity which marked the lives of 
our fore-fathers enabled them to do without many institutions that, in the 
present state of society, are absolutely indispensable. Incorporations were 
almost unknown; yet to all sorts of pious and charitable associations, in 
every part of the province, valuable bequests were made by those who were 
ignorant of the niceties of expression necessary to accomplish the object at 
common law and who were not impressed with the opinion that it was at all 
necessary to consult counsel. Of this the will of the celebrated Dr. Frank- 
lin, which contains a bequest of money to be loaned for five years to young 
mechanics, is a striking instance. 

"Yet such bequests have hitherto taken effect without a question as to 
their validity. There are few worshipping congregations, of any pretension 
to antiquity, who have not derived a part of their property from Testamen- 
tary donations that would have failed on the principles of the English com- 
mon law. Nothing was more frequent than bequests to unincorporated con- 
gregations, without the intervention of trustees, and even where there was 
a corporation, it frequently happened that the corporation designated was 
mistaken, or the trust vaguely defined; notwithstanding which the testa- 
tor's bounty was usually applied to its object. Surely a usage of such early 
origin and extensive application may claim the sanction of law, resting as 
it does, on the basis of all our domestic laws of domestic origin — "the legis- 
lation of common consent." Following this it has been held that even when 
a grant is made to the members of an unincorporated religious society, if it 
appear that the purpose was to promote the charity for which it was organ- 
ized, the property belongs to the aggregate body and not the individual mem- 
bers; Brown vs. Lutheran Church, 22 Pa. 495." If equity will recognize the 
personality of unincorporated charitable associations, so far as to preserve 
their property for their objects, no reason appears for not recognizing any 
other unincorporated association as a person so far distinct from its mem- 
bership as to prevent a diversion of its property from the objects to which 
it was dedicated, if these objects are lawful. 

Even a partnership, an unincorporated association organized for trade 
and profit, is a distinct person in law. It has its own name, its own prop- 
erty, and a right to contract, to sue and be sued by its firm name. * * *. 

Partners have no title to the partnership property, for the title vests in 
the firm, and the interest of each member is a resulting interest, the value of 
which can be ascertained only by account; Clark vs. State Valley R. R. Co., 
26 W. N. C. 541. If this be true of partnerships much more should it be 
true of an incorporated society, not organized for profit, and where it was 
expressly agreed that the property should be in trust for the objects of the 
Order, and that no part of it should belong to the individual members as 
such. 

We, therefore, conclude that Eilert Lodge, No. 582, of the I. O. O. F., 
was a legal person, so far distinct from its membership that property held 
in trust for it would not vest in its members, but would be preserved for the 
objects of the Order. This being true, there is no reason why force and 
effect should not be given to the provisions of the charter o£ this Lodge and 
the laws of the Order to which it belonged. 

Determining the rights of the parties by this standard, it is clear that 
a decree must be made, ordering a surrender of the property, real and per- 
sonal, which was of Eilert Lodge. No. 582, at the time of its dissolution, 
and which is now in the possession or control of the defendants, or any 
of them, to the proper trustees of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania of the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Such a decree will be made when such 
trustees shall have been named. 

By the Court. 

SAMUEL S. MERHARD, P. J. 



548 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. [1907. 

APPENDIX. 

SURRENDER OF CHARTER. AND DIVIDING LODGE FUNDS. 

On the 16th of June, 1896, there was received at the office of the Grand 
Secretary a box, which, upon being opened, proved to contain the charter, 
rituals, ledger, seal and minute book of Nockamixon Lodge, No. 536, also 
a lot of regalia belonging to the Lodge. 

Upon reference to the minute book, it appears that at a meeting of the 
Lodge on June 6, 189)6i, "on motion it was ordered that Nockamixon Lodge 
disband after June 6, 1896." On April 18, 1896, there appears to have 
been a preliminary motion made and adopted by the Lodge, and the Noble 
Grand desired the Secretary to notify Brother E. Goddard, Treasurer, as 
follows: "By the desire of the Noble Grand you are requested to meet 
with the Lodge next Saturday evening, April 23, 1896, for the purpose or 
delivering up the money and railroad stock in your possession." 

On the first of July a meeting was held at the Temple at 2 o'clock P. M. The 
Grand Officers were all present with the exception of the D. G. M. Brother 
Past Grand Amos Briggs was also in attendance. At that meeting a com- 
munication was presented, asking that the charter, books and papers belong- 
ing to Nockamixon Lodge be returned to the petitioners, signed by 14 of the 
former members of the Lodge. The Grand Officers, after due consideration, 
adopted the following resolution: "Resolved, That the members of No. 536 
ce directed to hand over the funds they have received belonging to No. 536 
to the Grand Lodge, then the Grand Officers will act upon the petition for 
the restoration of the charter. This application has since been supple- 
mented by nine other names, some of whom were concerned in the illegal 
distribution of the funds, but afterwards paid their share over. Brother Amos 
Briggs filed a bill in equity in the Bucks County Court upon the members of the 
Lodge, to recover the money for the use of the Grand Lodge, and some money 
was collected. Ten of the members paid the money collected on their checks, 
into the Grand Lodge, eight of the members have sent in their checks on the 
Easton Bank, which have been protested. 

Some of the brothers did what was right and honorable, they returned 
their checks and gave such information as they had, but later they became 
possessed of the idea that the action of the Lodge was illegal, and therefore 
the Lodge has not been disbanded, and that it only needs the members to 
get together again and put the Lodge in working order, and took strong 
ground against the officers of the Grand Lodge proceedings as they intended 
to do and have been doing to collect all the money that can possibly be col- 
lected from the members before they act upon the petition to restore the 
charter. The Grand Officers hold that the surrender has been, in fact, ac- 
complished, that the Lodge is defunct, that the officers of the Lodge did 
deliver up the books and papers in their possession, and they have divided 
the funds among the members in good standing, those who were thirteen 
weeks in arrears did not receive a share of the funds. 

In the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks Co., sitting in Equity as of Oc- 
tober, Term, 1896, No. 1: 

OPINION. 

The conduct of the officers and members present on the sixth day of 
June, 1896, in disbanding the Lodge, was contrary to the intent and pur- 
poses of the organization of Odd Fellows and against the wishes of the Grand 
Lodge to whom the Nockamixon Lodge was subordinate. The dissolution 
for the purposes stated by the participants was a gross breach of duty by the 
officers and the disbursement of the funds was glaringly illegal. But I am 
unable to find that the disbandment was of such an irregular or illegal 
character as to be ineffective in excluding the absent members from the use 
and benefits of the Lodge. 

The purpose was highly discreditable to those concerned, but the pro- 
ceedings were conducted according to the provisions of the laws of the Order. 
Through the surrender of the Charter, seal, books, papers and regalia of 
the Lodge to the Grand Lodge there was an actual dissolution under the 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 549 

APPENDIX. 

prescribed forms, so that the Lodge was disqualified from opening or trans- 
acting business. It became powerless to enforce action, or even to act, and 
could not appeal to the Courts for redress or to recover its scattered funds. 

It is admitted that a quorum was present,, the meeting was regular in 
every respect, and more than five members took part in it. It is not claimed 
that five members present desired to continue the Lodge, but it is shown 
that more than five members who were not in attendance at the meeting 
of June 6, desired its continuance. Therefore, it is argued that the action 
was illegal and void, being contrary to the law of the Order. 

I am unable to agree with this view. Section 1357 refers to the work- 
ings of a Lodge while in session. It is significant that the provision in rela- 
tion to the dissolution of a Lodge appears in the same section as provides 
for the quorum and the transaction of business. 

A disbandment or dissolution of a Lodge, affecting as it does the life 
and very existence of the organization, is an act of the highest importance; 
necessarily it must be the act of the Lodge, in a regular meeting. The unani- 
mous consent of the membership outside of a Lodge meeting could not dis- 
solve it, neither could the unwillingness of the five members not in attend- 
ance prevent the dissolution. That can be performed or prevented only by 
Lodge action in a Lodge meeting. Then five members have absolute veto 
power against the other combined membership even though it be hundreds, 
in or out of the Lodge meeting for the reason that five being sufficient to 
constitute a working quorum, so long as that number desire it they can 
maintain a lawfully officered Lodge. To require that at least five members 
who object to the dissolution of the Lodge shall observe diligence and be in 
attendance at the meetings, is not severe. Certainly a membership without 
sufficient interest in the Lodge's survival to maintain the attendance at the 
meetings of five persons does not indicate a prosperous or useful Lodge. 

To recognize that five absent members could at any time, after Lodge 
action nullify its proceedings by averring willingness to continue the Lodge 
would practically paralyze its power to dissolve and set it afloat upon a 
sea of discord and confusion. When the members select the officers of the 
Lodge, they place its control in their hands subject to the regulations of 
the Order. If the officers evade their just responsibilities and abuse their 
trust, the members who have created them, must share the responsibility 
for an unwise selection, bear the consequences of the neglect to be present 
at the meetings and restrain the officers from misconduct. 

It was proved that the Lodge was dissolved witnout previous notice of 
the intention to do so. But the meeting was a regular one and the business 
transacted was not prohibited by any law of the Order. My attention has 
not been called to any rule prescribing special notice of an intended dissolu- 
tion of a Lodge; therefore, notice was not required. 

The disbandment, being within the powers of the Lodge, and amount- 
ing to a destruction of its organization and authority, the Act of Assembly, 
Charter, and Section 1327, required that the warrant or charter should be 
forfeited to the Grand Lodge and all the property and money should be re- 
turned thereto, in trust for the objects of the Society. 

The Charter, books and other property, except the money, were so re- 
turned and lawfully remained in the control of the Grand Lodge subject to 
the trust; it follows that the meeting of September 26th, was in no sense a 
Lodge meeting, but the assemblage merely of a respectable number of pro- 
testing members. So far as any Lodge action was concerned they proceeded 
without authority or warrant. 

The officers of the Lodge, when they distributed the funds were guilty 
of a misappropriation thereof, and committed a high handed unlawful act in 
diverting the money from the worthy and charitable object of succoring their 
disabled members, to the selfish use of conferring upon themselves a bounty 
for their own breach of a solemn trust. This conduct was on a par with their 
venal purpose in disbanding the Lodge. 

But we do not find that the members of the Lodge who received the 
amounts distributed to them are responsible for the conduct of the officers 



550 THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 

APPENDIX. 



[lWi. 



further than in being negligent in failing to observe their misconduct. This, 
however, is a common omission in the membership of a charitable organiza- 
tion the officers of which are supposed to entertain and uphold the principles 
of the Order they officially represent. Neither do I consider the conduct ot 
those members who, unapprised of the intended disbandment, afterwards 
protected against it, and, believing it illegal, demanded to be reinvested with 
power, emblems and property of the Lodge, as censurable. 

Theirs was but a mistaken view of their rights and of the proper pro- 
cedure to recover them. The fear of being deprived in their old age of their 
benefits, to provide for which they had in years gone by, assisted to raise the 
fund, certainly justified them in taking a stand to ascertain their full rights, 
and if through heat or over zeal they mistook the correct proceedings they 
are not to be punished. They are not the recalcitrants that the correspon- 
dence reveals the Grand Lodge suppose them to be. 

Under all the circumstances of the case I am clearly of the opinion that 
the Grand Lodge is entitled to recover from the defendants, or such of 
them as have not paid over, the fund illegally diverted and distributed by and 
to them and to hold and dispose of the same, as provided by the Act of As- 
sembly. 

They can properly return the money to those for whose benefit it was 
accumulated, the members of Nockamixon Lodge who may from time to 
time be entitled to relief therefrom. But it would be inequitable to permit 
those defendants who have received a distributive share of the fund to 
retain the money illegally paid them and also be placed in a position to 
claim benefits from the balance of the fund which has been returned to the 
source from whence it came. 

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania of its own motion, has asked the 
Court to decree a return of the charter, property and effects of the Nocka- 
mixon Lodge to the members thereof in good standing when the dissolution 
took place, and who have purged themselves by returning the money unlaw- 
fully distributed to them. These members are now without a Lodge, but are 
entitled to a certificate of their good standing in the Order, if they are not in 
default. But it would be manifestly unfair to exclude those who have with- 
held the return of their share of the fund awaiting a legal determination of 
an honest dispute over the proper authority to collect the outstanding money. 
They must have time in which to perform the duty which they stand willing 
to do. We will allow them a period of thirty days after the decree shall 
have been filed to return the money in their hands and to join in the petition. 
They will then be entitled to petition for the return of their charter, prop- 
erty, etc., and to receive them. It was suggested that the Court exclude, by 
its decree the seven members who voted in Lodge to illegally distribute its 
funds, from participating in the revived organization. 

Such exclusion would not be in accord with the laws of the order, if they 
have purged themselves by paying over the amount they owe. The Nocka- 
mixon Lodge may hereafter deal with them as they may deem just. It would 
be a bad example and lead to disastrous results to Lodge Organization if 
the officers of the Lodge and members present, who were guilty of a breach 
of duty in voting in favor of and permitting a great wrong to old and deserv- 
ing members of their Lodge, and who illegally misappropriated the trust 
funds, for the avowed purpose of defeating the objects of the Lodge organi- 
zation, should be allowed to go unpunished. 

We will require them to pay the office costs of this proceeding. The Act 
of Assembly directs that the funds in the hands of the Grand Lodge Officers 
shall be applied and used as herein provided. The suggestion of the plaintiffs 
that the cost of suit and counsel fees be paid out of the fund, would, in my 
opinion, be an unwarrantable destruction of the fund and would defeat the 
intent of the law to preserve it for those dependent upon its charity. The 
office costs, the cost of service of subpoenas, and of serving the Bill upon 
the First National Bank of Easton, will be paid by the seven members of 
the Lodge who abetted and advised the misappropriation of the Lodge 
moneys. Each defendant who has not returned the money received by him 
prior to the filing of the Bill of Complaint in this case will pay the cost of 



1907.] THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 551 

f 
APPENDIX. 

service upon himself. Where service was made upon' those wno had return- 
ed the moneys in their hands to the Grand Lodge officers before the bill was 
filed (excepting, however, the seven who participated in the meeting of June 
6), the plaintiffs will pay the cost of such service. The witnesses in the case 
who were parties thereof cannot recover fees. Other witnesses, if any, will 
be paid by the seven members whose illegal action lead to this litigation. 

Plaintiff's solicitor will prepare a decree in accordance with the views 
herein expressed, as provided by Equity Rule XIV, when, if satisfactory, it 
will be signed. 

By the Court, 

HERMAN. YERKES, 

President Judge. 



REFERENCES. 



Note.— The citation " Sov. G. L.," refers to the Sovereign Grand Lodge Annual Reports, which 
are paged consecutively up to the year 1898 inclusive ; subsequent to that date the citation includes 
the year of the Report as well as the page. 

The citation " Pa.," refers to the Annual Reports of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, preceded 
by the year of the Report and followed by the page. 

The citation "Pa.," also refers to the old Pennsylvania Digest, last edition. 



Section. Jteference. 

1. Sov. G. L., 3568; 1906, 



2 


1881 


Pa., 454. 


3 


Sov 


G. L., 13428, 14681. 


4 


Sov 


G. L., 1900, 508 




1899, 44; 1906, 436. 


5 


Sov. 


G. L., 2797. 


6 


1900, 


Pa., 79. 


7 


Sov 


G. L., 3822. 


8. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4873. 


9 


Sov. 


G. L., 8645. 


10. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 507. 


11. 


Pa., 


180. 


12 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 685. 


13. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8736; 1993 




9278. 


14. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2471. 


15. 


Sov. 
24. 


G. L., 10396; 1901, 


16. 


Pa., 


174. 


17. 


Pa., 


179. 


18. 


Pa., 


180. 


19. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6983, 2782. 


20. 


Sov. 


G. 1^., 15429. 


21. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 44, 413. 


22. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13428. 


23. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10711. 


24. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3568. 


25. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6350. 


26. 


Say. 


G. L., 9278. 


27. 


1890, 


Pa., 384. 


28. 


1888, 


Pa., 313. 


29. 


1894, 


Pa., 82. 


30. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 685. 


31. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3568. 


32. 


Pa., 


179. 


33. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9282. 


34. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2782. 


35. 


1893, 


Pa., 559. 


36. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15429. 


37. 


1896, 


Pa., 204. 


88. 


Pa. Sub. Cou. 


29. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2762; 1900, 




504 




40. 


1881, 


Pa., 454. 

35 



Section. Reference. 

41. Sov. G. L., 9278. 

42. 1888, Pa., 85. s 

43. Sov. G. L., 3568. 

44. Sov. G. L., 12787, 13257. 

45. Sov. G. L., 13054, 13139. 

46. Sov. G. L., 3822. 

47. Sov. G. L., 3822. 

48. Sov. G. L., 1902, 530; 

1904, 526, 532; 10255. 

49. Sov. G. L., 6658. 

50. Sov. G. L., 1899, 24. 

51. Sov. G. L., 171*. 

52. Sov. G. L., 1886. 

53. Sov. G. L., 10255. 

54. Sov. G. L., 1712, 2494. 

55. Sov. G. L., 1845. 

56. Sov. G. L., 2919. 

57. Sov. G. L., 7401. 

58. 1883, Pa., 299. 

59. Sov. G. L., 1906, 773. 

60. Sov. G. L., 1904, 531. 

61. Sov. G. L., 2758. 

62. Sov. G. L., 9405. 

63. Sov. G. L., 1899, 321. 

64. Sov. G. L., 11899. 
05. 1904, Pa., 33. 

66. Sov. G. L., 1902, 531. 

67. Sov. G. L., 1903, 126,287. 

68. Sov. G. L., 1904, 758. 

69. Sov. G. L., 1904, 761. 

70. Sov. G. L., 1886. 

71. Sov. G. L., 13782. 

72. Sov. G. L., 1903, 278. 

73. Sov. G. L., 1901, 317. 

74. Sov. G. L., 6201. 

74. Sov. G. L., 6201, 7174. 

75. Sov. G. L., 7395. 

76. Sov. G. L., 2954, 4860. 

77. Sov. G. L., 10251. 

78. Sov. G. L., 4860. 

79. Sov. G. L., 1902, 527, 

Pa. Sub. Con. 

80. Sov. G. L., 1902, 528. 

81. Sov. G. L., 10864. 

82. Sov. G. L., 1902, 527; 



Section. ' liefer ence. 

1906, 778. 

83. Sov. G. L., 14680. 

84. Sov. G. L., 9854, Pa. 

Sub. Con. 

85. Sov. G. L., 1899, 36. 

86. Pa., 802. 

87. 1887, Pa., 563. 

88. Sov. G. L., 7038. 

89. Sov. G. L., 8069. 

90. Sov. G. L., 9733. 

91. Sov. G. L., 9282. 

92. Sov. G. L., 9733. 

93. Sov. G. L., 9800, Pa., 157. 

94. Sov. G. L., 8086. 

95. Sov. G. L., 10396 Pa. 

Sub. Con. 

96. Sov. G. L., 1901, 24. 

97. 1882. Pa., 41. 

98. Sov. G. L., 15603. 

99. Sov. G. L., 1900, 517. 

100. Sov. G. L., 1901, 49. 

101. Sov. G. L., 1903, 42. 

102. Sov. G. L., 1903, 43. 

103. Sov. G. L., 14941. 

104. Sov. G. L., 14941. 

105. Sov. G. L., 14941. 

106. Sov. G. L., 14941. 

107. Sov. G. L., 14941. 

108. Sov. G. L., 14941. 

109. Sov. G. L., 14941. 

110. Sov. G. L., 14941. 

111. Sov. G. L., 14941. 

112. Sov. G. L., 1901, 266. 

113. Sov. G. L., 3690, 4820, 

4883, 4884, 6984, 7856, 
Sundry Reports and 

Resolutions, 1895, 14942; 

1901, 392; 1903, 42. 

114. Sov. G. L., 1903, 42; 
' 1901, 392. 

115. Sov. G. L., 1903, 4%. 

116. 1900, Pa., 116. 

117. 1900, Pa., 116. 

118. 1900, Pa., 116. 

119. 1900, Pa., 111. 

553 



554 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



REFERENCES. 

Section. Reference. 

120. 1900, Pa., 116. 

121. 1904, Pa. 88. 

122. 1904, Pa. 88. 

123. 1904, Pa., 130. 

124. Sov. G. L., 11482. 

125. 1895, Pa., 484. 

126. 1895, Pa., 484. 

127. 1893, Pa., 463. 

128. Sov. G. L., 1903, 27. 

129. Sov. G. L., 1903, 23. 

130. Sov. G. L., 3679. 

131. Sov. G. L., 4858. 

132. 1882, Pa., 208. 

133. 1888, Pa., 105. 

134. Pa., 811. 

135. Sov. G. L., 4916. 

136. Sov. G. L., 4915. 

137. 1906, Pa., 31. 

138. 1897, Pa., 496. 

139. Sov. G. L., 6310. 

140. Sov. G. L., 1905, 240. 

141. 1897, Pa., 495. 

142. Sov. G. L., 1902, 875. 

143. Sov. G. L., 5752. 

144. Sov. G. L., 8739; 1901, 

33. 

145. Sov. G. L., 11894, 15749. 

146. Sov. G. L., 12625. 

147. Sov. G. L., 12625. 

148. Sov. G. L., 12625. 

149. 1890, Pa., 81; 1900, 18. 

150. Sov. G. L., 15749. 

151. 1890, Pa., 89. 

152. Sov. G. L., 1899, 38, 

15749. 

153. Sov. G. L., 12575, 12625. 

154. Sov. G. L., 5804. 

155. Sov. G. L., 6251. 

156. Sov. G. L., 14533. 

157. Sov. G. L., 7760. 

158. Sov. G. L., 11892; 1906, 

443. 

159. Sov. G, L., 1899, 38. 

160. Pa., 15. 

161. Pa., IS. 

162. Pa., 16. 

163. Sov. G. L., 9736, 9802'. 

164. Sov. G. L., 12363. 

165. Sov. G. L., 4149. 

166. Sov. G. L., 6ft«4. 

167. 1903, Pa., 434. 

168. 1885, Pa., 319. 

169. Sov. G. L., 2859, 1900, 

514. 

170. Sov. G. L., 1900, 513. 

171. Sov. G. L., 1900, 513. 

172. Sov. G. L., 2737. 

173. Sov. G. L., 4993, 1921. 

174. Sov. G. L., 6752. 

175. Pa., 20; Sub. Con. 



Section. Reference. 

176. Sov. G. L. f 1992. 

177. Sov. G. L., 3827. 

178. Sov. G. L., 1902, 534, 

15167. 

179. Sov. G. L., 11103. 

180. Sov. G. L., 1899, 20. 

181. Sov. G. L., 4210, 7376. 

13067. 

182. Sov. G. L., 1900, 516. 

183. Sov. G. L., 1906, 435. 

184. Sov. G. L., 10402, 10714. 

185. Sov. G. L., 8839. 

186. Sov. G. L., 1906, 435. 

187. Sov. G. L., Digest, 1847, 

34. 

188. Sov. G. L., 7532. 

189. Sov. G. L., 1190. 

190. Sov. G. L., 4413. 

191. Sov. G. L., 1899, 23. 

192. Sov. G. L., 3560, 15003, 

193. Sov. G. L., 1901, 28; 

1899, 17, 344. 

194. Sov. G. L., 9853; 1901, 

28. 

195. Sov. G. L., 15176. 

196. Sov. G. L., 3513. 

197. Sov. G. L., 6559. 

198. Sov. G. L., 9028. 

199. Sov. G.' L., 1901, 404; 

1902, 531, 11898. 

200. Sov. G. L., 2560, 4240. 

201. Sov. G. L., 1905, 209. 

202. Sov. G. L., 1470. 

203. 1906, Pa., 33. 

204. Sov. G. L., 1906, 692. 

205. Sov. G. L., 1906, 692. 

206. Sov. G. L., 1906, 432. 

207. Sov. G. L., 5781, 5834. 

208. Sov. G. L., 1906, 713. 

209. Pa., G. L. By-Laws. 

210. Sov. G. L., 1906, 713. 

211. S. G. L., 5281. 
212 Sov. G. L., 505. 

213. Sov. G. L., 4992. 

214. Sov. G. L,., 10253, 5945. 

215. Pa., 72. 

216. Sov. G. L., 4992. 

217. Sov. G. L., 11482. 

218. Sov. G. L., 11104. 

219. 1894, Pa., 376. 

220. Sov. G. L., 501. 

221. Sov. G. L., 4363. 

222. Sov. G. L., 1901, 26. 

223. Sov. G. L., 1S96, 14898. 

224. Sov. G. L., 15974, 4363. 

225. Sov. G. L., 505. ' 

226. Sovt G. L., 505. 

227. Sov. G. L., 5946. 

228. Sov. G. L., 15168; 1901, 

267. 



Section. Reference. 

229. Sov. G. L., 1901, 267. 

230. Sov. G. L., 10714. 

231. Sov. G. L., 1901, 400. 

232. Sov. G. L., 1901, 400. 

233. Sov. .G. L., 3415. 

234. Sov. G. L., 12994, 2518. 

235. Pa., 76. 

236. Sov. G. Li., 12564. 

237. Sov. G. L., 12994. 

238. Pa., 39. 

239. Sov. G. L., 14682, 4992, 

3415. 

240. Sov. G. L., 13258. 

241. Sov. G. L., 14682, 4992. 

242. Pa. G. L. Con. and By 

Laws. 

243. Sov. G. L., 1901, 26. 

244. Sov. G. L., 5945, 4992. 

245. Sov. G. L., 4363, 5945; 

1901, 26. 

246. Sov. G. L., 15994. 

247. Sov. G. L., 11313, 13991; 

1902, 952. 

248. Sov. G. L., 1904, 539. 

249. Sov. G. L., 1904, 539. 

250. Sov. G. L., 1902, 952. 

251. Sov. G. L., 1902, 952. 

252. Sov. G. L., 1903, 44. 

253. Sov. G. L., 9325. 
254! Sov. G. L., 9984. 

255. Sov. G. L., 3575. 

256. Art. 1, Sec. 4, S. G. L. 

Con., 1903, Soy. G. L.., 

257. Sov. G. L., 6237. 

258. Sov. G. L., 9298. 

259. Sov. G. L., 3532. 

260. Sov. G. L., 9301, 9737. 

261. Sov. G. L., 3714, 14438, 

1906, 771. 

262. Sov. G. L., 14889. 

263. Sov. G. L., 16158. 

264. Sov. G. L., 16158. 

265. Sov. G. L., 8168. 

266. Sov. G. L., 15509. 

267. Sov. G. L., 310. 

268. Sov. G. L., 6350. 

269. Sov. G. L., 12681. 

270. Sov. G. L., 9329. 

271. Sov. G. L., 6635. 

272. Sov. G. L., 1902, 878. 

273. Sov. G. L., 1903, 279. 

274. Sov. G. L., 9325. 

275. Cross reference section. 

276. Sov. G. L., 12994. 

277. Sov. G. L., 1904, 519. 

278. Sov. G. L., 1904, 519. 

279. Sov. G. L., 3827. 

280. Sov. G. L., 2518. 

281. Sov. G. L., 1906, 674. 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



555 



REFERENCES. 

Section. Reference. 

282. Sov. G. L., 12994. 

283. 1881, Pa., 321; Sov. G. 

L., 5946, 3738. 

284. Sov. G. L., 1904, 42. 

285. Pa., G. L. By-Laws. 

286. Sov. G. L., 903. 

287. Sov. G. L., 3738. 

288. Sov. G. L., 10251. 

289. Sov. G. I*, 7375. 

290. Sov. G. L., 1900, 504. 

291. Sov. G. L., 5281. 

292. Sov. G. L., 3468. 

293. Sov. G. L., 15432. 

294. Sov. G. L., 14464. 

295. Sov. G. L., 7419. 

296. Sov. G. L, 1905, 265. 

297. Sov. G. L., 9316. 

298. Sov. G. L, 5835. 

299. Sov. G. L., 1906, 713. 

300. Form. 

301. Form. 

302. Sov. G. L., 5922. 
■303. Sov. G. L., 5923. 

304. Sov. G. L., 5835. 

305. Pa., 38. 

306. Sov. G. L., 5923. 
'307. Sov. G. L., 15431. 

308. Sov. G. L., 4592. 

309. Sov. G. L., 4592. 

310. Sov. G. L., 4592. 

311. Sov. G. L., 4592. 

312. 1890, Pa., 53. 

313. Pa., 29. 

314. Sov. G. L. f 6627. 

315. Sov. G. L., 14125. 

316. Sov. G. L., 688, 710, 725. 

317. Sov. G# L., 10253. 

318. Sov. G. L., 15994. 

319. Sov. G. L., 8736. 

320. Sov. G. L., 1905, 269. 

321. Sov. G. L., 8651. 

322. Sov. G. L., 11664. 

323. Sov. G. L.', 10055. 

324. Sov. G. L., 10011. 

325. Sov. G. L., 10011. 

326. Sov. G. L., 1905, 267. 

327. Sov. G. L., 10060. 

328. 1881, Pa., 476. 

329. Sov. G. L., 9321. 

330. 1900, Pa., 400. 

331. 1900, Pa., 400. 

332. 1900, Pa., 400. 

333. Sov. G. L., 8110. 

334. Sov. G. L., 14898. 

335. Sov. G. L., 14899. 

336. Sov. G. L., 8110. 

337. Sov. G. L., 11761. 

338. Sov. G. L., 8738. 

339. Sov. G. L., 8738. 

340. Sov. G. L., 1903, 45. 



Section. Reference. 

341. Sov. G. L., 8381. 

342. Sov. G. L., 8738. 

343. Sov. G. L., 1902, 953. 

344. Sov.. G. L., 1903, 328. 

345. Sov. G. L., 3953; Pa. 

1078. 

346. Pa., G. L. By Laws, 

347. Sov. G. L.. 15056, 15599. 

348. Sov. G. L., 1902, 959. 

349. Sov. G. L., 13784. 

350. Sov. G. L., 11299. 

351. 1892, Pa., 65. 

352. Pa., 1084. 

353. Sov. G. L., 14686. 

354. 1880, Pa., 12. 

355. 1900, Pa., 172. 

356. Sov. G. L.. t«0. 

357. Pa., Sub. Con. 

358. 1887, Pa., 405. 

359. Pa., 433; Sov. G. L., 

11481. 

360. Pa., 433; Sov. G. L., 

11481. 

361. Pa., 120; Sov. G. L., 

1904, 531. 

362. Sov. G. L., 15165. 

363. Pa., 712. 

364. Pa., 709, 725, 792. 

365. Sov. G. L., 1904, 761. 

366. Sov. G. L., 14250. 
367 Form. 

368. Sov. G. L., 12237, 11484. 

369. Sov. G. L., 14941. 

370. Sov. G. L., 11484, 12237. 
371^ Sov. G. L., 11104. 

372. Pa., 718. 

373. Sov. G. L., 7395. 

374. Sov. G. L., 4860. 

375. Sov. G. L., 1399. 

376. Sov. G. L., 14574. 

377. Pa., 478. 

378. Pa., 480. 

379. Sov. G. L., 13067. 

380. Sov. G. L., 13067. 

381. 1888, Pa., 107. 

382. Sov. G. L., 1905, 67. 

383. Sov. Digest, 1847, 47. 

384. Sov. G. L., 11100. 

385. Sov. G. L., 1903, 31. 

386. Pa., 83; Sov. G. L., 3959. 

387. Pa., 84; Sov. G. L., 5197. 

388. Pa., 88; Sov. G. L., 

5197. 

389. Pa., 89. 

390. Pa., 90; Sov. G. L., 

11000, 8839. 

391. Pa., 90; Sov. G. L., 

10402, 10714. 

392. Sov. G. L., 1906, 435. 



Section. Reference. 

393. Sov. G. L., 14050, 10402, 

10714, 11102; Sov. G. 
L., 8186; Sov. G. L., 

1905, 226; Sov. G. L., 
8166; Sov. G. L., 2772; 
Sov. G. L., 13782, 15748; 
Sov. G. L., 4423, 7804; 
Sov. G. L., 10986, 11102; 
Sov. G. L., 1278S; Sov. 
G. L., 1900, 786; Sov. 
G. L., 15167; Sov. G. 
L., 15456; Sov. G. L., 
3953; Sov. G. L., 6985; 
Sov. G. L., 1905, 42. 

394. Sov. G. L., 5197, 14056. 

10908; Sov. G. L., 8088; 
Sov. G. L , 15168; Sov. 
Q. L., b350; Sov. G. L., 
9504, 14686; Sov. G. L., 
15749;; 1899, 19; Sov. 
G. L., 1899, 25; 1906, 
Pa., 35; 1897, Pa., 496; 
1882, Pa., 11; Sov. G. 
L., 1904, 736. 

395. 1881, Pa., 281. 

396. 1904, Pa., 37. 

397. Sov. G. L., 7461, 7505. 

398. Sov. G. L., 1290, 2312, 

6620. 

399. 1903, Pa., 438. 
400 1891, Pa., 650. 

401. Pa., 91; Sov. Gft L,, 

7462, 7909. 11105, 11112. 

402. Pa., 526; Sov. G. L.f 

6620. 

403. 1906, Pa., 35; 1897, Pa., 

798, Sub. Con. 
484. Sov. G. L., 9630. 

405. Sov. G. L., 10250. 

406. Sov. G. L., 5954. 

407. Sov. G. L., 2700. 

408. Sov. G. L., 1905, 37. 

409. Sov. G. L., 8344. 

410. Sov. G- L., 15010. 

411. Sov. G. L., 12090. 

412. Sov. G. L., 12090. 

413. Sov. G. L., 15010, 15420, 

1906, Pa., 33. 

414. Sov. G. L., 14687. 

415. 1900, Pa., 69. 

416. Sov. G. L., 2808. 

417. Sov. G. L., 1300O. 

418. Sov. G. L., 10251. 

419. Sov. G. L., 1904, 729. 

420. 1883, Pa., 351. 

421. 1906, Pa., 30. 

422. Sov. G. L., 1899, 272. 

423. Sov. G. L., 7909. 

424. Sov. G. L., 7462. 

425. 1906, Pa., S3. 



556 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



REFERENCES. 



Section. 


Reference. 


Section. Reference. 


Section. Reference. 


426. Sov. 


G. L., 15420. 


484. Sov. G. L., 13121. 


537. Sov. G. L., 6202. 


427. So<v. 


G. L.., 14889. 


485. 1900, Pa., 357. 


538. Pa., 119. 


428. Sov. 


G. L., 5850. 


4S6. 1904, Pa., 38. 


539. Sov. G. L., 10142. 


429. Sov. 


G. L., 15427. 


487. Sov. G. L.., 13121. 


540. Pa., 125. 


430. Sov. 


G. L., 7802. 


488. Sov. G. L., 14128. 


541. Pa., 708. 


431. Pa., 


173. 


489. Sov. G. L., 14250. 


542. Sov. G. L.., lxaOO. 


432. 1906, 


Pa., 36. 


490. Pa., 835. 


543. 1890, Pa., 895. 


433. Sov. 


G. L., 1753, 15164. 


491. 1890. Pa., 15, 124. 


544. Pa., 126. 


434. Sov. 


G. L... 2291. 


492. Sov. G. L., 13441. 


545. Pa., 127.* 


435. Sov. 


G. L., 7461, 8533. 


493. Sov. G. L., 1905, 215. 


546. fa., 128. 


436. Sov. 


G. L., 12998. 


494. Sov. G. L., 1903, 30. 


547. Sov. G. L.., 4467, 6274. 


437. Pa., 543. 


495. Sov. G. L., 1901, 296. 


548. Sov. G. L., 11729. 


438. Sov. 


G. L., 2885. 


496. Sov. G. L., 1901, 33. 


549. Pa., 130. 


439. Sov. 


G. L. t 1902, 543. 


497. Sov. G. L., 14574; 1899, 


550. Sov. G. L., 2773, 431S. 


440. Sov. 


G. L., 8651. 


24. 


551. Sov. G. L., 3738. 


441. Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 543. 


498. Pa., 1377. 


552. Sov. G. L.. 8999, 144*8. 


442. Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 994. 


499. Sov. G. L., 9856. 


553. Sov. G. L., 3738; Pa., 


443. Sov. 


G. L., 7461, 14688. 


500. Sov. G. L., 1901, 32, 


134. 


444. Sov. 


G. L., 12994; 1901, 


15165 . 


554. Sov. G. L., 8107. 


295. 




501. Sov. G. L,. 1900, 515. 


555. Sov. G. L., 5191. 


445. Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 530; 


502. Pa., 1045. 


556. Pa., 132. 


5825 


, 10988, 7381. 


503. Pa. Sub. Copstitution. 


557. Sov. G. L., S182. 


44€. Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 295. 


504. Pa., 1016. 


558. Sov. G. L., 2310. 


447. Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 531. 


505. 1880, Pa., 325. 


559. Sov. G. L., 2146, 12353. 


448. Sov. 


G. L., 7461 


506. Pa., 1442, 


560. Sov.' G. L., 2807. 


449. Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 296 


507. 1893, Pa., 943. 


561. Pa., 734; 1881, Pa., 455. 


450. Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 296. 


508. 1898, Pa., 15. 


562. Sov. . G. L., 5193. 


451. Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 296. 


509. 1899, Pa., 491. 


563. Sov. G. L,., 11643. 


452. Sov. 


-G. L., 1902, 530. 


o±0. 1898, Pa., 369. 


564. Sov. G. L., 8107. 


453. Sov. 


G. L;, 1906, 431. 


511. Sov. G. L., 12353. 


565. Sov. G. L., 14687; 19*1, 


454. Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 431. 


512. Sov. G. L., 6277. 


30; 1903, 1920. 


455. Sov. 


G. L., 8464, 12994. 


513. Sov. G. L., 3268, 3836. 


566. Sov. G. L., 1904, 641. 


456. Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 932. 


514. Sov. G. L., IS"*, 428. 


567. Sov. G. L., 2807. 


457. Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 29, 324. 


515. Sov. G. L., 4992. 


&68. Bequest. 


458. 1906, 


Pa., 35. 


516. Sov. G. L., 9806. 


569. Bequest. 


459. Sov. 


G. L., 14248. 


517. Pa., 109. 


570. Bequest. 


460. 1890, 


Pa., 14. 


518. Pa., 110. 


571. Bequest. 


461. Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 19. 


519. Sov. G. L., 1904, 533. 


572. Bequest. 


462. Sov. 


G. L., 8166. 


520. Pa., 112. 


573. Bequest. 


463. Sov. 


G. L., 13257. 


521. Sov. G. L., 6350. 


574. Bequest. 


464. Sov. 


G. L., 8166. 


522. Pa., 113. 


575. Bequest. 


465. Pa. 


Skeleton Code. 


523. Pa., 114. 


576. Bequest. 


466. Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 530. 


524. Pa,, 115. 


577. Sov. G. L., 8532. 


467. Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 531. 


525. Sov. G. L., 10094. 


578. Sov. G. L.., 8736. 


468. Sov. 


G. L., 13257. 


526. Sov. G. L., 11643. 


579. Sov. G. L. f 1901, 41 


469. 1884, 


Pa., 11. 


527. Sov. G. L.. 5519, 4071, 


1306, 685. 


470. 1906, 


Pa., 34. 


6203. 


580. Sov. G. L., 2782. 


471. 1882. 


Pa., 50. 


528. Sov. G. L., 3836. 


181. Sov. G. L.., 8732. 


472. Sov. 


G. L,., 1901, 295. x 
G. L., 1901, 296. 


529. Sov. G. L., 5920. 


582. Pa., 944. 


473. Sov. 


11104. 


113. 1882, Pa., 60. 


474. Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 296. 


530. Sov. G. L., 2700. 


584. 1882, Pa., 60. 


475. 1884, 


Pa., 72. 


531. Sov. G. L., 11104. 


585. Pa., 945. 


476. 1890, 


Pa., 14. 


532. Sov. G. L., 11484, 12237. 


586. 1892, Pa., 95. 


477. Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 295. 


533. Sov. G. L., 2146; Pa., 


587. Sov. G. L., 15167. 


478. Sov. 


G. L., 13257, 13641. 


117. 


588. Sov. G. L., 1904, 722. 


479. Sov. 


G. L., 13121. 


534. Sov. G. L., 10249; Pa., 


589. 1892, Pa., 463. 


480. Pa., 


831. 


118. 


590. 1894, Pa., 89. 


481. Sov. 


G. L., 13121. 


535. Sov. G. L., 1904, 531; 


591. Sov. G. L., 12101. 


482. Sov. 


G. L., .13121. 


Pa., 120, 726. 


592. 1895, Pa., 651. 


483. Sov. 


G. L., 13121. 


536. Pa., 121. 


593. Sov. G. L., 12556. 



1807.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



557 



REFEEENCES. 

Section. Reference. 

594. Sov. G. L., 13431. 

595. Sov. G. L., 1901, 274. 

596. Sov. G. L., 15164. 

597. Sov. G. L., 13783. 

598. Sov. G. L., 14679, Pa. 

Sub. Con. 

599. Sov. G. L., 15748. 

600. Sov. G. L., 8690. 

601. Sov. G. L., 8838. 

602. Sov. G. L., 9734. 
60S. 1884, Pa., 124. 

604. Sov. G. L., 3252; Pa., 

369. 

605. Sov. G. L., 3252. 

606. Sov. G. L.., 6614. 

607. Sov. G. L., 8076. 

608. Sov. G. L., 8076. 

609. S,ov. G. L., 13431. 

610. Sov. G. L., 1903, 282. 

611. Sov. G. L., 1903, 282. 

612. Sov. G. L., 1724, 1784. 

613. Sov. G. L., 3415. 

614. Sov. G. L., 1901, 295. 

615. Sov. G. L., 8086. 

616. Sov. G. L,., 13258. 

617. Sov. G. L., 1901, 295, 

390. 

618. Pa., 234. 

619. Pa., 236. 

620. Pa., 1379. 

621. 1882, Pa., 282. 

622. Sov. G. L., 4149. 

623. Pa., 243; Sov. G. L., 

4149. 

624. Pa., 244. 

625. Sov. G. L., 2790. 

626. Sov. G. L., 4149; 1885, 

Pa., 319. 

627. 1885, Pa., 319. 

628. Sov. G. L., 6618, 7173, 

8330. 
€29. Pa., 15. 

630. Sov. G. L., 2920, 8075, 

15424. 

631. Sov. G. L.., 8075. 

632. Pa., 233. 

633. Sov. G. L., 3415. 

634. 1900, Pa., 362. 

635. Sov. G. L., 15425. 
€36. Pa., 24^ 

637. Pa., 247. 

638. Pa., 248. 

€39. Regulations of By Law 
Committee. 

640. Pa., 245. 

641. Pa., 1379. 

642. Pa., 1367. 

643. Sov. G. L., 9633, 1724. 

644. Sov. G. L., 14682. 



Section. Reference. 

645. Sov. G. L., 7020, Pa., 

Sub. Con. 

646. Sov. G. L., 7461. 

647. Sov. G. L., 2831; 1900, 

908; 14248. 

648. Sov. G. L., 16138; 1902, 

530. 

649. Sov. G. L., 5280, 6919, 

15167. 

650. Sov. G. L., 15010. 

651. Sov. G. L., 14250. 

652. Sov. G. L., 8838. 

653. Sov. G. L., 1905, 34. 

654. Sov. G. L., 1905, 34. 

655. Sov. G. L., 7366. 

656. Sov. G. L., 1899, 18. 

657. Sov. G. L., 2562. 

658. Sov. G. L., 13548. 

659. Sov. G. L., 14889; 1300, 

660. Sov. G. L., 1899, 18. 

661. Sov. G. L., 8643. 

662. Sov. G. L., 14250. 

663. Sov. G. L,., 8335. 

664. Sov. G. L., 1899, 18. 

665. Sov. G. L., 7347. 

666. Sov. G. L., 7462, 7909. 

667. Sov. G. L., 1724. 

668. Sov. G. L., 11104. 

669. Sov. G. L., 1906, 773. 

670. Sov. G. L., 4876. 

671. Pa., Sub. Constitution, 

and Usage and Cus- 
tom of the Order, See, 
Books of old Constitu- 
tions on file in the li- 
brary of the Grand 
Secretary's office; 1898, 
Pa., 15. 

672. Sov. G. L., 2461. 

673. Sov. G. L., 14685. 

674. Sov. G. L., 1901, 297. 

675. Sov. G. L., 6658, 10255, 

2919. 

676. Sov. G. L. f 12191. 

677. Sov. G. L., 1899, 33, 34; 

1902, 531, 1934. 

678. Sov. G. L., 8838; 1900, 

507, 508. 

679. Sov. G. L., 1901, 280. 

680. Sov. G. L., 11104. 

681. Sov. G. L., 8714. 

682. Sov. G. L., 8714. 

683. Sov. G. L., 10255. 

684. Sov. G. L., 1899. 

685. Sov. G. L., 1899. 

686. Sov. G. L., 6566. 

687. Sov. G. L., 250. 

688. Sov. G. L., 1902, 537. 

689. Sov. G. L., 7019. 

690. Sov. G. L., 1899, IX. 



Section. Reference. 

691. Sov. G. L., 1899, 

692. Sov. G. L., 15757. 

693. Pa., 571. 

694. Pa., 573. v 

695. 1881, Pa., 277. 

696. Sov. G. L., 2664; 



697. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


777. 


698. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1899, 23. 


699. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 2924, 6187, 




7031. 






700. 


Pa., 


2S4 






701. 


Sov. 


G. 


L-, 


677, 14591. 


702. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


677. 


703. 


See 


A. 


T. 


P. W. 


704. 


Sov. 


G 


, L 


., 9406. 


705. 


SOv. 


G. 


L. 


, 9088. 


706. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


1906, 692. 


707. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


11892. 


708. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


6558. 


T09. 


Sov. 


G. 


L„ 


1712, B494. 


710. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


, 2151. 


711. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


13070. 


712. 


Sov. 


G. 


L... 


9405. 


713. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., i 


577; Pa., 261. 


714. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


4240. 


715. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 9853. 


716. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 9503; Pa., 



717. Sov. G. L., 9503. 

718. Sov. G. L.., 11371, 11892, 

10251. 

719. Sov. G. L., 3560. 

720. Sov. G. L,., 2632. 

721. Sov. G. L., 1901, 28. 

722. Sov. G. L., 10253. 

723. Pa., 270. 

724. Sov. G. L., 10251; Pa., 

274. 

725. Pa., 282. 

726. Pa., 275. 

727. Sov. G. L., 9089. 

728. Sov. G. L., 14248. 

729. Sov. G. L., 678, 15002, 

11103. 

730. Sov. G. L., 7883. 

731. Sov. G. L.., 1906, 421. 

732. Sov. G. L., 1906, 432. 

733. Sov. G. L., 2560; Pa., 

296. 

734. Sov. G. L., 2632. 

735. Sov. G. L., 4993. 

736. Sov. G. L., 10715, 11103, 

11365. 

737. Sov. G. L,., 4716, 11892. 

738. Sov. G. L., 11898; 1900, 

504. 

739. Sov. G. L., 1904, 533. 

740. Sov. G. L., 1841, 4716, 

11898; Pa., 295. 



558 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



REFERENCES. 



Section. Reference. 

741. Sov. G. L.., 6204; Pa., 

286. 

742. Sov. G. la., 12176, 1720; 

Pa., 287. 

743. Sov. G. L., 1901, 26. 

744. Sov. G. L., 4374. 

745. Sov. G. L., 2460, 3827; 

Pa., 288. 

746. Sov. G. la., 1401, 1634; 

Pa., 289. 

747. Sov. G. la., 2460, 3827. 

748. Sov. G. L., 9272, 15177. 

749. Sov. G. L., 14574. 

750. Sov. G. la., 1992, 5853; 

Pa., 291. 

751. Sov. G. L., 10251. 

752. Sov. G. la., 2145. 

753. Sov. G. L., 2145. 

754. Sov. G. L., 2145. 

755. Sov. G. L,., 3030. 

756. Sov. G. la., 9159. 

757. Sov. G. L., 14687, 15167; 

1901, 362. 

758. Sov. G. L., 8838. 

759. Pa., 307. 

760. Sov. G. L., 1401, 1722. 

761. Sov. G. la., 12093. 

762. Sov. G. L., 12093. 

763. Sov. G. L., 9272, 15177, 

14574. 

764. Sov. G. la., 1900, 513. 

765. Sov. G. L., 8112. 

766. Sov. G. L., 14596, 10973, 

15758. 

767. Sov. G. L., 1899, 40. 

768. Sov. G. L., 14596, 10973. 

769. Sov. G. L., 1906, 778, 

784. 

770. Sov. G. L., 8404. 

771. Sov. G. L., 14683. 

772. Sov. G. L., 1899, 256. 

773. Sov. G. L., 1903, 15. 

774. Sov. G. L., 9756, 9858, 

12224, 14596. 

775. Sov. G. L., 1905, SI. 

776. Sov. G. L,., 1898. 

777. Sov. G. L., 1921. * 

778. Sov. G. la., 1901, 48. 

779. Sov. G. la., 11988. 

780. 1891, Pa., 839. 

781. Sov. G. la., 9089. 

782. Sov. G. la., 13067. 

783. Sov. G. L., 4466. 

784. Sov. G. L., 4240. 

785. Sov. G. L., 1902, 3351. 

786. Pa., 1004. 

787. Sov. G. L., 13433. 

788. Sov. G. L., 683. 

789. Sov. G. L., 1906, 771, 

784. 



Section. Reference. 

790. Sov. G. la., 1905, 38. 

791. Sov. G. L., 1905, 30. 

792. Sov. G. L., 1905, 219. 

793. Sov. G. L., 4070. 

794. Sov. G. la., 15176. 

795. Sov. G. L., 3513. 

796. Sov. G. la., 5486. 

797. Sov. G. L., 13782. 

798. Sov. G. la., 14894. 

799. Sov. G. L., 14894. 

800. Sov. G. L., 11893, 13977, 

15418, 19797. 

801. Sov. G. L., 5494. 

802. Sov. G. L. 

803. Pa., 347. 

804. Sov. G. L., 

805. Sov. G. L. 

806. 1885, Pa., 318. 

807. Sov. G. L., 4993. 

808. Sov. G. L., 2561. 

809. Sov. G. la., 1903, 20. 

810. Sov. G. L., 1904, 523, 

754. 

811. Sov. G. L., 4716. 

812. Sov. G. L., 1906, 424. 

813. Sov. G. la., 1722. 
G. L., 8331. 

8331. 



8331. 



2156, 15962. 
5195. 



814. Sov. 

815. Sov. G. L. 

816. .Sov. G. L., 

817. Sov. 



818. Sov. o. 

819. Sov. G. 

820. Sov. G. 

821. Sov. G. 

822. Sov. G. 



9283. 
1899, 43. 
11103. 
2759. 
9001. 



1992. 



Sov. G. la., 1400, 14892. 



824. Sov. 

825. Sov. 

826. Sov. 

729. 

827. Sov. G. L 

828. Sov 



L., 1841, 2145. 
L., 8838. 
L., 2145; 1904, 



11103. 
G. L., 1904; 524. 

829. Sov. G. L., 1904, 728. 

830. Sov. G. la., 4992. 
G. L., 3118. 



831. Sov. 

832. Sov. 

833. Sov. 



4240, 11482. 



G. L. 

G. L., Trial Code. 

834. Sov. G. L., Trial Code. 

835. Sov. G. la., Trial Code. 

836. Pa., 317. 

837. Sov. G. L., 7377, 11666, 

15418. 

838. Sov. G. la., 7377. 

G. la., 



839. Sov 

840. Pa., 326. 

841. Sov. G. L 

842. 1898 

843. Sov 

337 

844. Sov 



11666. 



8988, 9684. 
Pa., 368, 436. 
G. la., 10714; Pa 



845. 

846. 
847. 

848. 
849. 
850. 
851. 
852. 
853. 
854. 

855. 
856. 

857. 
858. 
859. 
860. 
861. 
862. 
863. 
864. 
865. 
866. 
867. 



Reference. 
Sov. G. L., 10714, 10951, 

11005. 
Sov. G. L., Trial Code. 
Pa., Sub. Con.; Sov. 

G. la., Trial Code. 
Sov. G. L,., Trial Code. 
Sov. G. L., Trial Code. 
Sov. G. la., Trial Code. 
1906, Pa., 33. 
Pa., Skeleton By Laws. 
1898, Pa., 64. 
Sov. G. L., 805, 2620; 

Pa., 347. 
Pa., 349. 
Sov. G. L 

349. 
Sov. G. la., 9994. 
Sov. G. L., 11719 
Sov. G. la., 7023. 
1890, Pa., 363. 
Sov. G. L., 8083. 



2620; Fa., 



Sov. G 
Sov. G 
Sov. G 
Sov. G 
Sov. G 
Sov. G. 
Sov. G 
Sov. G. 



G. L., 10714. 



870. 
871. 
872. 

873. 
874. 

875. 

876. 
877. 
878. 
879. 
880. 
881. 
882. 
883. 

884. 



887. 

888. 

889. 
890. 
891. 



883. 
894. 



L., 1901, 278. 

L., 8083. 

la., 10862. 

la., 9994. 

L., 1906, 693. 

la., 1906, 693. 

la., 4992. 

Li., Trial Code. 
Sov. G. L., Trial Code. 
1904, Pa., 40. 
Supreme Court, Pa., 
Rosenberger Case. 
Sov. G. L., Trial Code. 
Sov. G. L., Trial Code. 
Pa., Sub. Con.; Sov. G. 
L., Trial Code. 
1895, Pa., 825. 
1880, 1881, Pa. 
Sov. G. la., 8087. 
Sov. G. L., 14125. 
Sov. G. la., 9853. 
Sov. G. L., 6964. 
Sov. G. L., 7770, 8958. " 
Sov. G. L., 1062, 665!>, 
7917, 11482. 
Sov. G. la., 4993. 
Sov. G. la., 11366. 
Sov. G. L., 9869. 
Sov. G. L., 2132, 2859, 

3836, 7080, 8719. 
Sov. G. la., 11665. 
Sov. G. la., 7762. 
Sov. G. L., 4992. 
Sov. G. L., 11366, 5501, 
8369, 9020, 9344, 9732, 
10937. 
Sov. G. L., 11366. 
Sov. G. L., 1906, 693. 
Sov. G. L., 6963. 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



559 



REFERENCES. 



Sect 


ion. 




Re; 


erence. 


Section. Reference. 




Sectic 


>n. 


Refc 


rence. 


895. 


Scxv. 
27, 


G. 
63. 


L. 


, 11103; im, 


951. Sov. G. L., 3738. 

952. Sov. G. L., 1149. 




1009. 


Sov. 
417. 


G. L., 


, 9857; Pa., 


896. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 9856. 


953. Sov. G. L., 10106. 




1010. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


8189. 


197. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


11365, 10715, 


954. Sov. G. L., 1149. 




1011. 


Pa., 


.418. 






11103. 






955. Sov. G. L., 14125. 




1012. 


Pa., 


419. 




898. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


11103. 


956. Sov. G. L., 1905, 


20. 


1013. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


8988, 9684. 


899. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


14250. 


957. Sov. G. L., 1905, 


20. 


1014. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


9857. 


100. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


1904, 775. 


958. Sov. G. L., 1905, 


20. 


1015. 


Pa., 


1040. 




Ml. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1906, 787, 


959. Sov. G. L., 1905, I 


20. 


1016. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1899, 31. 




809. 








960. Sov. G. L., 1905, 


20. 


1017. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


13548. 


902. 


Form. 






961. Sov. G. L., 1905, 20. 


1018. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 13256. 


903. 


Sov. 


G. 


L-, 


1743. 


962. Pa., 391. 




1019. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


, 1901, 33. 


804. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


, 8682. 


963. Sov. G. L., 1899 


, 18; 


1020. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


13256. 


905. 


1906, 


Pa., : 


363. 


Pa., 390. 




1021. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


15176. 


906. 


Form. 






964. 1895, Pa., 484. 




1022. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


11894. 


907. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 367, 8113. 


965. 1895, Pa., 484. 




1023. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


14239. 


908. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


8113. 


966. 1885, 317. 




1024. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, Constitu- 


969. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


6968. 


967. 1885, Pa., 317. 






tion. 






910. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. ; 


2250, 4992. 


968. 1885, Pa., 317. 




1025. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


4841. 


911. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1902, 528. 


969. Sov. G. L., 10854, 


10856, 


1026. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


8090, 8838. 


912. 


Sov. 


G. 


L-, 


, 10256. 


2790. 




1027. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


7910. 


913. 


Sov. 


G. 


L.., 


, 11100. 


970. Sov. G. L., 5923. 




1028. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


3415, 1063, 


914. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 4992. 


971. 1892, Pa., 21. 






13452 


;, 4367. 




915. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 14248. 


972. Form. 




1029. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, Constitu- 


916. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 3182. 


973. Sov. G. L., 13431. 






tion. 






917. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


6201. 


974. Pa., 63. 




1030. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


11892, 9855, 


918. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1906, 681. 


975. 1903, Pa., 434. 






5824. 






919. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


2629. 


976. Sov. G. L., 12102, 


12153. 


1031. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


13452, 1063. 


920. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1906, 681. 


977. Pa., ,63. 




1032. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


7803, 11250, 


921. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1906, 432. 


978. Pa., 63. 






10132 


:, 8108. 




922. 


Sov. 


G. 


L-, 


1900, 515. 


979. Pa., 63. 




1033. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


14680. 


923. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1901, 273. 


980. Sov. G. L., Trial 


Code. 


1034. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 14430. 


924. 


Sov. 


G. 


L-, 


14888. 


981. Pa., 1101. 




1035. 


Sov. 


U. L., 


7086. 


925. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


14888, 1149. 


982. Pa., 1102. 




1036. 


Sov. 


G. L 


., 14891. 


926. 


Sov. 


G. 


L,., 


14680. 


983. Pa., 63. 




1037. 


Sov. 


G. L.. 


6566. 


927. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 3621; Pa., 


984. Pa., 63. 




1038. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1235, 6618. 




G. 


L. By : 


Laws. 


985. Pa., 68. 




1039. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1906, 436. 


928. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


14250. 


986. Pa., 63. 




1040. 


Sov. 


G. Lu, 


1901, 295. 


929. 


Sov. 


G. 


L-, 


1903, 18. 


987. Pa., 68. 




1041. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


3415. 


930. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


1903, 27. 


988. Pa., 1044. 




1042. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


3109, 2860. 


931. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1903, 27. 


989. 1895, Pa., 825. 




1043. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1901, 47. 


982. 


Pa.. 


1343 






990. Pa., 1047. 




1044. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


13798. 


933. 


Sov. 


G. 


L.. 


1903, 17. 


991. 1906, Pa., 30. 




1045. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


12787. 


934. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1903, 17. 


992. 1904, Pa., 37. 




1046. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


13150. 


935. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


11744. 


993. Pa., 393. 




1047. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


12787, 13151. 


986. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


2468. 


S94. Sov. G. L., 8839. 




1048. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


9404. 


937. 


Sov. 


G. 


L-, 


1906, 792. 


995. Sov. G. L., 11484, 


12237. 


1049. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


9755. 


938. 


Sov. 


G. 


L.. 


2699. 


996. Pa., Skeleton Code. 


1050. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


9770. 


989. 


Pa., 


1328 






997. Pa., Skeleton Code. 


1051. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1899, 29. 


940. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 15174. 


998. Sov. G. L., 6963, 


12353. 


1052. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


13784. 


941. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


Form Book. 


999. Pa., Annual Journals. 


1053. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


11484. 


942. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


410. 


1000. Pa., Annual Journals. 


1054. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1905, 19; 


943. 


Sov. 


G. 


L.. 


1902, 911. 


1001. 1890, Pa., 100. 






190^ 


40. 




944. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


10255. 


1002. Sov. G. L., 6963. 




1055. 


Pa., 


1419. 




945. 


Sov. 


G. 


L- 


, 1899, 23. 


1003. Sov. G. L., 8075. 




1056. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


11101. 


946. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1903, 23. 


•1004. Sov. G. L., 13258 




1057. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


13437. 


947. 


1896, 


Pa 


., 368. 


1005. Sov. G. L., 13258 




1058. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


14687. 


948. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


1903, 24. 


1006. Sov. G. L., 425. 




1059. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


15165. 


949. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


13439, 14888 


1007. 1904, Pa., 125. 




1060. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 11723. 


950. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


9853. 


1008. 1896, Pa., 117. 




1061. 


1906, 


Pa., 361. 



560 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



REFERENCES. 



Section. 


Reference. 


Section. 


Reference. 




Ssctio 




Refei 


ence. 


1062. 


1906, 


Pa., 360. 


1116. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14683. 




1163. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


7763, 9756, 


1063. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11892, 9855. 


1117. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901 


40; 




14683 






1064. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 38. 




11893 


14171. 




1164. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


14685. 


1065. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 882; 


1118. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6984. 




1165. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1900, 514. 




1900, 


Pa., 383. 


1119. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 


545. 


1166. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


2561, 3087. 


1066. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3268. 


1120. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5281; 


1902, 


1167. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


10106. 


1067. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3269. 




3359; 


1656, 5525, 5921. 


1168. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1059, 3087, 


1068. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4929, 2994. 


1121. 


Sov. 


G. L., 802. 






3549, 


4848, 


8487. 


1069. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5518. 


1122. 


1892, 


Pa., 96. 




1169. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1149. 


1070. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5804, 6250. 


1123. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 


716, 


1170. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1149. 


1071. 


Pa., 


Digest, 10. 




717. 






1171. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1391, 2701. 


1072. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6251. 


1124. 


1885, 


Pa., 527. 




1172. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


2701, 9853. 


107*. 


Sov. 


G. L., 486. 


1125. 


1885, 


Pa., 527. 




1173. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1148, 1470, 


1074. 


Pa., 


10. 


1126. 


1881, 


Pa., 340. 




1174. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1148, 1470. 


1075. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7760. 


1127. 


1881, 


Pa., 340. 




1175. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1899, 251; 


1076. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11894. 


1128. 


1881, 


Pa., 340. 






1900, 


514. 




1077. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12625. 


1129. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2482. 




1176. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1899, 251; 


1078. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 547. 


1130. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14580. 






1900, 


513. 




1079. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 547. 


1131. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 14580, 


6241. 


1177. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1900, 513, 


1080. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2118, 2170, 


1132. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6241. 






514. 








2172. 




1133. 
1134. 


1899, 


Pa., 907. 




1178. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


2561, 3087; 


1081. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 1235, 9275. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6351. 






1900, 


513". 




1082. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1271; 1901, 


1135. 


Sov. 


G. L>., 12555. 




1179. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


2561, 3087. 




295. 




1136. 

1137. 


1887, 

Sov. 


Pa., 433. 
G. L., 1905, 




1180. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 3811. 


1083. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11246. 


11. 


1181. 


Sov. 


G. L 


, 3811. 


1084. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4624. 


1138. 


1904, 


Pa., 36. 




1182. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


8487, 4848, 


1085. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11246. 


1139. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 


20. 




3541. 






1086. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15479. 


1140. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4382. 




1183. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


3876, 8699. 


1087. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7024, 7419. 


1141. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13258. 




1184. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1901, 48. 


1088. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 805. 


1142. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4992. 




1185. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


7031, 15744. 


1089. 


Sov. 


G. L., 805, 8366. 


1143. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8110. 




1186. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


1283. 


1090. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5494. 


1144. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8110. 




1187. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


2860. 


1091. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13977; ltfOO, 


1145 


Sov. 


G. L., 15974, 


14682, 


1188. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 15744. 




797. 






4363. 






1189. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1888; Pa,, 


1092. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2507, 3836. 










428. 












1146. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13258: 










1093. 


1899, 


Pa., 523. 










1190. 


See 


Board 


of Grand 










G. Tj.. 










1094. 


1893, 


Pa., 660. 












Officers 




1095. 


1893, 


Pa., 658. 


1147. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 


544. 


1191. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


1899, 63. 


1096. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9288, 6283, 


1148. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11895 


. 


1192. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


6574, 6978. 




1899, 


40. 


1149. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14682. 




1193. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


5280. 


1097. 


1904, 


Pa., 41. 


1150. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4363, 


11250 


1194. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


314. 


1098. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 519. 




12355 






1195. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 4240, 4069, 


1099. 


1895, 


Pa., 657. 


1151. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 


26. 




5552. 






1100. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2463. 


1152. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1189S 




1196. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


4240. 


1101. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1502. 




1221 r 






1197. 


Pa., 


450. 




1102. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9288. 


1153. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12355. 




1198. 


Form. 




1103. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6283. 


1154. 


Sov. 


G. L., Constitu- 


1199. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


11104. 


1104. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8366. 




tion 






1200. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


3739, 11897. 


1105. 


1904, 


Pa., 36. 


1155. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4992, 


12123. 


1201. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1905, 25. 


1106. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1851. 


1156. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12355. 




1202. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


3739. 


1107. 


1880, 


Pa., 207. 


1157. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12238. 




1203. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1901, 24. 


1108. 


1880, 


Pa., 207. 


1158. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8343. 




1204. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 8690. 


1109. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1851. 


1159. 


1900, 


Pa., 357. 




1205. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


8534, 9734. 


1110. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1851. 


1160. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10854, 


10857. 


1206. 


Pa., 


1384. 




1111. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 43. 


1161 


1898, 


Pa., 412; 1900 


, Pa 


1207. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


. 3876. 


1112. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15748. 




24; 


Mackey's Encyclo-' 


1208. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


15758. 


1113. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11892. 




paed 


ia, title dedica- 


1209. 


Sov. 


G. 


Li., 14687; 


1114. 


Sov. 


G. L,., 11104. 




tion. 








1899, 


34. 




1115. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11104, 11892; 


1162. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14685; 


1899, 


1210. 


Pa., 


442. 






1903, 


Pa., 436. 




251. 






1211. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


10133. 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



561 



REFERENCES. 



Section. 


Reference 


Section. 


Reference. 


Section. 


Refereace. 


1212. 


Pa., 


444. 


1263. 


Pa., 


783. 


1312. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8487, 9722. 


1213. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4844, 8325. 


1264. 


Pa., 


784. 


1313. 


Pa., 


476. 


1214. 


Pa., 


457. 


1265. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 33, 34. 


1314. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4993, 9856. 


1215. 


Pa., 


458; Pa., Sub. 


1266. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11723. 


1315. 


Pa., 


479. 




Constitution. 


1267. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11744. 


1316. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 27. 


1216. 


Pa., 


460. 


1268. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11893, 12211. 


1317. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 515. 


1217. 


1903, 


Pa., 436. 


1269. 


Form. 


1318. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4020, 4624, 


1218. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4855. 


1270. 


Pa., 


G. L., Constitu- 




11898 




1219. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9751. 




tion, 




1319. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 956. 


1220. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 530. 


1271. 


Pa., 


G. L., Constitu- 


1320. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2781. 


1221. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5553. 




tion, 




1321. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4624. 


1222. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14683. 


1272. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4855. 


1322. 


Pa., 


482. 


1223. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14031. 


1273. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4855. 


1323. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11898. 


1224. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12354. 


1274. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 767. 


1324. 


Sov. 


G. L., Digest, 


1225. 


1904, 


Pa., 39. 


1275. 


1870, 


Pa., 33. 




1847, 


46. 


1226. 


Pa., 


439. 


1276. 


1870, 


Pa., 146. 


1325. 


1885, 


Pa., 318. 


1227. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11897, 15165 


1277. 


1886, 


Pa., 12. 


1326. 


Pa., 


483; Sov. G. L., 


1228. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15169. 


1278. 


Sov. 


G. L., 868. 




11897 


, 15165. 


1229. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8325. 


1279. 


Grosh's O. F., Manu- 


1327. 


Pa., 


484. 


1230. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4815. 




al, : 


35, 36. 


1328. 


1903, 


Pa., 437. 


1231. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5279, 5913. 


1280. 


Pa., 


463. 


1329. 


Pa., 


485; Sov. G. L., 


1232. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11898. 


1281. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1399. 




2661, 


11255. 


1233. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15973. 


1282. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1402. 


1330. 


Pa., 


486; Sov. G. L., 


1234. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11481. 


1283. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10141. 




11744 




1235. 


Suv. 


G. L., 88539. 


1284. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9734; Pa., 


1331. 


Pa., 


487; Sov. G. L., 


1236. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11892. 


, 


1376. 






1902, 


529. 


1237. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10089. 


1285. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13145, 13256. 


1332. 


1899., 


Pa., 813. 


1238. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11481; Pa., 


1286. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6978. 


1333. 


Pa., 


487; Sov. G. L. 




433. 




1287. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7041. 




By Laws ; Sov. G. L., 


1239. 


Pa., 


441. 


1288. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14687; 1899, 




2134. 




1240. 


Pa., 


456. 




34. 




1334. 


Pa., 


489. 


1241. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8412. 


1289. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 530. 


1335. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14250. 


1242. 


Pa., 


437; 120; Sov. G. 


1290. 


1904, 


531. 


1336. 


Pa., 


490; Sov. G. L., 




L., 


8839, 8840. 


1291. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15758. 




2725. 




1243. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 531. 


1292. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13256. 


1337. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2831. 


1244. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2134; 1899, 


1293. 


Sov. 


G. L., Digest, 


1338. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10142. 




24; 


1900, 883. 




1847, 


47. 


1339. 


Pa., 


493. 


1245. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 3SS9. 


1294. 


Pa., 


891. 


1340. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15167. 


1246. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2308, 4S67. 


1295. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 41. 


1341. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11894. 


1247. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2134; 1906, 


1296. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9975; 1900, 


1342. 


1906, 


Pa., 25. 




768; 


1899, 24. 




883. 




1343. 


1906, 


Pa., 25; 1994, Pa.» 


1248. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2134, 13783. 


1297. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14680; 1904, 




31. 




1249. 


Pa., 


454. 




584. 




1344. 


1906. 


Pa. 25. 


1250. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 31. • 


1298. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3247. 


1345. 


1906, 


Pa., 25. 


1251. 


Pa., 


455; Sov. G. L., 


1299. 


Sov. 


G. L., 800. 


1346. 


1898, 


Pa., 443. 




5281. 




1300. 


Sov. 


G. L., 574, 804, 


1347. 


1896, 


Pa., 372. 


1252. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1443. 




1127. 




1348. 


1900, 


Pa., 407. 


1253. 


Sov. 


G. L., By-Laws, 


1301. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9821. 


1349. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6207. 




Sov 


G L., 2134. 


1302. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 513; 


1350. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6207. 


1254. 


Sov. 


G. L.,^ 1090, 4^.38. 




1899, 


251 ; 10107, 8487. 


1351. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8369. 


1255. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8210; 1902, 


1303. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14892, 9856, 


1352. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2859. 




546. 






1110S 


!, 11893; 1900, 514. 


1353. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12177. 


1256. 


Sov. 


G. 1,., 8079. 


1304. 


1902, 


Pa., 36. 




495. 




1257. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2308, 4367, 


1305. 


1904, 


Pa., 37. 


1354. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10251. 




12355 




1306. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 76. 


1355. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11106. 


1258. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6615. 


1307. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4932. 


1356. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6207. 


1259. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1202, 3358. 


1308. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 251. 


1357. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 42. 


1260. 


1903, 


Pa., 436. 


1309. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 48. 


1358. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4838; Pa. 


1261. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5525, 5921. 


1310. 


Pa., 


467. 




495. 




1262. 


Pa., 


782. 


1311. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9722. 


1353. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10648 



562 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



REFERENCES. 

Section. Reference. 

1360. Sov. G. L., 15176. 

1361. Pa., 496. 

1362. Pa., 497. 

1363. Sov. G. L., 1903, 27. 

1364. Pa., 498. 

1365. Pa., 490. 

1366. 1883, Pa., 265. 

1367. Pa., 500. 

1368. Pa., 501. 

1369. Sov. G. L., 5281. 

1370. Sov. G. L., 5281, 1900, 
511. 

1371. Pa., 501. 

1372. Sov. G. L., 4883. 

1373. Sov. G. L., 1900, 507. 

1374. Pa., 507. 

1375. Pa., 508. 

1376. Pa., 509. 

1377. Pa., 510. 

1378. Pa., 511. 

1379. Pa., 512; G. L. By 
Laws. 

1380. Sov. G. L., 6566. 

1381. Pa., 516. 

1382. Pa., 517. 

1383. 1906, Pa., 35. 

1384. 1906, Pa., 35. 

1385. Sov. G. L., 1900, 518. 

1386. Sov. G. L., 1900, 815. 

1387. Sov. G. L., 1900, 815. 

1388. Sov. G. L., 1903, 25. 

1389. Sov. G. L., 2772. 

1390. Pa., 653. 

1391. Sov. G. L., 2772. 

1392. Sov. G. L., 11892, 14686. 

1393. Pa., 522. 

1394. Sov. G. L., 2772. 

1395. Sov. G. L., 6752. 

1396. Sov. G. L., 1899, 19. 

1397. Sov. G. L., 15749 ; Pa. G. 

L. Constitution ; Sov. 
G. L., 13664. 

1398. Sov. G. L., 1899, 25. 

1399. Sov. G. L., 13782, 15748. 

1400. Sov. G. L., 4423, 7804. 

1401. Sov. G. L., 10896, 11102. 

1402. Sov. G. L., 1900, 518. 
786. 

1403. 1403. Sov. G. L., 6350. 

1404. Sov. G. L., 11892. 

1405. Sov. G. L., 12353. 

1406. Sov. G. L., 14686. 

1407. Sov. G. L., 15748. 

1408. 1896, Pa., 368. 

1409. Sov. G. L., 2770. 

1410. Sov. G. L., 1902, 861. 

1411. Sov. G. L., 8112. 

1412. Sov. G. L., 13783. 

1413. 1903, Pa., 436. 

1414. Sov. G. L., 1900, 797. 



Section. Reference. 

1415. Sov. G. L., 1900, 797. 

1416. Sov. G. L,., 1903, 244. 

1417. Sov. G. L., 1902, 537; 
1904, 521. 

1418. Sov. G. L., 12569. 

1419. Sov. G. L., 10255, 8839. 

1420. Sov. G. L., '13783. 

1421. Pa., 1383. 

1422. Sov. G. L., 12354. 

1423. Sov. G. L., 12177. 

1424. Sov. G. L., 14248; 14688. 

1425. Sov. G. L., 14688. 

1426. Sov. G. L., 13000. 

1427. Pa., 527. 

1428. Sov. G. L., 8533. 

1429. Sov. G. L., 11483; Pa., 
620; 1872, Pa., 19, 95, 
96, Sub. Constitution. 

1430. Pa., 526; Sov. G. L., 
1290, 2312, 6620. 

1431. Pa., Sub. Constitution. 

1432. Sov. G. L., 10711, 6620, 
1290. 

1433. Sov. G. L., 2790. 

1434. Sov. G. L., 1290. 

1435. Sov. G. L., 5519. 

1436. Sov. G. L., 1906, 429. 

1437. 1906, Pa., 35. 

1438. Pa., 540; Sov. G. L., 
9630. 

1439. 1898, Pa., 15. 

1440. Sov. G. L., 11483, 1724. 

1441. Sov. G. L., 14248, 14688. 

1442. Sov. G. L., 16011, 14248. 

1443. Sov. G. L., 15005, 2132. 

1444. 1906, Pa., 32. 

1445. Sov. G. L., 1902, 527; 
1906, 778. 

1446. Sov. G. L., 1906, 778. 

1447. Sov. G. L., 9736. 

1448. Sov. G. L., 1904, 523. 

1449. Sov. G. L., 2860, 2495; 
1884, 1401, Pa., Sub. 
Constitution. 

1450. Sov. G. L., 1392. 

1451. Sov. G. L., 5513. 

1452. 1900, Pa., 28. 

1453. Sov. G. L., 5513. 

1454. 1898, Pa., 368. 

1455. Sov. G. L., 15749. 

1456. Sov. G. L. 4884, 8211 
Pa., Sub. Con. 

1457. Sov. G. L., 1901, 294; 
1902, 1012. 

1458. Sov. G. L., 1900, 51S, 
10106, 14941. 

1459. Pa., 534. ' 

1460. Sov. G. L., 3031. 

1461. Pa., 535; Sov. G. L., 
11673. 



Section. Reference. 

1462. Pa., 536. 

1463. Pa., 537. 

1464. 1904, Pa., 41. 

1465. Pa., 541. 

1466. Sov. G. L., 3031. 

1467. Pa., 549. 

1468. Sov. G. L., 10250, 8055, 
15164. 

1469. Sov. G. L., 2291. 

1470. 1883, Pa., 409. 

1471. Sov. G. L., 1775. 

1472. Sov. G. L., 1633, 1763, 
2291. 

1473. Sov. G. L., 10250. 

1474. Sov. G. L.„ 2291. 

1475. 1898, Pa., 14. 

1476. Sov. G. L., 1633, 1763> 
10250, 15164. 

1477". Sov. G. L., 6575. 

1478. Pa. Sub. Constitution. 

1479. 1883, Pa., 265. 

1480. 1883, Pa., 314. 

1481. 1890, Pa., 11. 

1482. Sov. G. L., 8553. 

1483. Sov. G. L.,< 12995. 

1484. 1906, Pa., 32. 

1485. 1883, Pa., 409. 

1486. 1904, Pa., 43. 

1487. 1899, Pa., 813. 

1488. 1901, Pa., 475. 

1489. Sov. G. L., 1299. 

1490. Sov. G. L., 1901, 296. 

1491. Sov. G. L., 1902, 530. 

1492. Sov. G. L., 1902, 530, 
537. 

1493. Sov. G. L., 13449. 

1494. 1893, Pa., 653. 

1495. Pa., Sub Constitution. 

1496. Sov. G. L., 1904, 531. 

1497. 1899, Pa., 813. 

1498. 1897, Pa., 798. 

1499. Pa., Sub. Constitution. 

1500. Pa., Sub. Constitution. 

1501. 1902, Pa., 36. 

1502. Sov. G. L., 2700, 8344. 

1503. Sov. G. L., 13000. 

1504. Sov. G. L., 2808. 

1505. 1895, Pa., 861. 

1506. 1895, Pa., 861. 

1507. 1893, Pa., 931; 1900, Pa.„ 
69. 

1508. Sov. G. L., 9736. 

1509. Pa., 223. 

1510. Sov. G. L., 14881. 

1511. Sov. G. L., 1900, 791. 

1512. Sov. G. L., 15175. 

1513. Sov. G. L., 1900, 870. 

1514. Sov. G. L., 15174. 

1515. Sov. G. L., 15175. 

1516. Sov. G. L., 1899, 23. 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



563 



REFERENCES. 

Section. Reference. 

1517. Sov. G. L., 15174. 

1518. Gov. G. L.., 15166. 

1519. Sov. G. L,., 15745. 

1520. Sov. G. L., 1906, 689. 

1521. Sov. G. L., 15175. 

1522. Sov. G. L., 1902, 886. 

1523. Sov. G. L., 15165. 

1524. Sov. G. L., 15174. 

1525. Sov. G. L... 15175. 

1526. Sov. G. L., 15174. 

1527. J 906, Pa., 34. 

1528. J 904, Pa., 43. 

1529. 1901, Pa., 469. 

1530. 1901, Pa., 469. 

1531. 1904, Pa., 40. 

1532. Sov. G. L., 1903, 323. 

1533. 1901, Pa., 469. 

1534. Sov. G. L., 9633. 

1535. 1903, Pa., 435. 

1536. 1881, Pa., 51-55. 

1537. 1884, Pa., 51-55. 

1538. Sov. G. L., 3031, 8992. 

1539. Sov. G. L., 4860. 

1540. Pa., Sub. Constitution. 

1541. Sov. G. L., 3031. 

1542. Sov. G. L., 12176. 

1543. Sov. G. L., 12797. 

1544. Sov. G. L., 1896. 

1545. Sov. G. L., 11104. 

1546. Sov. G. L., 1906, 778. 

1547. Sov. G. L., 14688, 15043. 

1548. Public Installation 
Ceremony. 

1549. Public Installation 
Ceremony. 

1550. 1896, Pa., 131; 189S, Pa., 
17; 1872, Pa., 19, 35, 96. 

1551. Pa., Sub. Constitution. 

1552. See Fines. 

1553. Pa., Sub. Constitution. 

1554. Pa., Sub. Constitution. 

1555. Sov. G. L., 7909, 7506. 

1556. Pa., Constitution, 1904. 

Pa., 43. 

1557. Sov. G. L., 2700, 8344, 
15010; 1900, Pa., 69. 

1558. See suspended mem- 
bers, Sov. G. L., 1903, 
25. 

1559. See Dues. 

1560. Public Installation 
Ceremony. 

1561. Sov. G. L,., 14572. 

1562. Pa., 569. 

1563. Pa., 570. 

1564. Sov. G. L., 1906, 443. 

1565. Sov. G. L., 14684; 1904, 
534. 

1566. 1906, Pa., 33. 

If 67. Sov. G. L., 1900, 799. 



Section. Reference. 

1568. Sov. G. L., 1900, 872. 

1569. Pa., 575. 

1570. Sov. G. L.., 14249, 15080; 
1899, 293. 

1571. Sov. G. L., 150S0. 

1572. Sov. G. L.., 1901, 551. 

1573. Sov. G. L., 6608, 668S. 

1574. Sov. G. L., 1902, 881. 

1575. 1906, Pa., 55. 

1576. Pa., 580. 

1577. Pa., 583. 

1578. Sov. G. L., 3683. 

1579. Sov. G. L., 3683. 

1580. Sov. G. L., 3683. 

1581. Sov. G. L., 9736. 

1582. Sov. G. L., 9736. 

1583. Sov. G. L., 9868. 

1584. Sov. G. L., 11893. 

1585. Sov. G. L., 11833. 

1586. Sov. G. L., 12789. 

1587. Sov. G. L.., 9857. 

1588. Sov. G. L., 15757. 

1589. Sov. G. L., 1900, 506. 

1590. Sov. G. L., 8534; 1906, 
428. 

159*1. Sov. G. L., 13985. 

1592. Sov. G. L., 2928, 3121, 
11244. 

1593. 548. 

1594. Sov. G. L,., 1904, 528. 

1595. Sov. G. L., 8107. 

1596. Sov. G. L., 12797. 

1597. Sov. G. L., 1902, 533. 

1598. Sov. G. L., 1899, 12. 

1599. Sov. G. L., 1899, 293. 

1600. Sov. G. L., 1903, 18. 

1601. Sov. G. L., 1903, 18. 

1602. Sov. G. L., 1903, 17; 
1906, 757. 

1603. Sov. G. L., 2215, 10254. 

1604. Sov. G. L., 2403. 

1605. Sov. G. L., 4842. 

1606. Sov. G L„ 15757. 

1607. Sov. G. L., 1903, 279. 

1608. Sov. G. L., 12797. 

1609. Sov. G. L., 5920. 

1610. Sov. G. L., 9868. 

1611. Sov. G. L., 9868. 

1612. 1895, Pa. v 376. 

1613. 1904, Pa., 37. 

1614. 1898, Pa., 368. 

1615. Sov. G. L., 8109. 

1616. Sov. G. L., 13987. 

1617. Sov. G. L., 1899, 42. 

1618. Sov. G. L., 1899, 42. 

1619. Sov. G. L., 1899, 42. 

1620. Sov. G. L., 189^, 42. 

1621. Sov. G. L., 15080. 

1622. Sov. G. L., 3513. 

1623. Pa., G. L. Constitution. 



Section. Reference. 

1624. Sov. G. L., 1624, 190'd, 41. 

1625. Sov. G. L., 1903, 42. 

1626. Sov. G. L., 2468. 

1627. Sov. G. L., 12351. 

1628. Sov. G. L., 2765, 2^92, 

6752. 

1629. Sov. G. L., 8369. 

1630. Sov. G. L., 8369, 8090,. 
10938, 10255. 

1631. Sov. G. L., 8090. 

1632. Sov. G. L., 3513. 

1633. Sov. G. L., 11744. 

1634. Sov. G. L., 1017, 4370, 
10145, 11745. 

1635. Sov. G. L., 11744. 

1636. Sov. G. L., 11100, 11744. 

1637. Sov. G. L., 11744. 

1638. Sov. G. L., 1903, 279. 

1639. Sov. G. L., 4609. 

1640. Sov. G. L., 11744. 

1641. Sov. G. L., 15213. 

1642. Sov. G. L., 11744. 

1643. Sov. G. L., 9858. 

1644. Sov. G. L., 6180. 

1645. Sov. G. L., 4609. 

1646. Pa., 582. 

1647. 1885, Pa., 318. 

1648. Sov. G. L., 13434. 

1649. Sov. G. L., 3262. 

1650. Sov. G. L., 9994. 

1651. Sov. G. L., 15748. 

1652. Sov. G. L., 1899, 269. 

1653. Sov. G. L., 782. 

1654. 1900, Pa., 358. 

1655. Sov. G. L., 5143. 

1656. Sov. G. L., 5143. 

1657. Sov. G. L., 12786. 

1658. Sov. G. L,., 12784. 

1659. Sov. G. L., 5143. 

1660. Sov. G. L., 5143. 

1661. Sov. G. L., 5143. 

1662. Sov. G. L., 5143. 

1663. Pa., 594. 

1664. Sov. G. L., 16125. 

1665. Sov. G. L., 1902, 555 r 
15043, 1899, 38. 

1666. Sov. G. L., 7760. 

1667. Sov. G. L., 1899, 39. 

1668. Sov. G. L., 1901, 12. 

1669. Sov. G. L., 1906, 437. 

1670. Sov. G. L,., 1906, 435. 

1671. Sov. G. L., 811, 954. 

1672. 1878, Pa., 90. 

1673. Sov. G. L., 3525, 4466, 
10523. 

1674. Sov. G. L., 10523; 19G0. 
518; Pa., 1023. 

1675. Pa., 1018. 

1676. Sov. G. L., 4368. 

1677. Sov. G. L, 7766. 



564 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[190T. 



REFERENCES. 














■Section. 


Ov Reference. l^^j 


Section. 


Reference. 


Section. 


Ref 


zrence. 


1678. Sov 


G. L 


., 8358. 


1735. Sov 


G. L., 1202, 3358. 


1789. Sov 


G. L 


, 8838, 2790, 


1679. Sov 


G. L 


, 8531, 9734. 


1736. Sov. 


G. L., 5281. 


15010, 14688 


; 1906, 687. 


1680. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 3534, 9734. 


1737. Sov 


G. L., 410. 


1790. Sov. 


G. L. 


15061. 


1681. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 8531, 9724. 


1738. Sov 


G. L., 14248, 


1791. Sov 


G. L., 


5280, 5919. 


1682. Pa., 


1358. 




1739. Sov. 


G. L., 1935. 


1792. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 7057; 1398, 


1683. Sov. 


G. L., 


2639. 


1740. Sov 


G. L., 13096. 


Pa., 


369. 




1684. Sov. 


G. L.. 


2699. 


1741. Sov 


G. L., 14686. 


1793. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 15010. 


1685. Sov. 


G. L., 


14685. 


1742. Sov 


G. L., 13067. 


1794. 1893, 


Pa., 


S71. 


1686. Sov. 


G. L 


, 6350. 


1743. Pa., 


88. 


1795. Sov 


G. L., 


1906, 691. 


1687. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 3180, 5280. 


1744. Sov. 


G. L., 202. 


1796. 1897, 


Pa., 


645. 


1688. Sov. 


G. L., 


12791. 


1745. Sov. 


G. L., 202. 


1797. Pa., 


618. 




1689. Sov. 


G. L., 


15758. 


1746. Sov. 


G. L., 4149. 


1898. Sov 


G. L., 


4394, 5168. 


1690. Sov. 


G. L 


., 1905, 19, 


1747. Sov. 


G. L., 15964. 


1799. Sov. 


G. L 


, 5205. 


219, 


243. 




1748. Sov. 


G. L., 6241. 


1800. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1902, 962. 


1691. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1086. 


1749. Sov. 


G. L., 8999. 


1S01. Sov. 


G L., 


12699. 


1692. Sov. 


G. L. 


1840. 


1750. Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 4<V 


1802. Sov. 


G. L. 


12797. 


1693. Sov. 


G. Li., 


10716. 


1751. Sov. 


G. L., 4467. 


1803. Sov. 


G. L.. 


12:^: 


1694. Sov. 


G. L. 


4992. 


1752. Sov. 


G. L... 14438. 


1804. Pa., 


GC1. 




1695. Sov. 


G. Li., 


13256. 


1753. Sov. 


G. L., 1898, 47. 


1805. Sov. 


G. L 


, 6657. 


1696. Ritualistic 


Law. 


1754. Sov. 


G. L., 9161. 


1806. Sov. 


G. L 


. 8117. 


1697. Sov. 


G. L., 


3573. 


1755. Sov. 


G. L., 1149; 1900, 


!%7. Sov. 


G. L., 


2215, 1146. 


1698. Sov. 


G. L. 


4915, 7853, 


518. 




1808. Pa., 


4. 




7344. 






1756. Sov. 


G. L., 1391, 2701. 


1809. Pa., 






1699. Sov. 


G. L., 


655. 


1757. Sov. 


G. L., 14125. 


1810. Sov. 


G. L 


5179. 


1700. Sov. 


G. L , 


5852, 357b. 


1758. Sov. 


G. L., 1848, 114§. 


1831. Sov. 


G. L., 


2216, 10254. 


1701. Sov. 


G. L., 


7344. 


1759. Sov. 


G. L., 1148, 1470. 


1812. Sov. 


G. L 


., 7771. 


1702. Sov. 


G. L., 


1903, 275. 


1760. Sov. 


G. L.., 7772. 


1813. Sov. 


G. ?j., 


9856. 


1703. Sov. 


G. L., 


«:;5i. 


1761. Sov. 


G. L., 7772. 


1814. Sov. 


G. L., 


4992, 11366. 


1704. Pa., 


602. 




1762. Sov. 


G. L., 8950. 


1815. Sov. 


G. L., 


14687. 15010: 


1705. Sov. 


G. L., 


4153. 


1763. Sov. 


G. L., 7022, 12559. 


18S7, 


Pa., 645. 








1764. Sov. 


G. L., 7772, 16023; 








1706. Sov. 


G. I. 


, 11103. 


1883, 


Pa., 427. 


1816. Pa., 


168. 




1707. Sov. 


G. L., 


10497, i0432. 


1765. 1882, 


Pa., 206. 


1817. Sov 


G. L., 


1901, 20. 


1708. Sov. 


G. L. 


665. 


1766. Sov. 


G. L., 7022, 12559. 


181b. Sov. 


G. L., 


2790. 


1709. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 8334. 


1767. Sov. 


G. L., 9277. 


1819. Sov. 


G. L. 


7057. 


1710. Sov. 


G. L., 


11256. 


1768. Pa., 


144. 


1820. 1891, 


Pa., *3 


50. 


1711. Sov. 


G. L., 


1906, 429. 


1769. Sov. 


G. L., 2496, 2831; 


1821. Sov. 


G. L., 


10713, 4858; 


1712. Sov. 


G. L., 


12561. 


Pa., 


617. 


1901, 


26, 31; 


1902, 534. 


1713. Sov. 


G. L., 


1903, 275. 


1770. Pa., 


616. 


1S22. Sov. 


G. L., 


4858; 1901, 


1714. Sov. 


G. L. 


2171. 


1771. Sov. 


G. L., 1 11667. 


26, 31. 




1715. Sov. 


G. L.. 


7347. 


1772. Sov. 


G. L., 11106. 


1823. Sov. 


G. L., 


10113; 1901, 


1716. Sov. 


G. L. 


7364. 


1773. Pa., 


620; Sub. Consti- 


26, 31: 1902 


534. 


1717. Sov. 


a. u, 


S64S. 


tution. 


1S24. Sov. 


G. L., 


12353. 


1718. Sov. 


G. L.., 


13448. 


1774. Pa., 


620. 


1825. Sov. 


G. L.., 


10713. 


1719. Sov. 


G. L. 


8648. 


1775. 1891, 


Pa., 662; Pa., 


1826. Sov. 


G. L., 


2146. 


1720. Sov. 


G. L. 


9329. 


619. 




1827. Sov. 


G. L., 


2146. 


1721. Sov. 


G. L,., 


11376, 12553. 


1776. Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 34. 


1828. Sov. 


G. L. 


4858. 


1722. Sov. 


G. L., 


13446. 


1777. Sov. 


G. L., 11106. 


1829. Sov. 


G. L. 


3182. 


1723. Sov. 


G. L., 


1902, 864. 


1778. Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 531. 


1830. Sov. 


G. I,., 


1901, 26. 


1724. Sov. 


G. L., 


1163. 


1779. Pa., 


621. 


1831. Sov. 


G. I,., 


1901, 31. 


1725. Sov. 


G. L., 


6825. 


1780. Pa., 


622. 


1832. Sov. 


G. Li., 


1902, 534. 


1726. Sov. 


G. L. 


9635. 


1781. Pa., 


623. 


1833. Sov. 


G. L., 


1903, 37. 


1727. Sov. 


G. L. 3 


5920. 


1782. Pa., 


624; Sov. G. L.., 


1834. Sov. 


G. L., 


3679. 


1728. Sov. 


G. L., 


8170, 8405. 


1934. 




1835. Sov. 


G. L. 


3679. 


1729. Sov. 


G. L. f 


7344. 


1783. Pa., 


625. 


1836. Sov. 


G. L., 


11256. 


1730. 1882, 


Pa., 42 




1784. Pa., 


626. 


1837. Sov. 


G. L., 


12997. 


1731. Sov. 


G. L., 


13447. 


1785. Pa., 


627. 


1838. Sov. 


G. L., 


1904, 726. 


1732. Sov. 


G. L., 


3827, 3926. 


1786. Sov. 


G. L., 2641. 


1839. Sov. 


G. L., 


2826. 


1733. Sov. 


G. L., 


4848, 8*37. 


1787. 1902, 


Pa., 37. 


1840. Sov. 


G. L., 


2826. 


1734. Sov. 


G. L., 


1921. 


1788. 1891, 


Pa., 662. 


1841. Sov. 


G. L., 


12353. 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



565- 



REFERENCES. 

Section. Reference. 

1842. Sov. G. L.., 3664; Pa. 
640. 

1843. Pa., 641. 

1844. Sov. G. L.., 5161. 

1845. Sov. G. L., 7368. 

1846. Sov. G. L., 5516. 

1847. Fa., 643. 

1848. Pa., 644. 

1849. Sov. G. L., 10054. 

1850. Pa., 652. 



Sectic 
1897. 
1898. 
1899. 
1900. 
1901. 
1902. 
1903. 

1904. 



1851. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 


515. 


1905. 


1852. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5197. 




1906. 


1853. 


Pa., 


654. 






1854. 


Sov. 
10994 


G. I,., 10908, 


3728, 


1907. 
1908. 


1855. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8839, 


10908. 


1909. 


1856. 


Sov. 


G. Li., 1902, 


537. 


1910. 


1857. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9504. 




1911. 


1858. 


Pa., 


659. 




1912. 


1859. 


1894, 
.12. 


Pa., 376; 1880 


, Pa., 


1913. 


1860. 


1903, 


Pa., 434. 




1914. 


1861. 


1883, 


Pa., 409. 




1915. 


1862. 


Pa., 


661. 




1916. 


1863. 


Sov. 
662. 


G. L., 5516; 


Pa., 


1917. 


1864. 


1883, 


Pa., 409. 






1865. 


1904, 


Pa., 36. 




1918. 


1866. 


1883, 


Pa., 178. 






1867. 


Pa., 


663. 




1919. 


1868. 


Pa., 


664. 




1920. 


1869. 


1885, 


Pa., 319. 






1870. 


1883, 


Pa., 313. 




1921. 


1871. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 


515. 


1922. 


1872. 


Sov. 
14684 


G. L., 4875, 


9976, 


1923. 
1924. 


1873. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 1904, 


805. 


1925. 


1874. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11896. 




1926. 


1875. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11893. 




1927. 


1876. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7381. 




1928. 


1877. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6752. 




1929. 


1878. 


Pa., 


666. 




1930. 


1879. 


1881, 


Pa., 10. 




1931. 


1880. 


Sov. 


G. la., 7735. 




1932. 


1881. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2780. 




1933. 


1882. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6752. 




1934. 


1883. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 


517. 


1935. 


1884. 


1902, 


Pa., 36. 




1936. 


1885. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 


26. 


1937. 


1886. 


Pa., 


667. 




1938. 


1887. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7375. 




1939. 


18S8. 


Sov. 


G. L,., 7387. 




1940. 


1889. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7387. 




1941. 


1890. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 


354. 


1942. 


1891. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, : 


354. 


1943. 


1892. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 


506. 


1944. 


1893. 


Sov. 


G. L,., 14945. 




1894, 


Pa. 


, 665. 




1945. 


1895. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 


524. 


1946. 


1896. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15165. 


1947. 



i. Reference. 

Sov. G. L., 1906, 791. 

Sov. G. L.., 8088. 

Sov. G. L., 15168. 

Sov. G. L., 15758, 15801. 

Sov. G. L., 1899, 39. 

Sov. G. L., 2957. 

Sov. G. L., 3561, 3e01, 

5541, 1763, 2790. 

Sov. G. L., 1633, 8641; 

1901, 25. 

Sov. G. L., 1901, 25. 

1904, Pa., 37; Sov. G. 

L., 15427. 

1906, Pa., 31. 

Sov. G. L., 3679. 

Sov. G. L., 5542. 

Sov. G. L., 5542. 

Sov. G. L., 5542. 

Pa., 224. 

Sov. G. L., 7S02; Pa., 

225. 

Sov. G. L., 807, 2403. 

Pa., 212. 

Sov. G. L., 16138; 1901, 

276; 1902, 530. 

Pa., 215; Pa., 30; Sov. 

G. L., 6565, 2957. 

Sov. G. L., 6563; Pa., 

216. 

1904, Pa., 37. 

Sov. G. L., 3118; P*., 

216. 

Sov. G. L.., 14898 

Sov. G. L., 6563. 

Pa., 218. 

Sov. G. J;., 16027. 

Sov. G. L., 13446,13456. 

Sov. G. L., 10711. 

Sov. G. L., 10254. 

Pa., 220. 

Pa., 221. 

Pa., 222. 

Pa., Sub Constitution. 

Sov. G. L., 7762. 

1895, Pa., 825. 

Sov. G. L., 10007. 

Sov. G. L., 10007. 

1903, Pa., 437. 

Sov. G. L., 3679. 

Sov. G. L., 8186. 

Sov. G. L., 7815. 

1899, Pa., 491. 

1890, Pa., 158. 

1898, Pa., 181. 

1898, Pa., 181. 

Sov. G. L., 16138; 1901, 

276; 1902, 530. 

Pa., 224. 

1881, Pa., 106. 

1885, Pa., 318. 



Section. Reference. 

1948. 1898, Pa., 14. 

1949. 1900, Pa., 357. 

1950. 1906, Pa., 30. 

1951. Sov. G. L., 16138; 1901,. 
276; 1902, 530. 

1952. 1890, Pa., 390. 

1953. Sov. G. L., 1906, 790. 

1954. Sov. G. L., 1903, 271. 

1955. Sov. G. L., 8839. 

1956. Sov. G. L., 15801. 

1957. Sov. G. L., 1205, 1325&, 
14680, 3415; 1901, 33. 

1958. Sov. G. L., 12355. 

1959. Sov. G. L., 14682. 

1960. Sov. G. L., 1905, 288. 

1961. Sov. G. L., 1903, 28. 

1962. Sov. G. L., 1903, 28. 

1963. Sov. G. L., 6329. 

1964. Sov. G. L., 1299, 1775, 
2560. 

1965. Sov. G. Li.-, 7347, 7462, 
7909, 11105, 15170; 1901, 
294. 

1966. Sov. G. L., 1902, 716. 

1967. Sov. G. L., 1775. 

1968. Sov. G. L., 2919; 1906, 
427. 

1969. Sov. G. L., 1775. 

1970. Sov. G. L., 2560. 

1971. Sov. G. L., 1902, 528. 
1972: Sov. G. L., 1O106. 

1973. Sov. G. L., 1904, 540. 

1974. 1889, Pa., 209. 

1975. Sov. G. L., 15801. 

1976. Sov. G. L., 15170. 

1977. Sov. G. L., 7505, 7909. 

1978. Pa., Sub. Constitution. 

1979. 1904, _ Pa., 43. 

1980. Sov. G. L., 1901, 294; 
1902, 1012. 

1981. Pa., Sub Constitution. 

1982. Sov. G. L., 5280, 5919, 



1983. 


-LLI-LOI 

Sov. 
15212 


G. L., 


5280, 


5919, 


1984. 


Sov. 


A. L., 


5280. 




1985. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


14250. 




1986. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


15602. 




1987. 


Sov. 
4993, 


G. L., 

11896. 


4883, 


144S1, 


1988. 


Sov. 
1906, 


G. L., 

443. 


4993, 


5185; 


1989. 


Sov. 
4993. 


G. L., 


, 4993. 




1990. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


11896; 


Pa., 



1991. Sov. G. L., 10716. 

1992. Sov. G. L., 4883. 

1993. Sov. G. L., 9736. 

1994. Sov. G. L. 2562. 



666 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



REFERENCES. 

Section. Reference. 

1995. Sov. G. L., 1899, 23. 

1996. Sov. G. L., 4467. 

1997. Sov. G. L., 1905, 19. 

1998. Sov. G. L., 6007, 10716, 
11896. 



L., 14481. 
L., 6229. 
L., 3805. 
L.., Constitu- 

L., Consticu- 



1999. Sov. G. 

2000. Sov. G. 

2001. Sov. G. 

2002. Sov. G 
tion. 

2003. Sov. G 
tion. 

2004. Sov. G. L., 1063. 

2005. Sov. G. L,., 11299. 

2006. Sov. G. L., 3268. 

2007. Sov. G. L... 3268. 

2008. Sov. G. L., 2889, 3376, 
4146. 

2009. Sov. G. L., 1058, 11892; 
1899, 38. 

2010. Sov. G. L., 1899. 

2011. Sov. G. L., 7087. 

2012. Sov. G. L., 1090. 

2013. Sov. G. L., 11100. 

2014. Sov. G. L. ( 11100. 

2015. Sov. G. L., By Law3, 
Sov. G. L., 2134. 

2016. Sov. G. L., 1090, 4838; 
Pa., 681. 

2017 Sov. G. L., By Laws. 

2018. Sov. G. L., 9323. 

2019. Sov. G. L.., 8079; 1887, 
5501, 10520. 

2020. Sov. G. Lr., 110?. 
2121. Sov. G. L., 1289. 

2022. Sov. G. L., 1919. 

2023. Sov. G. L., 1936. 

2024. Pa., 434; Sov. G. L., 
4845, 7803. 

2025. Sov. G. L., 10402. 

2026. Sov. G. L., 1724, 1784. 

2027. Pa., 676; Sov. G. L., 
2885, 3467. 

2028. Sov. G. L., 11101; Pa., 
678. 

2029. Sov. C. L., 2885. 

2030. Sov. G. L-., 2885. 

2031. Sov. G. L., 1902, 543. 

2032. Sov. G. L., 781. 

2033. Sov. G. L., 7314. 

2034. Sov. G. L., 14680. 

2035. Sov. G. L., 1901, 274. 

2036. Sov. G. L.., 1901, 274. 

2037. Sov. G. L., 14891. 

2038. Sov. G. L., 11104. 

2039. Sov. G. L., 4467. 

2040. Sov. G. L., 7087. 

2041. Sov. G. L., 14163. 

2042. Sov. G. L., 14115. 

2043. Sov. G. L., 12791. 



Section. Reference. 

2044. Sov. G. L., 10006. 

2045. Sov. G. L., 1900, 518. 

2046. Sov. G. L., 1900, 518. 

2047. Sov. G. L,., 1902, 883. 

2048. Sov. G. L., 1902, 883. 

2049. Sov. G. L., 1906, 675. 

2050. Sov. G. L.., 13784, 14248, 
15603, 14941. 

2051 Sov. G. L., 14941. 

2052. Sov. G. L., 1901, 266. 
518. 

2053. Sov. G. L., 14941; 1900 
5l8. 

2054. Sov. G. L., 1901, 266. 

2055. Sov. G. L., 15603. 

2056. Sov. G. L.., 1900, 517. 

2057. Sov. G. L., 1903, 40. 

2058. Sov. G. L., 1903. 40. 



2059. Sov. G. 

2060. Sov. G. 

2061. Sov. G. 

2062. Sov. G. 



L.., 11251. 
L., 12355. 

L., 1108. 

L., 7803. 

2063. Sov. G. L., 8108. 

2064. Sov. G. L., 11250. 



2065. 


Sov. 


G. L„ 7036. 


2066. 


Sov. 
tion, 


G. L.., Coustitu- 


2067. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8073. 


2068. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 952. 


2<J69. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11670. 


2070. 


Sov. 


G. L,. } 8109. 


2071. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11761, 11C70. 


2072. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4993. 


2073. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1062, 6659, 




7917, 


11432. 


2074. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7770. 


2075. 


Sov. 


G. I,., 8958. 


2076. 


Sov. 


G. L,., 1901, 274. 


2077. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1476. 


2078. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5280, 5919. 


2079. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9869. 


2080. 


Sov. 


G. L., 496, 1235. 


20S1. 


Pa., 
5143. 


6Si; Sov. G. L., 


2082. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 43. 


2083. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1404. 


2084. 


Sov. 


G. L.. 1731. 


2085. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 274. 


2086. 


Sov. 


G. L., L3001. 


£087. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8640. 


2088. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3107. 


2089. 


Sbv. 


G. L., 13258. 


2090. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 47. 


2091. 


Sov. 

47. 


G. L., 1901, 45, 46, 


2092. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 542. 


2093. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 994. 


2091. 


1894, 


Pa., 381. 


2C95. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14160; 1901, 




45. 


46, 47. 



Section. 

2096. Sov. 

2097. Sov. 

2098. Sov. 

2099. Sov. 
210''. Sov. 

2101. Sov. 

2102. Sov. 
47. 

2103. Sov. 
47. 

2104. Sov. 

2105. Sov. 

2106. Sov. 
1847, 
860, 

2107. Sov. 

2108. Sov. 

2109. Sov. 
6278, 

2110. Sov. 

2111. Sov. 

2112. Sov. 

2113. Sov. 
1902, 

2114. Sov. 

2115. Sov. 

2116. Sov. 

2117. Sov. 

2118. Sov. 

2119. Sov. 

2120. Sov. 

2121. Sov. 

2122. Sov. 

2123. 1890, 

2124. Sov. 

2125. Sov. 

2126. Sov. 

2127. Pa., 

2128. Pa., 

2129. Pa., 

2130. Pa., 
11731 

2131. Sov. 

2132. Sov. 

2133. Sov. 

2134. Pa., 
1901, 
13258, 

2135. Sov. 

2136. Sov. 

2137. Sov. 

2138. Sov. 

2139. Sov. 



Reference. 

(i. L., 9020. 
G. L., 2249. 
•}. L,., 10446. 

G. T.., 1476. 
O. Iu, 1840, 10088. 
• G. L., 11366.. 
G. L., Digest, 1847, 

G. L., Digest, 1847. 

G. L., 10402. 
G. L., 1392. 
G. L., Digest, 
46; Sov. G. L. 
906. 

G. L., 1905, 39. 
G. L., 14680. 
G. L., 956, 1121, 
8117, 860, y06. 
G. L.', 13258. 
G. L., 8110. 
G. L.^ 4624. 
G. L., 994, 1006; 
544. 

G. L., 14682. 
G. L., 2748. 
G. L., 2858. 
G. L., 1900, 506. 
G. L., 12238. 
G. L., 4716. 
G. L., 13258. 
G. L., 1503. 
G. L., 7366. 
Pa., 53. 
G. L., 1108. 
G. L., 1108. 
G. L., 10252. 
852. 



850; Sov. G. L., 

G. L., 15974. 
G. L., 11487. 
G. L., 776. 
880; Sov. G. L., 
26, 14682, 1108, 

G. L., 4069. 
G. L., 13258. 
G. L..J 4363. 
G. L., 1901, 26. 
G. L., 11898, 860, 



2140. Sov. G. L., 12121, 12561. 

2141. Sov. G. L., 1839. 

2142. Sov. G. L.. 1839. 

2143. Sov. G. L.., 3512. 

2144. Sov. G. L., 1905, 35. 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



567 



REFERENCES. 

Section. Reference. 

2145. Sov. G. L., 1901, 266, 
267. 

2146. Sov. G. L., 10714. 

2147. See questions, Inquir- 
es, Appeals, Decisions 

2148. Sov. G. L., 5281, 5919. 

2149. Sov. G. L., 14682. 
8110. 

2151. Sov. G. L.., 2725; Pa., 



Section. 

2192. Sov. G. 

2193. Sov. G. 

2194. Sov. G. 



Reference. 
L., 1902, 545. 
L., 1902, 545. 
L., 1902, 545. 



2150. 


Pa., 


862; Sov. G. L. 


2152. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2S31. 


2153. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15749, 6350. 


2154. 


Pa., 


881; Sov. G. L. 




906, 


919. 


2155. 


Pa., 
3513. 


882; Sov. G. L. 


2156. 


Pa., 

860. 


883; Sov. G. L. 


2157. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14679, 351 




Pa., 


878. 


2158. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14684. 


2159. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11731. 


2160. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3739, 6615 


2161. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10252. 


2162. 


Pa., 


877. 


2163. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 546. 


2164. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11487. 


2165. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 54S. 


2166. 


Pa., 


911. 


2167. 


Pa, 


917. 


2168. 


Pa., 


569. 


2169. 


Pa., 


570. 


2170. 


Pa., 


916. 


2171. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3478. 


2172. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5197. 


2173. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2768. 


2174. 


Sov. 
tion 


G. L., Constitu- 


2175. 


1892, 


Pa.. 98. 


2176. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 835. 


2177. 


1892, 


Pa., 150. 


2178. 


1884, 


Pa., 79. 


2179. 


1893, 


Pa., 593. 


2180. 


Sov. 


G. L., 777. 


2181. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 551. 


2182. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 20. 


2183. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 931. 


2184. 


Pa., 


1015; Sov. G. L. 




1899, 


21. 


2185. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11091, 1059 




3087, 


3540, 4848. 


2186. 


Sov. 


G. L., Constitu- 




tion 


: 16061. 


2187. 


Sov. 


G. L., Constitu- 




tion 


: 16001. 


2188. 


Pa., 


576. 


2189. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12797. 


2190. 


Pa., 


933. 


2191. 


1884, 


Pa., 237. 



2195. Sov. G. L., 8207. 

2196. Sov. G. L., 2765, 2892, 
6752. 

2197. Sov. G. L., 1902, 545. 

2198. Sov. G. L., 7378. 

2199. Sov. G. L., Constitu- 
tion. 

2200 Sov. G. L., 1901, 49. 

2201. Sov. G. L., 2768. 

2202. Sov. G. L., 129. 

2203. Sov. G. L., 1829, 2700, 
2732 ; 1902, 544. 

2204. Sov. G. L., 12124. 

2205. Sov. G. L., Constitu- 
tion. 

2206. Sov. G. L., 12121. 

2207. Sov. G. L., 1899, 34. 

2208. Sov. G. L., 6252. 

2209. Sov. G. L., 1902, 536. 

2210. Sov. G. L., Constitu- 
tion; Sov. G. L., 8533, 
12121. 

2211. Sov. G. L., 12121; 1899, 
34. 

2212. Sov. G. L., 3182, 4598. 

2213. Sov. G. L., 14598. 

2214. Sov. G. L., 11487. 

2215. Sov. G. L., 15755. 

2216. Sov. G. L., 16117. 

2217. Pa., 894. 

2218. Pa., 895. 

2219. Pa., 896. 

2220. Pa., 897. 

2221. Sov. G. L., 1900, 515. 

2222. Sov. G. L., Ridgely's 
History. 

2223. Sov. G. L., 11487. 

2224. Sov. G. L., 10713. 

2225. Sov. G. L.., 5825. 

2226. Pa., 1354. 

2227. Sov. G. L., 1906, 791. 

2228. Sov. G. L., 1906, 791. 

2229. Sov. G. L., 1906, 791. 

2230. 1883, Pa., 409. 

2231. Sov. G. L., 6192. 

2232. Sov. G. L.., 782. 

2233. Sov. G. L,., 15168. 

2234. Sov. G. L., 4855. 

2235. Sov. G. L., 12677. 

2236. Sov. G. L., 12786. 

2237. Sov. G. L., 12784. 

2238. Sov. G. L., 13165, 12354. 

2239. Sov. G. L., 1903, 45. 
224.0. Sov. G. L., 1903, 45. 

2241. Sov. G. L., 1903, 45. 

2242. Sov. G. L., 1903, 45. 

2243. Sov. G. L., 1903, 45. 



Section. Reference. 

2244. Sov. G. L., 1906, 773. 

2245.. Sov. G. L., 10473. 

2246. Sov. G. L., 1903, 306. 

2247. Sov. G. L., 1905, 67. 

2248. 1884, Pa., 83. 

2249. Sov. G. L., 1903, 328. 
2250 Sov. G. L., 1901, 45, 46, 

2251. Pa., 688. 

2252. Sov. G. L., 13016. 

2253. Sov. G. L., 13101, 13017. 

2254. Sov. G. L., 13798. 

2255. Sov. G. L., 14160. 

2256. Sov.G. L., 1901, 45, 46, 
47. 

2257. Sov. G. L., 1901, 15, 46, 
47. 

2258. Sov. G. L., 1902, 542. 

2259. Sov. G. L., 1902, 994. 

2260. Sov. G. L., 1902, 542. 

2261. Sov. G. L., 1902, 994. 

2262. Sov. G. L., 14115. 

2263. Sov. G. L., 14115, 14163. 

2264. Sov. G. L., 4887. 

2265. 1874, Pa., 75; Pa., 1408. 

2266. 1894, Pa., 381. 

2267. Sov. G. L., 6571, 7481, 
8076, 10141, 10497. 

2268. Sov. G. L., 10986. 

2269. 1892, Pa., 82, 83, 84. See 
also Orphans' Asylum 
fund. 

2270. Sov. G. L., 1902, 544. 

2271. See Reports or the 
Homes. . 

2272. 1894, Pa., 381. 

2273. 1898, Pa., 17; 1906, Pa., 
363; Sov. G. L., 4888. 

2274. See Report of the 
Homes. 

2275. 1903, Pa., 834; 1906, 
Pa., 363. 

2276. 1894, Pa., 381. 

2277. 1894, Pa., 381. 

2278. 1894, Pa., 382. 

2279. 1894, Pa., 382. 

2280. 1894, Pa., 381; 18S8, Pa., 
17. 

2281. 1898, Pa., 17. 

2282. Sov. G. L., 11833; Pa., 
1408. 

2283. Sov. G. L., 1903, 42. 

2284. 1895, Pa., 877 (See Or- 
phans' Asylum Fund). 

2285. 1896, Pa., 372. 

2286. 1902, Pa., 131. 

2287. 1897, Pa., 566. 

2288. 1897, Pa., 566. 

2289. 1897, Pa., 566. 

2290. 1897, Pa., 531. 

2291. 1906, Pa., 65. 



568 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



1189, 2268, 



1899, 44. 

1900, 505. 



REFERENCES. 

Section. Reference. 

2292. Sov. G. L., 1903, 409. 

2293. Sov. G. L., T3Z. 

2294. 1906, Pa., 64. 

2295. Form. 

2296. Sov. G. L., 811, 2500, 
3500. 

2297. Sov. G. L., 1901, 294. 

2298. Sov. G. L., 13559. 

2299. Sov. G. L., 11744, 11893. 

2300. Sov. G. L., 6180, 11714, 
11893. 

2301. Sov. G. L., 2309, 11744; 
Sov. G. L., 1903, 34. 

2302. Sov. G. L., 1900, 504. 

2303. Sov. G, L., 1900, 504. 

2304. Sov. G. L. s 2859. 

2305. Sov. G. L. 
5834. 

2306. Sov. G. L. 

2307. Sov. G. L. 

2308. Sov. G. L., 2781, 10716. 

2309. Sov. G. L., 7909. 

2310. Sov. G. L., 7771. 

2311. Sov. G. L., 7909. 

2312. Sov. G. L., 1391. 

2313. Sov. G. L., 1443. 

2314. Sov. G. L., 12211. 

2315. Sov. G. L., 1613, 1845, 
1198. 

2316. Sov. G. L., 9371. 

2317. Sov. G. L., 11744, 11893. 

2318. Sov. G. L., By Laws. 

2319. Sov. G. L., 8838, 3871. 

2320. Sov. G. L., 1198, 1613, 
2268, 12211. 

2321. Sov. G. L., 1840, 1920, 
7910, 5803. 

2322. Sov. G. L.., 
533. 

2323. Sov. G. L., 

2324. Sov. G. L.', 

2325. Sov. G. L., 

2326. Sov. G. L., 

2327. Sov. G. L., 

2328. Sov. G. L. 
296. 

2329. Sov. G. L., 12353. 

2330. £ov. G. L., 2146. 

2331. Sov. G. L., 1901, 24. 



12211; 1902, 

1900, 8S2. 

1900, S82. 
3466, 3953 

14681. 
1900, 501. 
, 1901, 33, 



2332 Sov. 

2333. Sov. 

2334. Sov. 



G. L., 10713. 

G. L., 1280, 10715. 

G. L. 1899, 30. 



2335. Sov. G. I,., 1900, 506. 

2336. Sov. G. L., 13257. 

2337. Sov. G. L., 19,05, 30. 

2338. Sov. G. L., 1723, 10715. 
i339. Sov. G. L., 1900, 684, 

710, 742. 

2340. Sov. G. L., 1902, 529. 

2341. 1891, Pa., 838. 



Section. 

2342. Sov. 

2343. Sov. 

2344. Sov. 

2345. Sov. 

2346. Sov. 

2347. Sov. 

2348. Sov. 

2349. Sov. 

2350. Sov. 

2351. 1889, 

2352. Sov. 

2353. Sov. 

2354. Sov. 

2355. Sov. 

2356. Sov. 

2357. Pa., 

2358. Pa., 

2359. Sov. 

2360. Sov. 

2361. Sov. 

2362. Sov. 

2363. 1888, 

2364. Pa., 
15166 

2365. Sov. 

2366. Sov. 

2367. Pa., 

2368. Sov. 

2369. Sov. 

2370. Sov. 

2371. Sov. 

2372. Sov. 

2373. Sov. 

2374. Sov. 

2375. Sov. 
Sub. 

2376. Sov. 
3277. Sov. 

2378. Sov. 

2379. Sov. 

2380. Sov. 

2381. Sov. 

2382. Sov. 

2383. 1904, 

2384. Sov. 

2385. Sov. 

2386. Sov. 

2387. Sov. 

2388. Sov. 

2389. Sov. 

2390. 1873, 

2391. 1906, 

2392. 1906, 

2393. 1906, 

2394. 1887, 

2395. 1895, 

2396. 1906, 

2397. 1895, 

2398. 1895, 

2399. 1898, 



Reference. 
G. L., 5511. 
G. L., 5837. 
G. L., 4241. 
G. L., 13430. 
G. L., 14432. 
G. L., 6609. 
G. L., 12552. 
G. L., 8988. 
G. L., 9751. 
Pa., 660. 
G. L., 2730. 
G. L., 7346. 
G. L., 6350. 
G. L., 9278. 
G. L., 7822. 
704. 
705. 

G. L., 11256. 
G. L., 1904, 726. 
G. L., 12997. 
G. L., 1904, 726. 
Pa., 87. 
707; Sov. G. L., 

G. L., 15212. 
G. L., 15212. 
711. 

G. L., 3621. 
G. L., 14440. 
G. L., 1470. 
G. L., 2310. 
G. L., 2310. 
G. L., 2146. 
G. L., 3739, 11897. 
G. L., 4992; Pa., 
Constitution. 
G. L., 8992. 
G. L., 12797. 
G. L., 7759. 
G. L., 1900, ,»G5. 
G. L., 11895. 
G. L., 12V 83. 
G .L., 13783. 
Pa., 39. 
G. L., 14031. 
G. L., 9416. 
G. L., 4993. 
G. L., 14250. 
G. L., 1475. 
G. L., 1899, 27. 
Pa., 788. 
Pa., 24. 
Pa., 24. 
Pa., 24. 
Pa., 295. 
Pa., 485. 
Pa., 32. 
Pa., 485. 
Pa., 484. 
Pa., 15. 



Section. 

2400. 1898, 

2401. 1906, 

2402. 1881, 

2403. Sov. 

2404. Sov. 

2405. 1899, 

2406. Sov. 

2407. Sov. 

2408. Sov. 

2409. Sov. 

2410. Sov. 

2411. Pa., 

2412. Sov. 

2413. Sov. 

2414. Sov. 

2415. Sov. 
5836, 

2416. Sov. 
1900, 

2417. Sov. 

2418. Sov. 

2419. Sov. 

2420. Sov. 

2421. Sov. 

2422. Sov. 

2423. Sov. 

2424. Sov. 

2425. Sov. 

2426. Sov. 

2427. Sov. 

2428. Sov. 

2429. Sov. 

2430. Sov. 

2431. Sov. 

2432. Sov. 

2433. Sov. 

2434. Sov. 

2435. Sov. 

2436. Sov. 

2437. Sov. 

2438. Sov. 

2439. Sov. 
1901, 

2440. 1881, 

2441. 1882, 

2442. Sov'. 

2443. Sov. 

2444. 1882, 

2445. Sov. 

2446. 1890, 

2447. Sov. 
1899, 

2448. Sov. 
13649, 

2449. Sov. 

2450. Sov. 

2451. Sov. 

2452. Sov. 

2453. Pa., 

2454. Pa., 



Reference. 

Pa., 15. 
Pa., 31. 
Pa., 453. 
G. L., 14251. 
G. L., 11100. 
Pa., 42. 

G. L., 1904, 761. 
G. L., 11102. 
G. L., 11102. 
G. L., 14683. 
G. L., 1903, 23. 
733. 

G. L., 2310, 2116. 
G. L., 1901, 24. 
G. L., 2146. 
G. L., 4070, 5524, 
5848, 8715. 
G. L., 1198, 1503; 
515. 

G. L,., 1905, 33. 
G. L., 4915, 8839. 
G. L., 1470. 
G. L., 2310. 
G. L., 2310. 
G. L., 11833, 13011. 
G. L., 11833, 13011. 
G. L., 1902, 873. 
G. L.., 11833, 13041. 
G. L., 1901, 383. 
G. L., 1902, 530. 
G. L.., 1901, 387. 
G. L., 1901, K87. 
G. L.., 6216. 
G. L., 6216. 
G. L., 2137. 
G. L., 9853. 
G. L., 10252. 
G. L,., 2621, 3470. 
G. L., 1899, 24. 
G. L., 9853. 
G. L., 9853. 
G. L., 10387, 10712, 
27. 

Pa., 334. 
Pa., 60. 
G. L., 10395. 
G. L., 1902, 873. 
Pa., 60. 

G. L., 1905, 75. 
Pa., 202. 

G. L., 1905, 75; 
Pa., 672. 
G. L., 10387, 10712, 

15175. 
G. L., 919, 8087. 
G. L., 10251, 4833. 
G. L., 9855. 
G. L., 10715. 
G. L,., By Laws. 
755. 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



569 



REFERENCES. 



Section. 




Reference. 




Sectic 


2455. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


1540. 




2503. 


2456. 


Sov. 


G. 


L, 


, 2403 




2504. 


2457. 


Sov. 


G. 


L.. 


2403; 


Pub- 


2505. 




lie 


Installation 


Cere- 






many. 








25C6. 


2458. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


2215, 


10254. 


2507. 


2459. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


8087. 




250S. 


2460. 


Sov. 
511. 


G. 


L., 


2643; 


1900, 


2509. 


2461. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


2643. 




2510. 


2462. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


2643. 




2511. 


2463. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


9629, 


8087, 





2464. Sov. G. L., 5920; Pa., 2512. 
584. 

2465. Sov. G. L., 9868. 2518. 

2466. Sov. G. L., 2132, 2859, 25H 
3836, 8719. 2515. 

2467. Sov. G. L,., 9629. 2516 - 

2468. Sov. G. L., 4240. 2?17 - 

2469. Sov. G. L., 15801; Pub- 2518 - 
lie Installation Cere- 2519 - 
mony. 2520. 

2470. 1897 Pa., 497. 2521 - 

2471. Sov. G. L., 15801. 2 » 22 - 

2472. Sov. G. L., 1900, 780. 2 -> 2 3- 

2473. 1898, Pa., 15. 2534. 

2474. 1903, Pa., 436. 

2475. Sov. G. L., 11902. 2525. 

2476. Sov. G. L.., 9856. 2526. 

2477. Sov. G. L., 2403. 2527. 
247S. Sov. G. L., 2643; 1900, 2528. 

511. 2539. 

2479. Sov. G. L., 4992. 2530. 

2480. Sov. G. L., 10716. 2531. 

2481. Sov. G. L., 11095. 2532. 

2482. Sov. G. L., 11095. 2533. 

2483. Sov. G. L., 11095. 2534. 

2484. Sov. G. L., 11892. 2535. 
24S5. Sov. G. L., 1903, S3, 2536. 

34; Pa., 750. 2537. 

2486. Sov. G. L., 1290. 2538. 

2487. Sov. G. L.. 1899, 24. 2539. 

2485. Sov. G. L., 12787, 10254. 

2489. Sov. G. L., 2215, 10254. 2540. 

2490. Sov. G. L.., 4842. 2541. 

2491. Sov. G. L., 2132, 2859, 2542. 
3836, 8719. 2543. 

2492. Sov. G. L., 1901, 44. 2544. 

2493. Sov. G. L., 1900, 882. 2545. 

2494. Sov. G. L., 1902, 540; 2546. 
12797. 2547. 

2495. Pa., 751. 2548. 

2496. Pa., 752. 2549.. 

2497. Pa., 582. 2550. 

2498. Sov. G. L., 13256. 2551. 

2499. Pa., 90. 2552. 

2500. Pa.. 753. 

•2501. Pa.,. 754 2553. 

2502. Sov. G. L., 13784. 2554. 

36 



i. Reference. 

Sov. G. L., 10104. 
Sov. G. L., 1085. 
Pa., Grand .Lodge 

Rules of order. 
Pa., 1334. 
Sov. G. L. t 4240. 
Sov. G. L., 10087. 
Forms and G. L. In- 
structions. 

Sov. G. L., 1905, 31. 
Sov,. G. L., 11100; 1899, 
24; Installation Cere- 
mony. 

Sov. G. L., 7802; 1902, 
'528. 
Sov. G. L., 7802. 

.Sov. G. L., 1902, 528. 

Sov. G. L., 1906, 688. 

Sov. G. L., 10256. 

Sov. G. L., 14250. 

Pa., 1343. 

Sov. G. L,., 1903, 18. 

Sov. G. L., 1903, 17. 

Pa., 1335. 

Sov. G. L., 11744. 

Sov. G. L., 1903, 27. 

Sov. G. L., 1903, 26; 

1900, 516. 

Sov. G. L., 1903, 18. 

Sov. G. L., 1250. 

Pa., 1084. 

1880, Pa., 35. 

Sov. G. L., 5541, 3684. 

Sov. G. L., 16125. 

Sov. G. L., 1905, 76. 

Sov. G. L., 1905, 76. 

Sov. G. L., 1905, 25. 

Sov. G. L., 1903, 26. 

Pa., 766. 

Pa., 766. 

1884, Pa., 44. 

Sov. G. L., 5541, 36S4. 

2539, Sov. G. L., 5541, 

3684. 

Sov. G. L., 1504. 

1906, Pa., 34. 

Pa., 173. 

1888, Pa,, 87. 1 

1883, Pa., 429. 

1883, Pa., 429. 

Sov. G. L., 11895, 7532. 

Sov. G. L.; 8189. 

Sov. G. L., 8189, 11895. 

Sov. G. L., 8189. 

1906, Pa., 32. 

Pa., 712. 

Pa., 716; Sov. G. L., 

12797. 

Sov. G. L., 11484, 12237. 

Sov. G. L., 11484, 12237. 



Section. Reference. 

2555. Sov. G. L., 5745. 

2556. Sov. G. L., 11900. 

2557. Sov. G. L., 11900. 

2558. Sov. G. L., 2737, 1992, 
3621, 9854. 

2559. Sov. G. L., 1906, 729; 
Grosh's Manual. 

2560. Grosb's Manual, 212. 

2561. Grosb'g Manual, 214. 

2562. Sov. G. L.., 4868. 

2563. Century; Dictionary; 
Mackey's Dictionary. 

2564. Sov. G. L., 1900, 358. 

2565. Sov. G. L., 1903, 294. 

2566. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295.. 

2567. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2568. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2569. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2570. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2571. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2572. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2573. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2574. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2575. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2576. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2577. Sov. G. L.., 1903, 295. 

2578. Sov. G. L., 1903, 235. 

2579. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2580. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2581. Sov. G. L., 1904, 732. 

2582. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2583. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2585. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2586. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2587. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2588. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2589. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2590. Sov. G. L... 1903, 295. 

2591. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2592. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2593. Sov. G. L... 1903, 295. 

2594. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2595. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2596. Sov. G. L., 1903, 295. 

2597. Sov. G. L., 5804. 

2598. Sov. G. L., 1290. 

2599. Sov. G. L., 4431; 1906, 
Pa., 32. 

2600. Sov. G. L., 1900, 786. 

2601. Sov. G. L., 1899, 24. 

2602. Sov. G. L., 1904, 524. 

2603. Sov. G. L., 1904, 524. 

2604. Sov. G. L., 7737.' 

2605. Sov. G. L., 7372; la99, 
24. 

2606. Sov. G. L., 2461. 

2607. 1903, Pa., 435. 

2608. Pa., 315. 

2609. Sov. G. L., 8189. 



570 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



KEFESEUCES. 

Section. Reference. 

2610. Sov. G. L., 7532; i899, 

24. 

2C11. Sov. G. L., 11895. 

2612. Sov. G. L., 13069, 9083, 
9345, 14472, 8632, 13128. 

2613. Pa., 767. 

2614. Pa., 768. 

2615. Sov. G. L., 6752. 

2616. Sov. G. L., 7038. 

2617. 1880, Pa., 12. 

2618. Sov. G. L., 956, 1121. 

2619. Sov. G. L., 3118. 

2620. Sov. G. L., 6563. 

2621. Sov. G. L., 10254. 

2622. Sov. G. L., 14250, 2574, 
15167, 15212, 5280. 

2623. Sov. G. L., 15602. 

2624. Sov. G. L., 1905, 35. 

2625. Sov. G. L., 6985, 7381. 

2626. Sov. G. L., 1906, *28. 

2627. Sov. G. L., 13002, 12554, 
1902, 864. 

2628. Sov. G. L., 15432. 

2629. Sov. G. L., 8643. 

2630. 1885, Pa., 317. 

2631. Sov. G. L., 5923. 

2632. Sov. G. L., 5924. 

2633. 1894, Pa., 376. 

2634. Sov. G. L., 11103, 12103. 

2635. Sov. G. L., 8334. 

2636. Sov. G. L., 12103, 14438, 
8084. 

2637. Sov. G. L., 1905, 2fc'9, 
2587. 

2638. Sov. G. L., 3468. 
3639. Sov. G. L., 12104. 
2610. Sov. G. L., 1906, 685. 

2641. Sov. G. L., 13185. 

2642. Sov. G. L., 13185. 

2643. Sov. G. L., 13067. 

2644. Sov. G. L., 1905, 67. 

2645. Sov. G. L., 1904, 531. 

2646. Sov. G. L., 1900, 797. 

2647. Sov. G. L., 1906, 791. 

2648. Sov. G. L., 1906, 791. 

2649. Sov. G. L., 1906, 791. 

2650. Pa., 769. 

2651. Sov. G. L., 6310, 2826; 
Pa., 769. 

2652. Pa., 771. 

2653. Pa., 772. 

2654. Pa., 773. 

2655. 1894, Pa., 376. 

2656. Sov. G. L., 10865. 

2657. Sov. G. L., 10865. 

2658. Sov. G. L., 11897, 14433. 

2659. Pa., 651. 

2660. Sov. G. L., 7803, S108, 
1724, 1901, 26, 42. 



S.ction. Reference. 

2661. Sov. G. L., 1902, 895; 
1903, 324 ; 8464 ; 1899, 19 '> 
13054, 2787, 13443, 3584, 
4177, 6560, 8533, 5280, 
Pa., 35. 

2662. Sov. G. L., 2145. 

2663. Sov. G. L., 15003; 1903, 
18. 

2664. Sov. G. L., 12787. 

2665. Sov. G. L., 12238. 

2666. Sov. G. L., 13097. 

2667. Sov. G. L., 6652. 

2668. Sov. G. L., 1902, b29. 

2669. Sov. G. L., 12355, 10132, 
11250, 8108. 

2670. Sov. G. L., 7803, 11250, 
8108; Constitution. 

2671. Sov. G. L., Constitu- 
tion. 

2672. Sov. G. L., Constitu- 
tion. 

2673. Sov. G. L. a 14430. 

2674. Sov. G. L., 10254, 11912, 
15716. 

2675. Sov. G. L., 3109. 

2676. Sov. G. L., 496, 1235. 

2677. Sov. G. L., 11892. 

2678. Sov. G. L., 1724, 1784, 
1901, 42, 13258. 

2679. Sov. G. L., Constitu- 
tion ;iiPa., G. L.,Con- 
stition. 

2680. Sov. G. L., 3953. 
26S1. Sov. G. L., 8078. . 

2682. Sov. G. L., 8839. 

2683. Sov. G. L., 3592. 

2684. Sov. G. L., 1070. 

2685. Sov. G. L., 12121; Pa., 
777. 

2686. Sov. G. L., 11898. 

2687. Sov. G. L., 2403, 3853, 
12121. 

2688. Sov. G. L., 1839. 

2689. Sov. G. L., 12121, 3415, 
2403. 

2690. Sov. G. L., 11105. 

2691. Pa.., 877. 

2692. Sov. G. L., 782. 

2693. Sov. G. L., 782. 

2694. Sov. G. L., 782. 

2695. Pa., 1354. 

2696. Sov. G. L., 3729, 6198. 

2697. Sov. G. L., 1906, 791. 

2698. Sov. G. L., 15168. 

2699. Sov. G. L., 8072. 

2700. Sov. G. L., 12785. 

2701. Sov. G. L., 11898. 

2702. 1887. Pa., 563. 

2703. Sov. G. L., 3181. 

2704. Sov. G. L., 3820. 



Section. Reference. 

2705. Sov. G. L., 1759. 

2706. Sov. G. L., 1839, 2859, 
4144. 

2707. Sov. G. L., 4144. 

2708. Sov. G. L., 14683. 

2709. Sov. G. L., 11894. 
271f Sov. G. L., 2781. 

2711. Sov. G. L., 1236, 5177, 
1846. 

2712. Sov. G. L., 10473. 

2713. Sov. G. L., 1903, 306. 

2714. Sov.. G. L., 11744. 

2715. Sov. G. L., 4834, 10256. 

2716. Sov. G. L., 9854, 1025*. 

2717. Sov. G. L., 1899, 32. 

2718. Sov. G. L., 9283. 

2719. 1892, Pa., 382. 

2720. Sov. G. L., 12353. 

2721. Sov. G. L., 12353. 

2722. Sov. G. L., 1400. 

2723. 1903, Pa., 435. 

2724. Sov. G. L., .1900, 504. 
1899, 21. 



2725. Sov. G. L.. 13782. 



2726. Sov. G. L., 13782. 

2727. Sov. G. L., 14572. 
3728. 1906, Pa., 31. 

2729. 1883, Pa., 434. 

2730. Sov. G. L., 6574. 

2731. Sov. G. L., Ritualistic 
Law. 

2732. Sov. G. L., 8532. 

2733. Sov. G. L., 8838, 9734. 
»734. Sov. G. L., 1034, 517/. 

2735. Pa., 783. 

2736. Sov. G. L., 1090, 4838. 

2737. Sov. G. L., 1656, 5525, 
5921. 

2738. Sov. G. L., 1090, 4838. 

2739. Sov. G. L., 2468. 

2740. Sov. G. L., 7910, 11100; 
1899, 17; Pa., G. L. 
Constitution. 

2741. Sov. G. L., 11897; 1902, 
527; 13432, 1504, 5280, 
15165, 1399, 9856; 1901, 
48, 8487, 3876. 

3742. Sov. G. L., 3412, 11103. 
2743. Sov. G. L., 11103, 8838. 
3744. Sov. G. L., 3412, 4368, 

2745. Sov. G. L., 1900, 842. 

2746. Sov. G. L., 1906, 778. 

2747. Sov. G. L., By-Laws. 
3748. Sov. G. L., 1885, 24D5; 

Pa., 1434. 

2749. Sov. G. L., 14892. 

2750. Sov. G. L., 15002, 6596, 
2859; 9856, 11103, 6274, 
11482, 11893, 11892, 1391, 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



571 



HEFEBENCES. 








Section. Reference. 


Section. 


Reference. 


Section. Reference. 


2701, 5282, 1148, 1470; 


2802. 1895 


, Pa., 632. 


2858. 1906, Pa., 33. 


1899, 251 ; 1900, 513 ; 3087. 


2803. 1895, 


, Pa., 632. 


2859. Sov. G. L., 9856, 9159. 


2751. Sov. G. L., 8690, 88J8, 


2804. Sov. 


G. L., 12594. 


2860. Sov. G. L., 11899. 


9734. 


2805. Sov. 


G. L., 2924. 


2861. Sov. G. L,., 1840. 


2752. Sov. G. L., 11719. 


2806. Sov. 


G. L., 6187. 


2862. Sov. G. L., 8092. 


2753. Sov., G. L., 2919, 8364, 


2807. Sov. 


G. L., 6187, 7031; 


2863. Sov. G. L., 5S52, 10105. 


8533, 2561, 2560. 


1902 ; 


, 529. 


2864. Sov. G. L., 1903, 25. 


2754. Sov. G. L., 3690, 8211; 


2808. 1885, 


Pa., 530. 


2865. Sov. G. L., 1400. 


1901, 294, 15166, 2561. 


2809. Sov. 


G. L., 8084, 12103, 


2866. Sov. G. L., 4240. 


2755. Sov. G. L., 11761; 1900, 


14438. 


2867. Sov. G. L., 5852. 


813. 


2810. Sov. 


G. L., 9161. 


2868. Pa., 558. 


.2750. Sov. G L„ 15749. 


2811. Sov. 


G. L., 9161. 


2869. Sov. G. L., 1900, 799. 


2757. Sov. G. L., 11482. 


2812. Sov. 


G. L... 12103, 1443S. 


2870. Sov. G. L., 1906, 443. 


2758. Sov. G. L., 1902, 962. 


2813. Sov. 


G. L., 6635. 


2871. Sov. G. L.., 1906, 428. 


2759. 1890, Pa., 132. 


2814. Sov. 


G. L., 3818. 


2872. Pa., 829. 


2760. Sqv. G. L., 10402, 10714. 


2815. Sov. 


G. L., 11744. 


2873. Sov. G. L., 1901, 391. 


2761. Sov. G. L., 3682. 


2816. Sov. 


G. L., 4609. 


2874. 1906, Pa., 33. 


2762. Sov. G. L., 4372. 


2817. Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 279. 


2875. 1899, Pa., 491. 


2763. Sov. G. L., 1900, 511. 


2818. Sov. 


G. L., 10254. 


2876. Sov. G. L., 11103, 4483, 


2764. Pa., 823. 


2819. Sov. 


G. L,., 1025. 


7856. 


2765. Pa., &24. 


2820. Sov. 


G. L,., 1900, 505. 


2877. Sov. G. L., 13257. 


2766. 1902, Pa., 36. 


2821. Sov. 


G. L., 15213. 


2878. Sov. G. L., 4820. 


2767. 1902, Pa., 152. 


2822. Sov. 


G. L., 14681. 


2879. Sov. G. L., 4883. 


2768. Sov. G. L., 13054. 


2823. Sov. 


G. L., 4375. 


1880. Sov. G. L., 4483, 6984, 


2769. Sov. G. L., 12787. 


2824. Sov. 


G. L., 9856. 


7856. 


2770. Sov. G. L., 1903, 29. 


2825. 1891, 


Pa., 838. 


2881. Sov. G. L., 1906, 425. 


2771. Sov. G. L., 13257. 


2826. Sov. 


G. L., 12797. 


3882. Sov. G. L., 1906, 437. 


2772. Sov. G. L., 12798, 13257. 


2827. Sov. 


G. L., 1847. 


2883. Sov. G. L., 1906, 436. 


2773. Sov. G. L., 12787, 13257, 


2828. Pa., 


966. 


2884. Sov. G. L., 11103. 


13152. n 


2829. Sov. 


G. L., 13256. 10254; 


2885. Sov. G. L,., 14973. 


2774. Sov. G. L., 1900, 508. 


1903, 


Pa., 437. 


2886. Sov. G. L., 12797. 


2775. Sov. G. L., 13257, 13152, 


2830. Sov. 


G. L., 2676. 


2887. Sov. G. L., 1906, 436. 


14682; 1901, 279. 


2831. Sov. 


G. L., 3540, 4070. 


2888. Sov. G. L., 8532. 


2776. Sov. G. L., 9633. 


2832. Sov. 


G. L., 1840. 


2889. Sov. G. L., 1146, 2215. 


2777. Sov. G. L., 14682. 


2833. Sov. 


G .L., 7505. 


j J890. Sov. G. L., 2215. 


2778. Sov. G. L., 1903, 25. 


2834. Sov. 


G. L. f 1845. 


2891. Sov. G. L., 5179. 


2779. Sov. G. L., 1918. 


2835. Sov. 


G. L., 13145, 13256. 


2892. Sov.; G. L., 2919. 


2780. Sov. G. L., 11487. 


2836. Sov. 


G. L.,^4069. 


2893. Sov. G. L., 13257. 


2781. Sov. G. L., 11487. 


2837. Sov. 


G. L., 4992. 


2894. 1906, Pa., 34. 


2782. Pa., 325. 


2838. Sov. 


G. L., 11104. 


2895. 1902, Pa., 37. 


2783. Sov. G. L., 14248. 


2839. Sov. 


G. L., 11667. 


2896. Sov. G. L., 3690. 


2784. Pa., 826. 


2840. Sov. 


G. L., 11104. 


2897. Sov. G. L., 4884, 6984, 


2785. Sov. G. L., 782. 


2841. 1894, 


Pa., 375. 


7856. 


2786. 1898, Pa., 369. 


2842. Sov. 


G. Li., 11104. 


2898. Sov. G. L., 1903, 25. 


2787. Pa., 827. 


2843. Pa., 


986. 


2899. Sov. G. L., 14973. 


2788. Sov. G. L., 4992, 11104, 


2844. Pa., 


987. 


2900. Sov. G. L., 14942. 


5281, 5919. 


2845. Sov. 


G. L., 8210, 12787. 


2901. Sov. G. L., 1900, 437. 


2739. Sov. G. L., 1108. 


2846. Sov. 


G. L,., 5558. 


2902. Sov. G. L., 12797. 


2790. Sov. G. L., 11104, 11482. 


2847. Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 11; 


2903. Sov. G. L., 1906,437. 


2791. Sov. G. L., 14248. 


1900, 


505. 


15165. 


2792. Sov. G. L., 12354. 


2g48. Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 31. 


2904. Sov. G. L., 15165. 


2793. Sov. G. L., 14050, 11102. 


2849. Sov. 


G. L., 7737. 


2905. 1899, Pa., 813. 


2794. Sov. G. L., 8088. 


2850. Sov. 


G. L., 4182, 7737. 


2906. Sov. G. L., 8532. 


2795. Sov. G. L., 1899, 39. 


2851. Sov. 


G. L., 3209. 


2907. Sov. G. L., 1907, 427. 


2796. Pa., 1347. 


2852. Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 506. 


2908. Sov G. L., 14941. 


2797. Pa., 1348. 


2853. Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 24. 


2909. Sov. G. L., 14941. 


2798. Sov. G. L., 1903, 35. 


2854. Sov. 


G. L., 1085. 


2910. Sov. G. L., 14941. 


2799. Sov. G. L., 5153, 8839. 


2855. Sov. 


G. L., 9159. 


2911. Sov. G. L.., 14941. 


2800. Sov. G. L., 9698. 


2856. Sov. 


G. L,., lfcoo, 44. 


2912. Sov. G. L., 14941. 


2801. Sov. G. L,., 8345. 


2857. 1906, 


Pa., 33. 


2913. Sov. G. L., 14941. 



572 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



REFERENCES. 

Section. Reference. 

2914. Sov. G. L., 14941. 

2915. Sov. G. L., 14941. 

2916. Sov. G. L., 1903, 42; 

1901, 392. 

2917. Sov. G. L., 1901, 392. 

2918. Sov. G. L., 1901, 392. 

2919. Sov. G. L., 1901, 392; 

1902, 1012. 

2920. Sov. G. L., 1905. 279. 

2921. Sov. G. L., 1901, 392. 

2922. Sov. G. L., 1901, 392. 

2923. Sov. G. L., 1901, 392. 

2924. Sov. G. L., 1903, 18. 

2925. Sov. G. L., 1901, 294. 

2926. Sov. G. L., 1902, 1012. 

2927. Sov. G. L., 1905, 279. 

2928. Sov. G. L., 1905, 31. 

2929. Sov. G. L., 1905, 25. 

2930. Sov. G. L. Constitu- 
tion. 

2931. Sov. G. L,., 14682, 10715, 
15212. 

2932. Sov. G. L., 10713, 11105, 
10250;; 1906, Pa. 

2933. 1891, Pa., 884. 

2934. 1891, Pa., 886. 
2936. 1892, Pa., 21. 

2936. 1887, Pa., 345. 

2937. 1901, Pa., 469. 

2938. Sov. G. L., 1899, 18. 

2939. Sov. G. L. 1881, 8643. 

2940. Pa., 169. 

2941. Pa., 189. 

2942. Pa., 201. 

2943. Sov. G. L. 

2944. Sov. G. L., 
1902, 864. 

2945. 1904, Sov. G. L., 757, 
873. 

2946. Sov. G. L., 1905, 33. 

2947. 1890, Pa., 59, Sov. G. 
L., 12093. 

2948. Sov. G. L., 2621, 3470. 

2949. 1890, Pa., 375; Sov. G. 
L., 12095. 

2950. Pa.. 200. 

2951. Sov. G. L., 12090, 12095, 
12093. 

2952. Sov. G. L., 1906, 433. 

2953. 1890, Pa., 373; Sov. G. 
L., 12090. 

2954. Sov. G. L., 5923. 

2955. Sov. G. L., 9326. 

2956. Sov. G. L., 11103, 12103. 

2957. Sov. G. L., 9321. 

2958. Sov. G. L., 1906, 687. 

2959. Sov. G. L., 4149. 

2960. Sov. G. L., 11893. 

2961. Sov. G. L., 5494. 

2962. Sov. G. L., 12354. 

2963. Sov. G. L., 9503. 



9681. 
9326, 13002: 



Sectio 


a. Reference. 


Section. 


Reference. 




2964. 


Sov. G. L., 1070. 


3015. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 


31. 


2965. 


Sov. G. L., 3621, 9854. 


3016, 


1892, 


Pa., 381. 




2966. 


Sov. G. L., 6310. 


3017. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10402. 




2967. 


Sov. G. L., 28626. 


3018. 


1903, 


Pa., 435. 




2968. 


Sov. G. L.., 12353. 


3019. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1034. 




2969. 


Sov. G. L., 8532. 


3020. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5177. 




2970. 


Sov. G. L., 1121. 


3021. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 317. 


2971. 


1903, Pa., 435. 


3022. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15175. 




2972. 


Sov. G. L., 1121. 


3023. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3138, 


8188, 


2973. 


Home. 




10908 


, 13649, 12997, 


13446 


2974. 


Home. 


3024. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13436 




2975. 


Home. 


3025. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13446 




2976. 


Home. 


3026. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 504. 


2977. 


Home. 


3027. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7059. 




2978. 


Home. 


3028. 


1902, 


Pa., 35. 




2979. 


Home. 


2029. 


1904, 


Pa., 117. 




2980. 


Home. 


3030. 


1904, 


Pa., 117. 




2981. 


Pa. Sub. Constitution. 


3031. 


1906, 


Pa., 35. 




2982. 


Sov. G. L., 1901, 29. 


3032. 


1899, 


Pa., 813. 




2983. 


Sov. G. L., 73246. 


3033. 


1900, 


Pa., 19. 




2984. 


Sov. G. L., Trial Code, 


S034. 


1902, 


Pa., 125. 






Pa. Sub. Constitution. 


3035. 


1906, 


Pa., 67. 




2985. 


Sov. G. L., 1236. 


3036. 


1906, 


Pa., 67. 




2986. 


Sov. G. L., 1404. 


3037. 


1906, 


Pa., 67. 




2987. 


Sov. G. L., 1896, 14953, 


3038. 


1906, 


Pa., 67. 






15067. 


3039. 


Form. 




2988. 


Sov. G. L., 1897. 


3040. 


Form. 




2989. 


Sov. G. L., 1899, 344. 


S041. 


Form. 




2990. 


Sov. G. L., 1900, 791. 


3042. 


Form. 




2991. 


Sov. G. L., 1900, 791. 




1102. 






2992. 


Sov. G. L., 1900, 791. 


3043. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13064. 




2993. 


Sov. G. L., 1906, Grand 


3044. 


1894, 


Pa., 71. 






Sec'y. Report. 


3045. 


1895, 


Pa., 599. 




2994. 


Sov. G. L., 1902, 886. 


3046. 


1898, 


Pa., 77. 




2995. 


Sov. G. L., 16136; 1899, 


3047. 


1898, 


Pa., 77. 






16. 


3048. 


1892, 


Pa., 81. 




2996. 


Sov. G. L., 1899, 21. 


3049. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8078. 




2997. 


Sov. G. L., 1899, 20; 


3050. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 


781. 




1906, Rep., 20. 


3051. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4855. 




2998. 


Sov. G. L., 1899, 39. 


3052. 


1884, 


Pa., 53. 




2999. 


Sov. G. L., 1899, 17, 20; 


3053. 


Sov 


G. L.,9278. 






1903, 25. 


3054. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12101. 




3000. 


Sov. G. L., 1901, 28. 


3055. 


1904, 


Pa., 39. 




3001. 


Sov. G. L., 1901, 534. 


3056. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7532. 




3002. 


Sov. G. L., 1899, 16. 


3057. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2826, 


6350 


3003. 


Sov. G. L., 1905, 40. 


3058. 


Pa., 


1055. 




3004. 


Sov. G. L.., 1899, 15165, 


3059. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 


534. 




15758. 


3060. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 


16. 


3005. 


Sov. G. L., 1899, 29. 


3061. 


Sov. 


G. T^., 2146. 




3006. 


Sov. G. L., 15745, 15175. 


3062. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2146. 




3007. 


1906, Pa., 43; Pa., Sub. 


3063. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 


534. 




Constitution: Sov. G. 


3064. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 


692. 




L., 1899, 18. 


3065. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 


692 


3008. 


Sov. G. L., 1901, 32. 


3066. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3876, 


4240 


3009. 


Sov. G. L., 1906, 689. 


3067. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901 


, '*&, 


3010. 


Sov. G. L., 15166. 




404. 






3011. 


Sov. G. L., 15174, 15175. 


3068. 


Sov. 


G. L., *558. 




3012. 


Sov. G. L., 15174. 


3069. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14249, 


14682. 


3013. 


Sov. G. L., 1901, 28. 


3070. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4413; 


By- 


3014. 


Sov. G. L., 2075. 




Lawg. 





1907. 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



573 



REFERENCES. 



Section. 


Reference. I 


Section. 


Reference. 


Sectio 


/*. 


Reference. 


3071. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 27. 


3124. 


Sov. 


G. L., 16029. 


3179. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


15979. 


3072. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4240. 


3125. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11103, 12103. 


3180. 


1895, 


Pa., 483. 


3073. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7505, 1840. 


3126. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8999, 14438. 


3181. 


Sov. 


G. L 


., 1903, 18, 


3074. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 25. 


3127. 


Pa., 


356; 1872, Pa., 755. 




15002 


:; 1900, 


Pa., 361. 


3075. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15170, 7909; 


3128. 


Pa., 


341. 


3182. 


1900, 


Pa., 362. 




1903, 


25. 


3129. 


1890, 


Pa., 386; Sov. G. 


3183. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


2150. 


3076. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5502, 5796. 




L., 


6241, 7772. 


3184. 


Pa., 


1155. 




3077. 


1903, 


Pa., 435. 


3130. 


1891, 


Pa., 664. 


3185. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 11772. 


3078. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4993. 


3131. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4858. 


3186. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 11772. 


3079. 


Sov. 


G. L.,, 1325«. 


3132. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6241, 7772, 


3187. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


8209. 


3080. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 4372. 




2287, 


4467. 


3188. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


11772; 1901, 


3081. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1084, 7762. 


3133. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12560. 




34. 






3082. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9821, 4197. 


3134. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15418. 


3189. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


, 2491, 4890. 


3083. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1289. 


3135. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 872. 


3190. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1901, 34. 


3084. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2953. 


3136. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12560. 


3191. 


Sov. 


G. L 


., 2214. 


3085. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14573. 


3137. 


Sov. 


G. L.j. 7773. 


3192. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 3031. 


3086. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1737. 


3138. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4858. 


3193. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


6207. 


3087. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3133. 


3139. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6636. 


3194. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


11896, 11893. 


3088. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 3359. 


3140. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 872. 


3195. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


7381. 


3089. 


1888, 


Pa., 13. 


3141. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2287. 


3196. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 3031. 


3090. 


Sov. 


G. L., By-Laws. 


3142. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4467. 


3197. 


Pa., 


G. L. 


Constitu- 


3091. 


Sov. 


G. L., 410, 4015. 


3143. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6241. 




tion. 






3092. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4015. 


3144. 


1882, 


Pa., 205. 


3198. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


10007. 


3093. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11100. 


3145. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3836, 4467. 


3199. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


10391. 


3094. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4467, 13256. 


3146. 


1894, 


Pa., 386, 390. 


3200. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1899, 256. 


3095. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 908. 


3147. 


1894, 


Pa., 386, 390. 


3201. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


, 2132, 2859, 


3096. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1321, 1756. 


3148. 


1906, 


Pa., 358. 




3836, 


8719. 




3097. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11100. 


3149. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2885. 


3202. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


8736; 1901, 


3098. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1085. 


3150. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 548. 




41. 






3099. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1400. 


3151. 


Pa., 


1438. 


3203. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


6657. 


3100. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15747. 


3152. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 512. 


3204. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


9751. 


3101. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2215. 


3153. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 294, 


3205. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


2214, 15801. 


3102. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1895, 9416. 




1902, 


1012. 


3206. 


Pa., 


1105. 




3103. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14031. 


3154. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11104. 


3207. 


Pa., 


1106. 




3104. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15166. 


3155. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 513. 


3208. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


, 956, 1121. 


3105. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7737. 


3156. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15166. 


3209. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 14683. 


3106. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 524. . 


3157. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 76. 


3210. 


1898, 


Pa., 


108, 109. 


3107. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11725, 10734. 


3158. 


Pa., 


Sub. Constitu- 


3211. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


3252. ' 


3108. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10647; Pa- 




tion. 




3212. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


3252. 




triarch's Military- 


3159. 


1905, 


Pa., 455. 


3213. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


6614, 13431. 




Code, Section 27. 


3160. 


1906, 


Pa., 31. 


3214. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 12094. 


3109. 


Sot. 


G. L.., 11489; 1899, 


3161. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10402. 


3215. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


, 12797. 




36; 1900, 512. 


3162. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 427. 


3216. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 12797. 


3110. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13443. 


3163. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13067. 


3217. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


14682. 


3111. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13444. 


3164. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13067. 


3218. 


Pa., 


1099. 




3112. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13444. 


3165. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3953. 


3219. 


Pa., 


1101. 




3113. 


1884, 


Pa., 11. 


3166. 


Sov. 


G. L., 16125. 


3220. 


Pa., 


1102. 


• 


3114. 


1898, 


Pa., 369. 


3167. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11892, 11893. 


3221. 


Pa., 


1103. 




3115. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8076. 


3168. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14171. 


3222. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


392. 


3116. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8076. 


3169. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 40. 


3223. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


392. 


3117. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 37. 


3170. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14440. 


3224. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


, 1503. 


3118. 


Sov. 


G. L.. 11719. 


3171. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14440. 


3225. 


Sov. 


G. L. : 


, 3739. 


3119. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8999, 1286, 


3172. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 726. 


3226. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, Constitu- 




4858. 




3173. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2782. 




tion. 






3120. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3513. 


3174. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 726. 


3227. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1901, 31; 


3121. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3513. 


S175. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 726. 




1902, 


113. 


• 


3122. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4858, 14580, 


3176. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9685, 


3228. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1901, 31. 




8999, 


9695. 


3177. 


1894, 


Pa., 376; 1900, Pa., 


3229. 


Sov. 


G. L. ( 


12353. 


3123. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 29; 




362. 




3230. 


Pa., 


712. 






1306, 


Pa., 30. 


3178. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8334. 


8231. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


2560. 



574 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



REFERENCES. 

Section. Reference. 

3232. Sov. G. L., 11100. 

3233. 1904, Pa., 42. 

3234. Sov. G. L., 15168; 1906, 
674. 

3235. Sov. G. L., 5846. 

3236. Sov. G. L., 15418. 

3237. Sov. G. L., 11100. 

3238. Sov. G. L., 11719. 

3239. Sov. G. L., 9160; 1900, 
512, 4240, 3133, 14684; 
1903, 23. 

3240. Sov. G. L., 9160. 

3241. Sov. G. L., 1900, 512. 

3242. Sov .G. L., 1903, 23. 

3243. Sov. G. L., 3133, 14684. 

3244. Sov. G. L., 14480. 

3245. Sov. G. L., 14480. 

3246. Sov. G. L., 10190. 

3247. Sov. G. L., 4992, 14250. 

3248. Sov. G. L., 6963. 

3249. Sov. G. L., 1905,' 19. 

3250. Sov. G. L., 6963. 

3251. Sov. G. L., 12353. ■ 

3252. Sov. G. L., 6963. 

3253. 1902, Pa., 206. 

3254. 1902, Pa., 206 M 

3255. 1902, Pa., 206. 

3256. 1902, Pa., 206. 

3257. 1902, Pa., 206. 

3258. 1902, Pa., 206. 

3259. 1902, Pa., 206. 

3260. 1902, Pa., 206. 

3261. 1880, Pa., 47. 

3262. Sov. G. L., 1902, 529. 

3263. Sov. G. L., 1147, 6235. 

3264. Sov. G. L,., 2482. 

3265. Sov. G. L., Constitu- 
tion. 

3266. Sov. G. L., 1906, 434. 

8267. Sov. G. L., 2215, 2298, 
11736; 1901, 24, 9160. 

8268. Sov. G. L., 1902, 536. 

8269. Sov. G. L., 1198, 1503. 

8270. Sov. G. L., 1470, 8532. 
, 8271. Sov. G. L., 3621. 

3272. Sov. G. L., 3621, 4334. 

3273. 1906, Pa., 32. 

3274. Sov. G. L., 11300, 2672, 
14685. 

8275. 1885, Pa., 319. 

3276. Sov. G. L., Constitu- 
tion. 

3277. Sov. G. L., 4070, 5524, 
58^6, 5848, 8715, 9854. 

3278. /Sov. G. L., 11100, 2460. 

3279. Sov. G. L., 13258, Pa., 
1258, 1265. 

3280. Sov. G. L., 10953. 

3281. Sov. G. L., 1120. 



Section. 


Reference. 


3282. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8534. 


3283. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 13050. 


3284. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 505. 


3285. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 505. 


3286. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11104. 


3287. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11482. 


3288. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5281, 5919. 


3289. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1455. 


3290. 


Pa., 


76. 


3291. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13258, 14682. 


3292. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12123. 


3293. 


Sov. 


G. L... i5168; 1901, 




266, 


267. 


3294. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 4069. 


3295. 


1904, 


Pa., 126. 


3296. 


Sov. 


G. L,., 12355, 12123. 


3297. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12355, 12258. 


3298. 


Pa., 


1109. 


3299. 


1892, 


Pa., 382, 


3300. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8107. 


3301. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 15212. 


3302. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 25. 


3303. 


Pa., 


1358. 


3304. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 1S782. 


3305. 


Pa., 


852. 


3306. 


Sov. 


G. L,., 10716. 


3307. 


Sov. 


G. L,., 4993. 


33C8. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9954, 11719. 


3309. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8412. 


3310. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8534. 


3311. 


Sov. 


G. L,., j 899, 24. 


3312. 


Sov. 


G. L,., 5280, 5919, 




15767 


, 8992, 7363. 


3313. 


Sov. 


G. L,., 1902, 537, 




11095 


, 4431. 


3314. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15975. 


3315. 


Sov 


G. L., 8111, 4015, ( 




15746 


; 1899, 29. 


3316. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4372. 


3317. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3621, 9854. 


3318. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 1841. 


3319. 


Sov. 


G. L,., 3182. 


3320. 


1904, 


Pa., 37. 


3321. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7395. 


3322 


Sov. 


G. L., 6201. 


3323 


Sov. 


G. L., 2266. 


3324 


Sov. 


G. L,., 4992. 


3325 


Sov. 


G. L., 678. 


3326 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 878. 


3327 


Sov. 


G. L,., 2628. 


8828 


Sov 


. G. L., 1906, 681. 


3329 


Sov 


. G. L.» 1906,681. 


3330 


Sov 


G. L., 8166, 10865, 




10713. 


3331 


Sov 


G. Li., 1900, 515. 


3332 


Sov 
550. 


G. L., 8166; 1902. 


3333 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 16. 


3334 


1898 


Pa., 3G9. 



Section. Reference. 

8335. Sov. G. L., 1906, 791. 

3336. Sov. G. L., 1906,791 

3337. Sov. G. L., 15744. 

3338. 1881, Pa., 454. 

3339. Sov. G. L., 15744. 

3340. 1885, Pa., 318. 

3341. 1885, Pa., 318. 

3342. Sov. G. L., 12791. 
2343. Sov. G. L., 8999, 5519, 

4071, 6203, 8078. 

3344. Sov. G. L., 11643. 

3345. Pa., 117. 

3346. Sov. G. L.., 13147, 15176. 

3347. Sov. G. L., 5519, 4071, 
6203. 

3348. Sov. G. L., 10142. 

3349. Sov. G. L., 2773. 4316. 

3350. Sov. G. L., 2146. 

3351. Sov. G. L., 5193. 

3352. Sov. G. ^., 11643. 

3353. Sov. G. L., 2310. 

3354. Sov. G. L., 2807. 

3355. Sov. G. L., 12797 

3356. Sov. G. L., 15749. 

3357. Sov. G. L., 1902, 533. 

3358. Sov. G. L., 1901, 274. 

3359. Sov. G. L., 1901, 274. 

3360. Sov. G. L., 9161. 

3361. Sov. G. L., 1903. 423. 

3362. Sov. G. L., 1405. 

3363. Sov G. L., 9161, 14464. 

3364. 1S98, Pa., 115. 

3365. Sov. G. L., 1905, 266. 

3366. Sov. G. L., 8736. 

3367. Sov. G. L., 3381. 

3368. Sov. G. L., 3468. 

3369. Sov. G. L., 10011. 

3370. Sov. G. L., 14248. 

3371. Sov. G. L., 5920. 

3372. Sov. G. L., 1902, 533. 

3373. Pa., 1203; Sov. G. L,., 
9283, 1846. 

3374. Pa., 1206. 

3375. Pa., 1204. 

3376. Pa., 1205. 

3377. Sov. G. L., 8999. 

3378. Sov. G. L., 12103, 14438, 
8084. 

8379. 1891, Pa., 663. 

3380. Sov. G. L.., 6964. 

3381. Sov. G. L., 1903, 423. 

3382. Pa., 295. 

3383. Sov. G. L., 1841, 4716. 
11898. 

3384. Sov. G. L., 8838. 

3385. Sov. G. L., 1900, 508. 
33S6. Sov. G. L., 5139, 6574, 

8329, 8646, 14889. 

3387. Sov. G. L., 1900, 508. 

3388. 18SS, Pa., 299. 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



575 



REFERENCES. 



Section. Reference. 

3889. 1882, Pa., 11. 

3390. 1882, Pa., 11. 

3391. Sov. G. L., 1905, 47, 

3392. Sov. G. L., 1904, 525. 

3393. Sov. G. L.v 1904, 545. 

3394. 1893, Pa., 934. 

3395. 1904, Pa., 42. 

3396. 1904, Pa., 38. 

3397. 1899, Pa., 669. 

3398. Sov. G. L., S739, 3709. 

3399. Sov. G. L., 8839. 

3400. Sov. G. L. By Laws: 
Mackey's Dictionary, 
Grosh's Manual, pages 
56 and 58. 

3401. Sov. G. L., 4668. 

3402. Sov. G. L., 8763. 

3403. Sov. G. L., 15975. 

3404. Sov. G. L., 1905, 44; 
1902, 537. 

3405. Pa., 1380; Sov. G. L., 

11095, 1443. 

3406. Sov. G. L., 2175. 

3407. Sov. G. L., 2175. 
S408. Pa., 123J; Sov. G. L., 

1475, 2175, 11095. 

3409. Sov. G. L., 1905, 528. 

3410. Sov. G. L., 2699. 

3411. Sov. G. L., 1900, 504. 
S412. Sov. G. L., 1899, 21. 

*3413. Sov. G. L., By Laws. 
2414. Sov. G. L., 4467. 

3415. 1906, Pa., 32. 

3416. Sov. G. L., 13256; 1904 
Pa., 39. 

3417. Sov. G. L., 5518. 

3418. 1906, S. G. L., 774. 

3419. Sov. G. L., 7387. 

3420. Sov. G. L., 1900, 505. 

3421. Sov. G. L., 7759. 

3422. Sov. G. L., 1901, 32. 

3423. Sov. G. L., 8466. 

3424. Sov. G. L., 11394. 
3325. Sov. G. L., 11718. 

3426. Sov. G. L., 12568, 12648. 

3427. Sov. G. L., 4356. 

3428. Sov. G. L., 4716. 

3429. Pa., 1219. 

3430. Sov. G. L., By Laws. 

3431. Sov. G. L., 8993. 

3432. Sov. G. L., 7735. 

3433. Sov. G. L., 13783. 

3434. Sov. G. L., 11101, 11351. 

3435. Sov. G. L., 11103. 

3436. Sov. G. L., 10647. 

3437. Pa., 1222; Sov. G. L., 
11095. 

3438. Sov. G. L., 11095. 

3439. Sov. G. L., 11095. 



Section. 


Refe 


rence. 


Section. 


Reference. 


3440. Sov 


. G. L. 


, 1900. 512. 


3493. Sov. 


G. L., 4871. 


3441. Sov, 


G. L. 


, 11489. 


3494. Sov. 


G. L., 10858. 


3442. Sov. 


G. L 


., 1900, 512; 


3495. Sov 


. G. L., 10715. 


1899 


, 36. 




3496. Sov. 


G. L., 7802. 


3443. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 11489. 


3497. Sov, 


, G. L., 1905, 47. 


3444. Sov. 


G. L., 


10133. 


3498. Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 47. 


3445. Sov. 


G. L. 


, ' 11104. 


3499. Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 47. 


3446. Sov 


. G. L. 


, 5804. 


3500. Pa., 


125J . 


3447. Sov. 


G. L., 


13067; 1905, 


3501. Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 776. 


67. 






3502. Sov. 


G. L., 6310. 


3448. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 14685. 


3503. Sov. 


G. L., 13096. 14686. 


3449. Sov. 


G. L., 


1902, 530. 


3504. Sov. 


G. L., 7059 


3450. Sov. 


G. L 


.., 1899, 22, 


3505. Scv. 


G. L., 8464; 1899, 


269, 


6635. 


~ 


292. 




3451. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 13258. 


3506. Sov. 


G. L., 3107, 12624. 


3452. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1391, 2701. 


3507. Sov. 


G. L., 15979. 


3453. Sov. 


G. L, 


1477, 5282. 


3508. Sov. 


G. L, 12095. 


3454. Sov. 


G. L., 


1391, 2701. 


3509. Sov. 


G. L., 8464; 1899, 


3455. Sov. 


G. L., 


1900, 518. 


292, 


8702, 14686. 


3456. Sov. 


G. L. ; 


, 1900, r.18. 


3510. 1895, 


Pa., 483; Sov. G. 


3457. Sov. 


G. L., 


1904, 758. 


L., 


9681. 


3458. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1902, 895. 


3511. Sov. 


G. L., 8464. 


3459. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1903, 26. 


3512. Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 292. 


3460. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1885, 2495, 


3513. 1904, 


Pa., 32. 


13430, 8487. 




3514. Sov. 


G. L., 2826. 


3461. Sov. 


G. L., 


11305. 


3515. Pa., 


1253. 


3462. Sov. 


G. L., 


11105. 


3516. Sov. 


G. L., 8338, 8464. 


3463. Sov. 


G. L, 


15617; Pa., 


3517. Pa., 


Skeleton Code. 


1235. 






3518. 188», 


Pa , 660, Grosh's 


3464. Sov. 


G. L., 


4871. 


Manual, 222. 


3465. Pa., 


1237. 




3519. Usage and custom of 


3466. Pa., 


1235. 




order. 


3467. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 6274. 


3520. Usage and custom of 


3468. Sov. 


G. L., 


1904, 585. 


the 


order. 


3469. Sov. 


G. L., 


1906, 425. 


3521. Sov. 


G. L, 1906, 776. 


3470. Pa., 


1245. 




3522. Sov. 


G. L., 8063. 


3471. 1900, 


Pa., 23; Sov. G. 


3523. Sov. 


G. L., 9681. 


L-, 


5513. 




3524. Sov. 


G. L., 8644. 


3472. Pa., 


1248. 




3525. Sov. 


G. L., 8644. 


3473. Sov. 


G. L., 


3350, 10151. 


3526. Sov. 


G. L., 8644. 


3474. Pa., 


1247. 




3527. Sov. 


G. L., 8644. 


3475. 190a, 


Pa., 


438. 


3528. Sov. 


G. L., 12093. 


3476. 1903, 


Pa., 437. 


3529. 1892, 


Pa., 20. 


3477. 1880. 


Pa., 46. 


3530. Sov. 


G. L., 8945, 8947, 


3478. 1900, 


Pa., 23. 


10854, 




3479. Sov. 


G. L., 


, 1504. 


3531. 1885, 


Pa., 319; Sov. G. 


3480. Sov. 


G. L., 


2562, 2611. 


L.. 6558. 


3481. Sov. 


G. L., 


904, 9161. 


3532. Sov. 


G. L., 9336. 


3482. Sov. 


G. L., 


1905, 31. 


3533. Sov. 


G. L, 3360. 


3483. Sov. 


G. L, 


5513. 


3534. 1887, 


Pa., 351. 


3484. Pa., 


723. 




3535. Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 530. 


3485. Sov. 


1899, : 


21. 


3536. Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 530. 


3486. Sov. 


G. L., 


2560. 


3537. Pa., 


Skeleton Code. 


3487. Pa., 


135. 




3538. Sov. 


G. L., 8063. 


34S8. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 14250. 


v 3539. 1884, 


Pa., 117. 


3189. Pa., 


736. 




3540. 1900, 


Pa., 19. 


3490. Pa., 


738. 




3541. Pa., 


1254. 


3491. Sov. 


G. L., 


1399. 


3542. Grosh's Manual, 222, 


3492. Sov. 


G. L., 


1963, 14574. 


223, : 


224. 



576 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



BEFERENCES. 

Section. Reference. 

3543. Pa., 1256, 1257; Sot. 
G. L., 6596. 

3544. Sov. G. L., 5889. 

3545. Sov. G. L,., 10404. 

3546. Sov. G. L., 5890, 10404. 

3547. Sov. G. L., 5891. 

3548. Sov. G. L., 1867, 4194. 

3549. Sov. G. L,., 5889. 

3550. Sov. G. L., 5889. 

3551. Sov. G. L., 2643. 

3552. Sov. G. L., 1900, 511. 

3553. Pa., 544. 

3554. Sov. G. L.., 347$. 

3555. Pa., 747. 

3556. Pa., 748. 

3557. Pa., 748. 

3558. Pa., 749. 

3559. Pa., G. L. Regulation. 

3560. Pa., G. L. Regulation. 

3561. Pa., 1284. 

3562. Sov. G. Li., 3209. 

3563. Sov. G. Li., 3209. 

3564. Form. 

3565. Sov. G. L., 1919. 

3566. Sov. G. L., 4857. 

3567. Sov. G. L.., 4857. 

3568. Sov. G. L., 2482. 

3569. Sov. G. h., 13258; Pa., 
G. L. Con. 

3570. Sov. G. Li., Con.; 1902 
716, 717. 

3571. Sov. G. L., 1286, 6211, 
7362. 

3572. Sov. G. L., 1900, 802. 

3573. Sov. G. L., 1922, 2487, 
2815. 

3574. 19J6, Pa.,31. 

3575. Pa., 1260. 

3576. Form. 

3577. Pa., 1261. 

3578. Pa., 1264; 1902, Pa., 36. 

3579. Pa., 1265. 

3580. Pa., 1267. 

3581. Pa., 1268. 

3582. Sov. G. L., 555S. 

3583. Pa., 1269. 

3584. Pa.' 1270. 

3585. Pa., 1273. 

3586. Pa., 1274. 

3587. Pa., 1275. 

3588. Pa., 1276. 

3589. 1904, Pa., 133. 

3590. 1894, Pa., 376. 

3591. Sov. G. L., 1004, 519. 

3592. Sov. G. L., 1200, 9681, 
11250 ; 1904. 544. ' 

3593. Sov. G. L., 12790. 

3594. Sov. G. Li., 10715. 

3595. Sov. G. L., 1904 526- 



Section. Reference. 

1902, 879, 14678. 

3596. Sov. G. Li., 1280, 10715; 
1906, 684. 

3597. Sov. G. L.. 1904, 533. 

3598. Sov. G. L., 1902, 530. 

3599. Sov. G. L., 1840. 

3600. 1906, S. G. L., 684. 

3601. Sov. G. L., 8701. 

3602. Sov. 0026, 14892. 

3603. Sov. G. Ls., 1904, 528. 

3604. Sov. 1904, 529. 

3605. Sov. G. L., 15802. 

3606. Sov. G. L., 4070. 

3607. Sov. G. L., 15176. 

3608. Sov. G. L., 1315, 2482. 

3609. 1906, Pa., 359. 

3610. Sov. G. L., 11105, 10250, 
9681, 1200. 

3611. Sov. 190G. 777. 

3612. Sov. G. L., 2560, 9681. 

3613. Sov. G. L., 0713. 12353. 

3614. Sov. G. L., 14685. 

3615. Sov. G. L., 14685. 

3616. Sov. G. L., 14685. 

3617. Sov. G. L., 12790. 

3618. Pa., 1279. 

3619. Pa., 1280. 

3620. Pa., 1281. 

3621. Sov. G. L., Constitu- 
tion. 

3622. Sov. G. L., 2672. 

3623. Sov. G. L., 14682, 10715, 
15212. 

3624. Sov. G. L., 13782. 

3625. Sov. G. L., 14682. 

3626. Sov. G. L., 14251. 

3627. Sov. G. I,., 1712, 2494, 
1845. 

3628. Sov. G. L., 7401, 10255. 

3629. Sov. G. L., 1906, 773. 

3630. Sov. G. L.. 805. 

3631. Sov. G. L., 1449. 

3632. Sov. G. L., 1900, 517. 

3633. Sov. G. L., 1904, 728. 

3634. Sov. G. L., 1901, 40. 

3635. Sov. G. L.. 805; 1903, 
39. 

3636. Sov. G. L., 2859. 

3637. Sov. G. L., 9160. 

3638. Sov. G. L., 10252. 

3639. Sov. G. L.. 7089: 1899. 
19. 

3640. Sov. G. L., 1901, 523. 

3641. Sov. G. L., 14681. 

3642. Sov. G. L., 1244. 

3643. Sov. G. L., 9735. 

3644. Sov. G. L., 8209. 

3645. Sov. G. L., 10251. 



Section. Reference. 

3646. Sov. G. L., 1198, 2268 ; 
5834. 

3647. Sov G. L., 48S6, 10252. 

3648. Sov. G. L., 1899, 63. 

3649. Sov. G. L., 4145, 13439. 

3650. Sov. G. L., 12228. 

3651. Sov. G. L., 13258. 

3652. Sov. G. L., 7016. 

3653. Sov. G. L., 1477, 5282. 

3654. Sov. G. L., 7036. 

3655. Sov. G. L., 1899, 63. 

3656. Sov. G. L., 1899, 22, 
269. 

3657. Sov. G. L., 1900, 518. 

3658. Sov. G. L., 13782. 

3659. Sov. G. L., 5282. 

3660. Sov. G. L., 6274. 

3661. Pa., 1243. 

3662. Sov. G. L., 6274. 

3663. Form 

3664. Form. 

3665. Sov. G. L., 5483. 

3666. Sov. G. L., 1775. 

3667. Sov. G. L., 4383, Con- 
stitution. 

3668. Sov. G. L., 12098. 

3669. Sov. G. L., 12098. 

3670. Sov. G. L., 3811. 

3671. Sov. G. L., 3031, 8992. 

3672. Sov. G. L., 14686. 

3673. Sov. G. L., 8073, 9162, 
12124. 

3674. Sov. G. L., 13001. 

3675. Sov. G. L., 9161, 9324, 
9442. 

3676. Sov. G. L., 13001. 

3677. Sov. G. L., 2885, 3467. 

3678. Pa., 678; Sov. G. L., 
2885, 3467. 

3679. Sov. G. L., 2496, 2831; 
Pa., 617. 

3680. Sov. G. L., 15744. 

3681. Sov. G. L., 5516, 14941, 
15603. 



3682. 


Sov. 


G. L 


, 5516. 


3683. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1901, 266. 


3684. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 


1901, 266. 


3685. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


3107. 


3686. 


1896, 


Pa* 


369. 


3687. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


1840. 


3688. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


8092. 


3689. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


8092. 


3690. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


4240, 9504. 


3691. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1899, 20. 


3692. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


4240. 


3693. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1901, 33. 


3694. 


Sov. 


G. L 


, 15168. 


3695. 


Sov. 


G. J.., 


8533, 11487 




1899, 


342. 





1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



577 



BEFEEENCE8. 

Section. Reference. 

3696. Sov. G. L., 11893. 

3697. Sov. G. L., 4135. 

3698. Sov. G. L., 12644. 

3699. Sov. G. L., 12644. 

3700. Sov. G. L., 12797. 

3701. Sov. G. L., 12797. 

3702. Sov. Q„ L., 4467. 

3703. Sov. G. L., 11127, 14527. 

3704. Sot. G. L., 13256. 

3705. Pa., 312. 

3706. Pa., 313. 

3707. Pa., 314. 

3708. 1903, Pa., 434. 

3709. Pa. A 1289. 

3710. Pa., 1290. 

3711. Pa., 1288. 

3712. Sov. G. L., 416. 

3713. Sov. G. L., 5281. 

3714. Sov. G. L., 14891. 

3715. Sov. G. L., 1899, 44, 
413, 10711. 

3716. Sov. G. L., 1198, 2268, 
5834. 

3717. Sov. G. L., 1899, 413. 

3718. Sov. G. L., 1900, 507; 
Pa., Skeleton Code. 

3719. 1898, Pa., 86; Sov. G. 
L., 1900, 507. 

3720. Pa., 545, 54«. 

3721. Sov. G. L., 10250. 

3722. Sov. G. L., 8055. 

3723. Sov. G. L., 1763. 

3724. Sov. G. L, Constitu- 
tion. 

3725. Sov. G. L., 14681. 

3726. Sov. G. L., 1903, 20. 

3727. Sov. G. L., 1903, 20. 

3728. Sov. G. L., 1901, 31. 

3729. Sov. G. L., 1904, 531 (in- 
to* i eating liquor 
cases 24 Kan. 751). 

3730. Sov. G. L., 15802. 

3731. Sov. G. L., 14681, 14687, 
15167; 1902, 534. 

3732. Sov. G. L. 

3733. Sov. G. L. 

3734. Sov. G. L. 

3735. Sov. G. L., 1900, 801. 

3736. Sov. G. L., 1901, 363. 
3637. Sov. G. L., 14683; 1901, 

31; 1902, 534. 

3738. Sov. G. L., 1901, 365. 

3739. Sov. G. L., 1901, 363. 

3740. Sov. G. L., 15169. 

3741. Sov. G. L., 1901, 30. 

3742. Sov. G. L., 1901, 29. 

3743. Sov. G. L., 14682. 

3744. Sov. G. L„ 1901, 382; 
1905, 35. 



1901, 29. 
1899, 42. 
14679. 



Section. 

3745. Sov. 

3746. Sov. 

3747. Sov. 
39; 
Pa., 

3748. Sov. 

3749. Sov. 

3750. Sov. 

3751. Sov. 

3752. Sov. 

3753. Sov. 

3754. Sov. 

3755. Sov. 

3756. Sov. 

3757. Sov. 

3758. 1904, 

3759. Sov. 

3760. Sov. 

3761. Sov. 

3762. Pa., 

3763. Pa., 

3764. Pa., 

3765. Pa., 

3766. Sov. 

3767. Pa., 

3768. Sov. 
882. 

3769. Sov. 

3770. Sov. 

3771. Pa., 
184. 

3772. Sov. 

3773. Sov. 

3774. Sov. 

3775. Sov. 

3776. Sov. 

3777. Sov. 
9856 

3778. Sov. 

3779. Sov. 

3780. Sov. 

3781. Sov. 

3782. Sov. 

3783. Sov. 

3784. Sov. 

3785. Sov. 

3786. Sov. 

3787. Sov. 

3788. Sov. 

3789. Sov. 

3790. Sov. 

3791. Sov. 

3792 1881 

3793 Sov. 

3794. Sov. 

3795. 1897 

3796. 1902 

3797. 1906 

3798. Sov. 



Reference. 

G. L., 1902, 533. 
G. L., 14686. 

G. L., 14685; 1899, 
1901, 30, 362; 1004, 

42. 

G. L., 1903, 19. 
. G. L., 1901, 31. 
, G. L., 1901, 31. 

G. L., 1904, 525. 

G. L., 1904, 540. 

G. L., 1905, 30. 

G. L., 1905, 30. 

G. L., 1905, 33. 

G. L., 1904, 523. 

G. L., 1899, 268. 

Pa., 38. 

G. L., 3827. 

G. L., 3621, 9854. 

G. L., 1921. 

1378. 

1293. 

1294. 

1295. 

G. L., 2767. 

1296. 

G. L., 15176; 1900, 

G. L., 6752. 
G. L., 16133. 
1298; Sov. G. L., 

G. L., 4240. 
G. L., 2826, 3560. 
G. L., 12093. 
G. L., 1712. 
G. L., 4186. 
G. L., 1901, 32, 

G. L., 14439. 

G. L., 12103, 14438. 

G. L., 9161. 

G. L., 9161. 

G. L., 8084. 
. G. L., 8084. 

G. L., 817. 

G. L., 8949. 

G. D., 10854. 

G. L., 6272. 

G. L., 11665. 

G. L., 8945. 

G. L., 5923. 

G. L.. 12354. 
Pa., 279, 334. 

G. L., 9503. 

G. L., 15757. 

Pa., 494. 

Pa., 36. 
Pa., 31. 

G. L., 1900, 784. 



Section. Reference. 

3799. Sov. G. L., 1903, 27. 

3800. Sov. G. L., 9856. 

3801. Sov. G. L., 15165. 13,- 
070; 1901, 32. 

3802. 1902, Pa., 122. 

3803. 1903, Pa., 436. 

3804. 1881, Pa., 278. 

3805. 1892, Pa., 363. 

3806. Sov. G. L., 1899, 256, 
1906, 779. 

3807. Sov. G. L., 1840. 

3808. Pa., 1027. 

3809. Pa., 1024, Sov. G. L., 
15164, 1763. 

3810. 1893, Pa., 508. 

3811. Pa., 1008, 1009, 1010, 
1011. 

3812. Pa., 1013. 

3813. Pa., 1017. 

3814. Pa., 1020. 

3815. Pa., 1019. 

3816. Pa., 1021. 

3817. Sov. G. L., 1900, 1903, 
Rebekah Code. 

3818. Sov. G. L., 4374. 

3819. Sov. G. L., 1900, 507. 

3820. Sov. G. L., 1935. 

3821. Pa., 1025, Sov. G. L., 
1935. 

3822. Soy. G. L., 9630. 

3823. 1892, Pa., 67. 

3824. 1875, Pa., 

3825. Pa., 538. 

3826. Pa., 537. 

3827. 1895, Pa., 

3828. 1896, Pa., 
SS29. Ritualistic Law. 

3830. Sov. G. L., 1518. 

3831. Sov. G. L., 1400, 1518. 

3832. Sov. G. L., 7505. 

3833. Sov. G. L., 15170, 1709; 
1903, 25. 

3834. Sov. G. L., 2144. 

3835. Sov. G. L., 1899, 31. 

3836. 1903, Pa., 433* 

3837. Sov. G. L., 1903, 27. 

3838. Sov. G. L., 4240. 

3839. Sov. G. L., 1840, 7505, 
15744. 

3840. Sov. G. L., 5502, 5796. 

3841. Sov. G. L., 8992. 

3842. Sov. G. L., 1901, 23. 

3843. Sov. G. L., 1901, 28. 

3844. Sov. G. L., 1904, 534. 

3845. Sov. G. L., 2826, 6350. 

3846. Sov. G. L., 2826, 6350. 

3847. Sov. G. L., 15213. 

3848. Pa., 1055. 

3849. Form. 



637. 



647. 
57. 



578 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



REFERENCES. 

Section. Reference. 

3850. Sov. G. L., 1903, 25; 
Pa. Sub. Constitution. 

3851. Sov. G. L., 2643. 

3852. Sov. G. L., 1901 294. 

3853. Pa., 1418. 

3854. Sov. G. L., 2762; 1900, 
504. 

3855. Sov. G. L., 7462, 7909. 

3856. Sov. G. L., 1318, 2311, 
2859, 14889. 

3857. Sov. G. L., 5850. 

3858. Sov. G. L., 15427. 

3859. Sov. G. L., 8736, 1901, 
41 ; 9278, 8535. 

3860. 1906, Sov. G. L., 685. 

3861. Sov. G. L., 9733, 8069. 

3862. Sov. G. L., 4915. 

3863. Sov. G. L., 11256, 
12,997. 

3864. Sov. G. L., 1904, 726. 

3865. 1881, Pa., 328. 
3866 Pa., 1356. 

3867. Sov. G. L., 1904, 542. 

3868. Sov. G. L., 1904, 54C. 

3869. Sov., 8701. 

3870. Sov. G. L., 9026. 

3871. Sov. G. L., 14681; 1900, 
504. 

3872. Sov. G. L., 8323. 

3873. Sov. G. L., Constitu- 
tion. 

3874. Sov. G. L., Constitu- 
tion. 

3875. Sov. G. L., Constitu- 
tion, 3207. 

3876. Sov. G. L., By-Laws. 

3877. Pa., 1441. 

3878. Sov. G. L., 1903, 19. 

3879. Sov. G. L., 13232, 
12610. 

3880. Sov. G. L., 12354, Pa., 
G. L. Constitution. 

3881. Sov. G. L., 1899. 39. 

3882. Sov. G. L., 1902, 550. 

3883. Sov? G. L., 1902, 550. 

3884. Sov. G. L., 16011. 

3885. 1900, Pa., 22. 

3886. Sov. G. L., 1904, 530. 

3887. 1903, Pa., 434. 

3888. 1906, Pa.,' 82. 

3889. Sov. G. L., 1901, 295. 

3890. Sov. G. L., 1906, 435. 

3891. Sov. G. L., 1846. 

3892. Pa., Sub. Constitution. 
3S93. 1906, Pa., 31. 

3894. Pa., G. L., Constitu- 
tion, Sov. G. L., 1899, 
41; 9283. 

3S95. Sov. G. L., 9159. 



Section. Reference. 

3896. Sov. G. L., 12353. 

3897. 1890, Pa., 15. 

3898. Sov. G. L., 15749. 

3899. Sov. G. L., 10737. 
12797. 

3900. Sov. G. L., 11105. 

3901. Sov. G. L., 12797. 

3902. Sov. G. L., 8325. 
S903. Sov. G. L., 15418. 
2904. Pa., G. L. Constitu- 
tion. 

3905. Sov. G. L., 8079. 

3906. Pa., G. L. Constitu- 
tion. 

3907. Sov. G. L., 8079. 

3908. Sov. G. L., 8079. 

3909. Sov. G. L.. 8210. 

3910. Sov. G. L., 8079. 

3911. Sov. G. L., 8079. 

3912. Pa., 853. 

3913. Pa., G. L. Constitu- 
tion. 

3914. Form. 

3915. 1890, Pa., 13. 

3916. 1900, Pa., 16. 

3917. 1900, Pa., 16. 

3918. 1900, Pa., 16. 

3919. Sov. G. L., 2132, 2859, 
4992, 8369. 

3920. Sov. G. L., 11665.. 

3921. Sov. G. L., 7762. See' 
Charges. 

3922. Sov. G. L., 5803, 7375. 

3923. Sov. G. L., 14686. 

3924. Pa., G. L. By-Laws. 

3925. Sov. G. L., 6573. 

3926. Sov. G. L., 2132, 2859, 
4992. 

3927. Sov. G. L., 7370, 7779. 
392S. Sov. G. L., 8345. 

3929. Sov. G. L., 6350. 

3930. Pa., 1320. 

3931. Pa., 1321. 

3932. Pa., 1322. 

3933. Sov. G. L., 3584, 4177. 

3934. Sov. G. L., 7059. 

3935. Sov. G. L., 9406, 9405. 

3936. Sov. G. L., 9681. 

3937. Sov. G. L., 10990, 1899, 
321. 

3938. Sov. G. L., 1235, 1724, 
1786. 

3939. Sov. G. L., 1235, 1724, 
1786. 

3940. Sov. G. L., 10254, 
11912, 15716. 

3941. Sov. G. L., 4182. 

3942. Sov. G. L., 11106. 

3943. Scv. G. L., 2520. 



Section. Reference. 

3944. Sov. G. L., 9751. 

3945. Sov. G. L., 2496. 

3946. Sov. G. L., 1091 1^ 
11897, 14433. 

3947. Sov. G. L., 11100. 

3948. Sov. G. L., 11719. 

3949. Sov. G. L., 3117. 

3950. Sov. G. L., 10402. 

3951. Sov. G. L., 1455. 

3952. Sov. G. L., 2759. 

3953. Sov. G. L., 5825, 7381. 

3954. Sov. G. L., 4855. 

3955. Sov. G. L., 1900, 781. 

3956. Sov. G, L., 3953. 

3957. Pa., 1207, Sov. G. L., 
13067. 

3958. Sov. G. L., 13067. 

3959. Sov. G. L., 8714. 

3960. Sov. G. L., 1076. 

3961. Sov. G. L., 109S8. 
£962. Sov. G. L., 15003, 1900,. 

Ta., 358. 
3963. Sov. G. L., 15456. 
c964. Sov. G. L., 1901, 294; 

1902, 1012. 

3965. Sov. G. L., 2403, S07. 

3966. Sov. G. L., 1899, 24. 

3967. 1884, Pa., 10. 

3968. Sov. G. L., 1906, 435. 

3969. Form. 

3970. Sov. G. L., 1906, 674. 

3971. Pa., 1417, Sov. G. L., 
11744. 

3972. Sov. G. L., 6329. 

3973. Sov. G. L., 1900, 517. 

3974. Sov. G. L., 13740. 

3975. Sov. G. L.. 4834. 

3976. Sov. G. L., 11744. 

3977. Sov.. G. L., 10256. 

3978. Sov. G. L., 1900, 530. 

3979. Sov. G. L., 1904, 543. 

3980. Sov. G. L., 3415. 

3981. Sov. G. L., 12121. 

3982. Sov. G. L., 12121. 

3983. Sov. G. L., Regula- 
tions. 

3984. Sov. G. L. Regulja- 
tions. 

3985. Sov. G. L., 8534. 

3986. Sov. G. L., 3466. 

3987. Sov. G. L., 8953. 

3988. Sov. G. L., 14681. 

3989. Sov. G. L.. 1900, 504. 

3990. Sov. G. L., 1901, 27. 

3991. Sov. G. L., 10387, 
10712. 

3992. Sov. G. L., 1901, 27. 

3993. Pa., 1350. 

3994. Sov. G. L.. 1283. 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



579 



REFERENCES. 



3995. 
3996. 
3997. 
3998. 
3999. 
4000. 
4001. 
4002. 
4003. 
4004. 

4005. 

4006. 
4007. 
4008. 
4009. 
4010. 
4011. 
4012. 
4013. 
4014. 
4015. 
4016. 
4017. 
4018. 

4019. 
4020. 
4021. 
4022. 
4023. 
4024. 

4025. 
4026. 
4027. 

4028. 

4029. 
4030. 
4031. 

4032. 
4033. 
4034. 

4035. 
4036 
4037. 
4038. 
4039. 
4040. 
4041. 
4042. 
4043. 

4044. 
4045. 



n. Reference. 

Sov. G. L., 2860. 
Sov. G. L., 15744. 
Sov. G. L„ 1903, 23. 
Sov. G. L., 1903, 24. 
Sov. G. L., 1905, 19. 
1896, Pa., 450. 
Sov. G. L., 1575, 14892. 
Sov. G. L., 1400, 1481)2. 
Sov. G. L., 1575, 14892. 
Pa., Subordinate Con- 
stitution. 

Sov. G. L., 14681, 1899, 
42. 

Sov. G. L., 1400. 
Sov. G. L., 1885,2495. 
Sov. G. L., 10386, 14892. 
Sov. G. L., 1906, 420. 
Sov. G. L., 15176. 
1895, Pa., 866. 
Sov. G. L., 1901, 28. 
Sov. G. L., 2287, 14892. 
Sov. G. L., 2561. 
Sov. G. L., 8715. 
Sov. G. L., 1505. 
Sov. G. L., 5513. 

G. L., 1903, 283, 



Sov. 
323. 
Sov. 
Sov. 
Pa., 
Sov. 
Sov. 
Sov. 



G. L., 14250. 

G. L., 1110, 2184. 

1426. 

G. L., 1905, 31. 

G. L., 7771. 

G. L., 953, 5513, 
Pa., 1428. 
Sov. G. L., 2562. 

1880, Pa., 453. 

1893, Pa., 463, Sot. G. 
L., 1903, 25. 

1881, Pa., 453. 
Sov. G. L., 7505. 
Sov. G. L., 8838. 

Sov. G. L., 15169; 1902, 

537. 

Sov. G. L., 1633. 

Sov. G. L., 6240. 

Sov. G. L., 1901, 294; 

1902, 1012. 

Sov. G. L., 8141. 

Sov. G. L., 1899, 23. 

1899, Pa., 22. 

Sov. G. L., 1902, 978. 

Sov. G. L., 7505. 

Pa., 1424. 

Sov. G. L., 7505, 6575. 

Pa., 1430. 

Sov. G. L., 10252, 1899, 

25. 

Sot. G. L,., 10252. 

1892, Pa., 383. 



Section. Reference. 

4046. 1898, Pa., 15. 

4047. 1881, Pa., 452, Sov. G. 
L., 1903, 25. 

4048. Sov. G. L., 11673. 

4049. 1896, Pa., 44. 

4050. 1880, Pa., 12. 

4051. 1900, Pa., 51. 

4052. Form. 

4053. 1888, Pa., 19. 

4054. Sov. G. L., 4467. 

4055. 1891, Pa., 662. 

4056. 1894, Pa., 386. 

4057. 1894, Pa., 390. 

4058. 1906. Pa., 34. 

4059. Sov. G. L., 15758. 

4060. Sov. G. L., 2831. 

4061. Sov. G. L., 1900, 908. 

4062. Sov. G. L., 2790. 

4063. Sov. G. L., 14248. 

4064. Sov. G. "L., 1899, 359. 

4065. Sov. G. L., 1900, 908. 

4066. Sov. G. L., 14248, 14688. 

4067. Sov. G. L., 14248, 14688. 

4068. Sov. G. L., 5513, 2495. 

4069. Sov. G. L., 14686. 

4070. Sov. G. L., 14888. 

4071. Sov. G. L., 14684. 

4072. Sov. G. L., 14684. 

4073. Sov. G. L., 1839. 

4074. Sov. G. L., 1899, 22, 
269. 

4075. Sov. 

4076. Sov. 
1919. 

4077. Sov. G. L., 2959, 8087. 

4078. Sov. G. L., 1902, 86S 
1149. 

4079. Sov. 
7016. 

4080. Sov. G. L., 1148. 

4081. Sov. G. L. 

4082. Sov. G. L., 1391, 2701. 

4083. Sov. G. L., 1391, 2701. 

4084. Sov. G. L., 13439. 

4085. Sov. G. L., 2725, 2781. 

4086. Pa., 490. 

4087. 18S3, Pa., 434. 

4088. Sov. G. L., 14555; 1899, 
322. 

4089. Sov. G. L., 15060. 

4090. Sov. G. L,., 1840. 

4091. Sov. G. L., 1906, 444. 

4092. Sov. G. L. 
1439. 

4093. Pa., 530. 

4094. Sov. G. L., 

4095. 1881, Pa., 454. 

4096. Sov. G. L., 12226. 

4097. Sov. G. L., 5804. 



G. L., 13439, 14888. 
G. L.. 812, 1198, 



G. L.. 1391, 2701, 



1391, 2701. 



11744, Pa., 



11743. 



Section. Reference. 

4098. Sav. G. L.., 12613. 

4099. Sov. G. L., 1904, 532. 

4100. Sov. G. L., Constitu- 
tion. 

4101. 1906, Pa., 359, Sov. G. 
L., 1906, 777, 778; 11105, 
10250, 9681, 1200. 

4102. 1906, Pa., 359. 



4103. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 


1902, 530. 


4104. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 


1315. 


4105. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1906, 777.- 


4106. 


Sov. 
21. 


G. L., 


10713, 1905, 


4107. 


Sov. 
tion. 


G. L. 


, Constitu- 


4108. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


2672. 


4109. 


Cov. 


G. L. 


.. 1905, 21. 


4110. 


Sov. 
15212 


G. L., 


14682, 10715, 


4111. 


1880, 


Pa., 251. 


4112. 


Pa., 
tion. 


Sub. 


Constitu- 


4113. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


Trial Code. 


4114. 


Pa., 


1390. 




4115. 


Pa., 


63. 





4116. Pa., 

4117. Sov. 

4118. Sov. 

4119. Sov. 



4120. Sov. G. 



4121. Sov. 

4122. Sov. 

4123. Sov. 



, '7344. 

9503. 
655. 

5852. 

3573. 
4149. 



G. L., 7344. 

4124. Sov. G. L., 2738, 2909. 

4125. Sov. G. L., 4165. 

4126. Sov. G. L., 11103. 

4127. Sov. G. L., 11103. 

4128. Sov. G. L., 8405. 

4129. Sov. G. L., 10407. 

4130. Sov. G. L.. 4156. 

4131. Sov. G. L., Trial Code. 

4132. Sov. G. L., Trial Code. 

4133. Sov. G. L., Trial Code. 
4] 34. Sov. G. L., 3573. 

4135. Sov. G. L., 4915. 

4136. 1885, Pa., 363. 

4137. Sov. G. L., 4915. 

4138. Sov. G. L., 4915. 

4139. Sov. G. L., 7853. 

4140. Sov. B. L., 6525. 

4141. Sov. G. L., 8405. 

4142. Sov. G. L., 4915. 

4143. Sov. G. L., 13977, 8405, 
13978. 

4144. Home. 

4145. Home. 
4116. Home. 

4147. Home. 

4148. Home. 



580 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



REFERENCE S. 



Section. Reference. 

4149. Home. 

4150. Home. 

4151. Home. 
4J52. Home. 

4153. Home. 

4154. Home. 

4155. Home. 

4156. Home. 

4157. Home. 

4158. Home. 

4159. Home. 

4160. Home. 

4161. 1884, Pa., 72, Sov. G. 
L., 1870, 4888. 

4162. Home. 

4163. 1898, Pa., 39. 

4164. Home. 

4165. Home. 

4166. Home. 

4167. Sov. G. L., 9734. 

4168. Sov. G. L., 1904, 530. 

4169. Sov. G. L., 4240. 

4170. Sov. G. L.., 5280, 5919, 
15167; 1906, 431, 15212, 
5280. 

4171. 1906, Pa., 32. 

4172. 1904, Pa., 36. 

4173. Sov. G. L., 11744. 

4174. Sov. G. L., 11744. 

4175. Sov. G. L., 11744. 

4176. Sov. G. L.., 1899, 20. 

4177. 1883, Pa., 232. 

4178. Pa., 739. 

4179. Sov. G. L., 11643, 1906, 
778, 14596, 1899, 24. 

4180. Sov. G. L., 11643. 

4181. Sov. G. L,., 14683. 

4182. Sov.G. L., 10973, 14596. 

4183. Sov. G. L., 1899, 40. 

4184. Sov. G. L,., 14248. 

4185. Sov. G. L., 1904, 761; 
1906, 778. 

4186. Sov. G. L., 1906, 778. 

4187. Sov. G. L., 1905, 28. 

4188. Sov. G. L., 1905, 25. 

4189. Sov. G. L., 1905. 24. 

4190. Sov. G. L., 1905, 47. 

4191. Form. 

4192. Sov. G. L., 1905, 38, 
1906, 778. 

4193. Sov. G. L.., 1905, 38. 47. 

4194. Sov. G. L., 1905, 38. 

4195. Sov. G. L., 1905, 29. 
4186. Sov. G. L., 1905, 38. 
4197. Sov. G. L,., 1905, 31, 

219. 
4398. Sov. G. L., 1905, 29. 

4199. Scv. G. L., 1905, 36. 

4200. Sov. G. L., 1906, 433. 



Section. 


Reference. 


Section. 


Reference. 


4201. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 36. 


4254. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9288, 6283, 


4202. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 36. 




15427. 


4203. 


Sov. 


G. L... 1905, 47. 


4255. 


Pa., 


355. 


4204. 


Sov. 


G. K, 1906, 433. 


4256. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 786. 


4205. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 439. 


4257. 


Pa., 


28. 


4206. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 778. 


4258. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15962. 


4207. 


Sov. 


G. L,., 9756, 9858, 


4259. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12229. 




12224, 14596. 


4260. 


1899, 


Pa., 491. 


4208. 


Sov. 


G. L., 12353; 1905, 


4261. 


1885, 


Pa., 530. 




47. 




4262. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6283. 


4209. 


Sov. 
889. 


G. L., 1899, 258, 


4263. 
4264. 


Sov. 
Sov. 


G. L., 15417. 

G. L., 1902, 552. 






4265. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13256. 


4210. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 15. 


4266. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 32. 


4211. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15413. 


4267. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 32. 


4212. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15750. 


4268. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4149. 


4213. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 29. 


4269. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4149. 


4214. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10973, 14596. 


4270. 


Pa., 


342. 


4215. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 675. 


4271. 


Pa., 


342. 


4216. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 32. 


4272. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3573. 


4217. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11485, 1905, 


4273. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5852. 




31; 


1906, 439. 


4274. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 32. 


4218. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11485. 


4275. 


Pa., 


1390. 


4219. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 1905, 31. 


4276. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3366. 


4220. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 439. 


4277. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3366. 


4221. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 527. 


4278. 


Pa., 


1390. 


4222. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14680; 1902, 


4279. 


Pa., 


1390. 




528. 




4280. 


Pa., 


1390. 


4223. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 778. 


4281. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1502, 2463; 


4224. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 427. 




1904, 


786. 


4225. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, .256. 


4282. 


Pa., 


1392. 


4226. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1440. 


4283. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 786. 


4227. 


Pa., 


184, 785. 


4284. 


Pa., 


1390. 


4228. 


Pa., 


786. 


4285. 


Sov. 


G. L.., 15175. 


4229. 


Pa., 


1034. 


4286. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4230. 


Pa., 


1036. 


4287. 


Pa., 


1390. 


4231. 


Pa., 


1037. 


4288. 


Pa., 


1390. 


4232. 


1893, 


Pa., 509. 


4289. 


Pa,, 


1390. 


4233. 


1899, 


Pa., 491. 


4290. 


1885, 


Pa., 363. 


4234. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4374. 


4291. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8189. 


4235. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 519. 


4292. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4915. 


4236. 


1904, 


Pa., 40. 


4293. 


Pa., 


346. 


4237. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4294. 


Sov. 


G. L.., Trial Code. 


4238. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4295. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4239. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4296. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13257. 


4240. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4297. 


1888, 


Pa., 71. 


4241. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4298. 


1892, 


Pa., 117. 


4242. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2507, 3836. 


4299. 


1892, 


Pa., 178. 


4243, 


Sov. 


G. L., 11893. 


4300. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4244. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1502. 


4301. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code; 


4245. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2463. 




1906, 


674. 


4246. 


Pa., 


351. 


4302. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4247. 


Pa., 


352. 


4303. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4248. 


Pa., 


353. 


4304. 


Sov. 


1900, 801. 


4249. 


Pa., 


354. 


4305. 


Sov. 


1900, 801. 


4250. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5494. 


4306. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 870. 


4251. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5494. 


4307. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 870. 


4252. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2620. 


4308. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 867. 


4253. 


Sov. 


G. L., 202. 


4309. 


Sov. 


G. L., 805, 2620. 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



581 



REFERENCES. 



Section. 


Reference. 


Section. 


Reference. 




Section. 


Reference. 


4310. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4364. 


Pa., 


Sub. Constitu- 


4416. 


Pa., 


G. L. Constitution 


4311. 


1890, 


Pa., 206. 




tion 








and By Laws. 


4312. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4365. 


Sov, 


G. L., 8999. 




4417. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1146. 








4366. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10254 




4418. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10253; 1900, 


4313. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2620. 


4367. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8381 






883. 




4314. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4368. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1895, 


652. 


4419. 


G. L 


,„ 7909. 


4315. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4369. 


Pa., 


Sub. Constitu- 


4420. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7909. 


4316. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 




tion 






4421. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2799, 3000. 


4317. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4370. 


Sov. 


G. L., 8999, 


14438. 


4422. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2811. 


4318. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4371. 


Pa., 


Sub. Constitu- 


4423. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11385. 


4319. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 




tion 






4424. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1244; 1900, 


4320. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4372. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14250. 






883. 




4321. 


See 


Testimony. 


4373. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2620. 




4425. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11341, 


4322. 


See 


Evidence. 


4374. 


Sov, 


G. L., 9696. 






11542 




4323. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4375. 


Pa., 


1437. 




4426. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11341, 


4324. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4376. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2287, 


4467. 




11542 




4325. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 210. 


4377. 


Indiana Digest, 


title 


4427. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13559. 


4326. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 240. 




"Trial." 




4428. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 535. 


4327. 


1884, 


Pa., 61. 


4378. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5883, 


7853. 


4429. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13543. 


4328. 


Pa., 


1391; Sov. G. L., 


4379. 


1887. 


Pa., 548. 




4430. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 535. 




Trial Code. Pa., Sub. 


4380. 


18S7, 


Pa., 548. 




4431. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14250. 




Constitution. 


4381. 


189-3, 


Pa., 13. 




4432. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14250. 


4329. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4382. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9854; 


; Pa., 


4433. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 535. 


4330. 


Pa., 


358. 




1444. 






4434. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 297. 


4331. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13445. 


4383. 


1901, 


Pa., 607. 




4435. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15747; 1902, 


4332. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 797. 


4384. 


1901, 


Pa., 607. 






535. 




4333. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4385. 


1901, 


Pa., 607. 




4436. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15747. 


4334. 


Pa., 


1393. 


4386. 


Pa., 


652. 




4437. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11543. 


4335. 


Pa., 


Sub. Constitution; 


4387. 


Pa., 


1443. 




4438. 


Pa., 


991. 




Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4388. 


Pa., 


1444. 




4439. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 24. 


4336. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4389. 


Pa., 


1445. 




4440. 


1903, 


Pa., 437. 


4337. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4992. 


4390. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 


45. 


4441. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 31. 


4338. 


Form. 


4391. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 


521. 


4442. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 27. 


4339. 


Form. 


4392. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905,' 


52T. 


4443. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13256. 


4340. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10253.. 


4293. 


Sov. 


G. L„ 1905, 


521. 


4444. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11482. 


4341. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13143. 


4394. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 


521. 


4445. 


Pa., 


993. 


4342. 


Pa., 


1394. 


4395. 


1883, 


Pa., 298. 




4446. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2175. 


4343. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4396. 


1897, 


Pa., 497. 




4447. 


Pa., 


995. 


4344. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4397. 


1883, 


Pa., 109. 




4448. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9854. 


4345. 


Sov. 


G. L., Trial Code. 


4398. 


1896, 


Pa., 14. 




4449. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10105. 


4346. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13445; Pa., 


4399. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 


48. 


4450. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6i80,14681. 




1394. 




4400. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7771, 


8209, 


4451. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 803. 


4347. 


Pa., 


1394. 




3811, 


2859. 




4452. 


Pa., 


999, Sov. G. L., 


4348. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6525. 


4401. 


Pa., 


307. 






4876. 




4349. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2788. 


4402. 


Sov. 


G. L., 7771. 




4453. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1887. 


43fc0. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6525, 2788. 


4403. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2215. 




4454. 


Sov. 


G. L., 10254. 


4351. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5853. 


4404. 


1883, 


Pa., 298. 




4455. 


Sov. 


G. L., 13256. 


4352. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5833. 


4405. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1146 




4456. 


1903, 


Pa., 435. 


4353. 


Pa., 


325. 


4406. 


Pa., 


5. 




4457. 


1895, 


Pa., 825. 


4354. 


1889, 


Pa., 660. 


4407. Pa.. 


5. 




4458. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1070. 


4355. 


1889, 


Pa., 661. 


4408. 


Pa., 


4. 




4459. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6350, Pa., 


4356 


1896, 


Pa., 216. 


4409. 


Sov. 


G. L., 9856. 






1410. 




4357. 


1890, 


Pa., 205. 


4410. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2216, 


10254. 


4460. 


Pa., 


1411; Sov. G. L., 


4358. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15978. 


4411. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6180. 






11095 




4359. 


Pa., 


341. 


4412. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 


31. 


4461. 


Sov. 


G. L.. 6350, 2792, 


4360. 


Pa., 


1394. 


4413. 


Sov. 


G. L., 11744, 


11893. 




4467. 




4361. 


1892, 


Pa., 178. 


4414. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2859 




4462. 


Sov. 


G. L., By-Laws. 


4302. 


1904, 


Pa., 41. 


4415. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1198, 


2268. 


4463. 


Sov. 


G. L., 3805. 


4363. 


Sov. 


G. L., 5919. 




5834. 






4464. 


Sov. 


G. L., By-Laws. 



582 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST.- 



[1907. 



REFERENCES. 



Section. 


Ref 


rence. 


Section. 


Reference. 




Section. 


Reference. 


4465 


Sov 


G. L 


, 10251. 


4519. Sov 


G. L., 6007, 


3515. 


4572. Pa., 


1464. 




4466 


Sov 


G. L. 


, 1723. 


4520. Sov 


G. L., 14249 




'4573. Sov 


. G. L. 


, 10254. 


4467 


Sov. 


G. L 


, 2739. 


4521. Sov 


G. L., 2859. 




4574. Pa., 


1465. 




4468 


Sov 


G. L 


, 6988. 


4522. Sov 


G. L., 1902, 


530. 


4575. Pa., 


1466. 




4469 


Sov. 


G. L. 


1723. 


4523. Pa., 


1457. 




4576. Pa., 


1467. 




4470 


Sov 


G. L 


., 1901, 294; 


4524. Sov. 


G. L., 4363, 


6625. 


4577. Sov 


. G. L. 


10094. 




1902 


1012. 




4525. Sov 


G. L., 1901, 


277. 


4578. Sov 


. G. L. 


1899-38. 


4471 


Sov. 


G. L., 


8992. 


4526. Sov 


G. L., 2467. 




4579. Sov 


. G. L., 


10909. 


4472 


Sov. 


G. L 


, 1148, 1470. 


4527. Sov 


G. L., 3090. 




4580. Pa., 


1469. 




4473 


Sov 


G. L. 


, 2730. 


4528. 1898, 


Pa., 78. 




4581. Pa., 


1470. 




4474 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 15144. 


3529. Pa., 


1459. 




4582. Sov. 


G. L 


, 4467, 4993, 


4475 


Sov. 


G. L. 


2759. 


4530. Pa., 


1460. 




8533 






4476. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


5502, 5796. 


4531. Pa., 


1461. 




4583. Pa., 


1038. 




4477. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


7505. 


4532. Sov. 


G. L., 4183, 


7762, 


4584. Sov. 


G. L., 


1901, 371. 


4478. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


11900. 


5849 


13449, 14573 


1900, 


4585. Sov. 


G. L., 


2144. 


4479. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 4993. 


513. 






4586. Sov. 


G. L. 


1903, 27. 


4480. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 4993. 1899, 


4533. Sov. 


G. L., 1321, 


1756. 


4587. Sov. 


G. L 


, 4716, 4993. 




42. 






4534. Sov. 


G. L., 14573 




4588. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 9159. 


4481. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, C77, 14683. 


4535. Sov. 


G. L., 1289. 




4589. Sov. 


G. L 


, 9736. 


4482. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 677. 


4536. Sov. 


G. L., 2953, 


13979, 


1590. 1881 


Pa., 


10. 


4483. 


Sov. 


G. L 


, 1899, 344; 


14680. 




4591. 1883, 


Pa., 300. 




1906, 


692. 




4537. Sov. 


G. L., 8210, 


11106. 


4592. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 3584, 4177, 


4484. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1906, 692. 


4538. Sov. 


G. L., 3133, 


14684. 


6560, 


8533. 




4485. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1906, 692. 


4539. Sov 

4540. Sov. 


G. L.,4593. 
G. L., 8533. 




4593. Sov. 
6560, 


G. L. 
8533. 


, 3584, 4177, 


4486. 


1906, 


Pa., 34. 






















4541. Sov. 


G. L., 14248. 




4594. Sov. 


G. L 


, 7820, 8364. 


4487. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


14881. 


4542. Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 


23. 


4595. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 13443. 


4488. 


Sov. 


6206. 




'4543. Sov. 


G. L, 4992, 


5847, 


4596. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 13443. 


4489. 


Sov. 


G. L 


.. 1893, 20, 


6267. 






4597. Sov. 


G. L., 


4087. 




344. 






4544. Sov. 


G. L., 7505. 




4598. Sov. 


G. L 


, 7057. 


4490. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


1904, 534. 


4545. Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 


21. 


4599. Sov. 


G. L., 


1903, 30. 


4491. 


Sov. 


G. L., 4240, 2560. 


4546. Sov. 


G. L., 14250. 




4600. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 2831, 2790, 




1901, 


45. ' 




4547. Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 


27. 


1424S 


; 1900, 


908. 


4492. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


4240. 


4548. Sov. 


G. L., 1S00, 516. 


4601. Sov. 


G. L., 


1903, 30. 


4493. 


Sov. 


G. L., 2560. 


4549. 1897, 


Pa., 496. 




4602. Sov. 


G. L.' 


, 1903, 429. 


4494. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1905, 40. 


4550. Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 


16. 


4603. Sov. 


G. L., 


2919. 


4495. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


2560. 


4551. Sov. 


G. L., 1884, 


9736. 


4604. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 1712, 2494, 


4496. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


10251. 


4552. 1893, 


Pa., 871. 




1845, 


7401, 


10255. 


4497. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


4240. 


4553. 1885, 


Pa., 319. 




4605. Sov. 


G. L. 


1906, 773. 


4498. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


14249. 


4554. Sov. 


G. L., 12191 




4606. Sov. 


G. L. 


2700, 8344, 


4499. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


By Laws. 


4555. Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 


42. 


15010 






4500. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


By Laws. 


4556. Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 


293. 


4607. 1900, 


Pa., 69. 


4501. 


Ritu 


ilistic Law. 


4557. Sov. 


G. L., 12789 




4608. Sov. 


G. L., 


1906, 439. 


4502. 


Sov. 


G. L. 


1840, 7505. 


.4558. Sov. 


G. L., 15749, 


Pa., 


4609. Sov. 


G. L., 


1906, 439. 


4503. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


7505. 


Sub. 


Constitution 




4610. Sov. 


G. L., 


1906, 436. 


4504. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


690, 4467. 


4559. Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 


428. 


4611. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 2919. 


4505. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


12789. 


4560. Sov. 


G. L., 9857. 




4612. Sov. 


G. L., 


12786. 


4506. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


4015. 


4561. Sov. 


G. L., 15757. 




4613. Sov. 


G. L. 


, 6560. 


4507. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1899, 23. 


4562. Sov. 


G. L., 15757. 




4614. Sov. 


G. L. 


5280, 5919. 


4508. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


14248. 


4563. Pa., 


1462. 




4615. Sov. 


G. L., 


6618, 5919. 


4509. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1070. 


4564. Sov. 


G. L., 6558. 




4616. Sov. 


G. L., 


12670. 


4510. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1086. 


4565. Pa., 


1461 




4617. Sov. 


G. L., 


12787. 


4511. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


2561. 


4566. Sov. 


G. L., 9806, 


4992, 


4618. Sov. 


G. L., 


13257. 


4512. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


6266. 


16071 


11104. 




4619. Sov. 


G. L., 


13054. 


4513. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


9370. 


4567. Sov. 


G. L., 15062. 




4620. Sov. 


G. L., 


11302. 


4514. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


By-Laws. 


4568. Sov. 


G. L., 11729, 


Pa., 


4621. Sov. 


G. L., 


14250. 


4515. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1903, 48. 


Sub. 


Constitution 




4622. Sov. 


G. L., 


1899, 24. 


4516. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


11896. 


4569. Pa., 


1463. 




4623. Sov. 


G. L., 


3031, 3654, 


4517. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


11103. 


4570. Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 


428. 


3601, 


3679. 




4518. 


Sov. 


G. L., 


1902, 532. 


4571. Sov. 


G. L., 15758. 




4624. Sov. 


G. L., 


14686. 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



583 



REFERENCES. 



Section. 




Reference. 




Section. 




Reference. 




Section. 




Reference. 




4625. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


11896, 


11893. 


464S. 


Sov. 


G. 


L -, 


8405. 




4661. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 956, 


1121, 


4626. 


Pa., 


67. 








4644. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


8404. 






6278, 


8117. 






4627. 


1890, 


Pa 


,., 390. 




4645. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1502, 




4662. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


9751. 




4628. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


1904, 805. 


4646. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


Trial 


Code. 


4663. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


4855, 


14683. 


4629. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 14574 








































4647. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


Trial 


Code. 


4664. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


14683, 


3877. 


4630. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 8404. 




























4631. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1502, 


8404. 


4648. 


Pa., 


357. 








4665. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


15640, 




4632. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


1720, 


10252, 


4649. 


Pa., 


1480. 






4666. 


Sov. 


G. 


L-, 


1900, 


515. 




9160. 










4650. 


1891, 


Pa 


.., 662. 




4667. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 4135. 




4633. 


Pa., 


1473. 






4651. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


Trial 


Code. 


4668. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


1264-4. 




4634. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1906, 


778. 


4652. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


Trial 


Code. 


4669. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


1193, 


14680. 


4635. 


Sov. 


G. 


L- 


, 1906, 


423. 


4653. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 2738. 




4670. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


11482, 




4636. 


Pa., 


1475. 






4654. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 2738, 




4671. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


13783 




4637. 
4638. 


Pa., 
Pa., 


1476. 
1477. 






4655. 
4656. 


Sov. 
Sov. 


G. 
G. 


L. 

L. 


, 2738. 
, 2738. 




4672. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


3739, 


6615. 


4639. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 1992, 


2737. 


4657. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 2909 




4673. 


Pa., 


1487. 






4640. 


Pa., 


1479. 






4658. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


Trial 


Code. 


4674. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. : 


, 3739, 


6615. 


4641. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 11300 




4659. 


Pa., 


1481. 






4675. 


Sov. 


G. 


L-, 


, 3739, 


68*5. 


4642. 


Sov. 


G. 


L-, 


8405, 


13978, 


4660. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, Constitu- 


4676. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


8079. 






13977 












tion, 










4677. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


9323. 





REBEKAH REFERENCES. 



Section. 


Reference. 


Section. 


Reference. 


6000 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 31. 


6051. Sov 


G. L., 1901, 37. 


6001 


Sov. 


G. L., 15640. 


6052. Sov 


G. L., 1900, 509. 


6002 


Sov 


G. L., 11490. 


6053. Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 544. 


6003 


Sov 


G. L., 1899, 32. 


6053. Sov 


G. L., 1905, 44. 


6004 


Sov 


G. L., 1903, 33. 


•054. Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 36. 


6005 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 510. 


6055. Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 777. 


6006 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 29. 


6056. Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 33. 


6007 


1904, 


Pa., 44, 45. 


6057. Sov 


G. L., 1903, 33. 


6008 


Sov 


G. L., 1900, 510. 


6058. Sov. 


G. L., 14676. 


6009 


Sov. 


G. L., 14673. 


6059. 1904, 


Pa., 44. 


6010 


Sov. 


G. L., 14676. 


6060. Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 536. 


6011. 


Sov. 


G. L., 6984. 


6061. Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 31. 


6012. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15172. 


6062. Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 509. 


6013. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15752, 14679. 


6063. 1902, 


Pa., 38. 


6014. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15752. 


8064. Sov. 


G. L., 14241. 


6015. 


Sov. 


G. L., 15752. 


6065. Sov. 


G. L., 14676, 15170 


6016. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 35. 


6066. Sov. 


G. L., 14886. 


6017. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 34. 


6067. Sov. 


G. L., 14675. 


6018. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14241. 


6068. Sor. 


G. L., 1902, 538. 


6019. 


1903, 


Pa., 439. 


6069. Sov. 


G. L., 12791; 19D0, 


6020, 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 541. 


509. 




6021. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 34. 


6070. Sov. 


G. L., 15051. 


6022. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 33. 


6071. Sov. 


G. L., 14674. 


6023. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 34. 


6072. Sov. 


G. L., 15754. 


6024. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 34. 


6073. Sov. 


G. L., 14950. 


6025. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 34. 


6074. Sov. 


G. L., 14675. 


6026. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1902, 539. 


6075. 1906, 


Pa., 38. 


6027. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 32. 


C076. Sov. 


G. L., 


6028. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1305, 42, 43. 


6077. Sov. 


G. L., 1901. 34. 


6029. 


Sov. 


G. L.. 1901, 36. 


6078. Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 32. 


6030. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 534. 


6079. Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 832. 


6031. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1001, 35. 


6080. Sov. 


G. L., 15753. 


6032. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 32. 


6081. Sov. 


G. L., 14712. 


6033. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 510, 


6082. Sov. 


G. L., 15171. 




15170 




6083. Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 538. 


6034. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14675. 


6084. Sov. 


G. U, 4674. 


6035. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1904, 538. 


6085. Sov. 


G. L. 4674. 


6036. 


1906, 


Pa., 38. 


6086. Sov. 


G. L., 11722. 


6037. 


3906, 


Pa., 37, 38. 


6087. Sov. 


G. L., 15752. 


6038. 


1904, 


Pa., 44. 


6088. Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 44. 


6039. 


1902, 


Pa., 38. 


6089. Sov. 


G. L., 1900, 509. 


6040. 


1902, 


Pa., 37. 


6090. Sov. 


G. L., 1901, 33; 


6041. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1899, 30. 


1902, 


984; 1903, 32. 


6042. 


Sov. 


G. L., 14679. 


6091. Sov. 


G. L., 1905, 43. 


6043. 


Sov. 


G. L.. 15752. 


6062. 1904, 


Pa., 44. 


6044. 


Sov. 


G. L.. 15754. 


609:;. 1906, 


Pa., 37. 


6045. 


Sov. 


G. L.. 1899, 40. 


6094 1906, 


Pa., 37. 


6046. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1903, 34. 


6095. Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 442. 


6047. 


1806, Pa., 126. 


6096. Sov. 


G- L., 1900, 442. 


604 J. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906. 441. 


G097. Sov. 


G. L., Rebekah 


G049. 


1906, 


Pa., 37. 


Code 


Pa., Rebekah 


6050. 


Sov. 


G. L., 1906, 717. 


Sub. 


Constitution. 




584 







Section. Reference 

6098. Sov. G. L., 1901, 36, 
repealed by RebeKah 
Code of 1903, also 
Sov. G. L., 1906, 442. 

6099. Sov. G. L., 14239. 

6100. Sov. G. L., 1900, 503. 

6101. Sov. G. L., 1903, 442. 

6102. G. L., 1903, 438. 

6103. G. L., 1903, 438. 

6104. 1906, Pa., 37. 

6105. Sov. G. L., 15753. 

6106. Sov. G. L., 1.5171. 

6107. Sov. G. L.., 1904, 537. 

6108. Sov. G. L., 1903, 271. 

6109. Sov. G. L., 1902, 539. 

6110. Sov. G. L., 1903, 35. 

6111. Sov. G. L., 1904, 535. 

6112. Sov. G. L., 1900, 510. 

6113. Sov. G. L., 14678. 

6115. Sov. G. L., Ii712. 

6116. Sov. G. L., 15175. 

6117. Sov. G. L., 14921. 

6118. Sov. G. L., 1904, 536. 

6119. Sov. G. L., 1904, 538. 

6120. Sov. G. L., 1905, 43. 

6121. Sov. G. L., 

6122. Sov. G. L. 

6123. Sov. G. L. ; 

6124. Sov. G. L. 

6125. Sov. G. L., 

6126. 1903, Pa., 438. 

6127. 1903, Pa., 

6128. Sov. G. L., 

6129. Sov. G. L., 

6130. Sov. G. L., 

6131. Sov. G. L., 

6132. Sov. G. L., 

6133. Sov. G. L., 

6134. Sov. G. L. 
295,. 

6135. Sov. G. L., 

6136. Sov. G. L. : 
1904, 743; 1905, 348. 

6137. Sov. G. L., 1901, 35. 

6138. Sov. G. L., 1903, 299. 

6139. Sov. G. L., 12701. 

6140. Sov. G. L., 1903, 299. 

6141. Sov. G. L., 1904, 776. 

6142. Sov. G. L., 1904, 867. 

6143. 1906, Pa., 37. 

6144. Sov. G. L., 1900, 509; 
1902, 556. 



1 906, 


731. 


1904 


536. 


1902 


539. 


1899 


30. 


1902, 
> 


540. 


I. 
438. 




1899, 


32. 


-•.896, 


14674. 


1905, 


44. 


1905, 


44. 


1904. 


536. 


4240. 




1903 


, 298, 


1905, 


349. 


1906 


446; 



19UT.J 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



585 



REBEKAH REFERENCES. 



Section. 

6145. Sov 

6146. Sov. 

6147. Sov. 

6148. Sov. 

6149. Pa., 

6150. Sov. 

6151. Sov. 

6152. Sov. 

6153. 1902, 

6154. Sov. 

6155. 1906, 

6156. 1903, 

6157. Sov. 

6158. Sov. 
538. 

6159. Sov. 

6160. Sov. 
6.' 61. Sov. 

6162. Sov. 

6163. 1906, 

6164. Sov. 

6165. Sov. 

6166. Sov. 

6167. Sov. 

6168. Sov. 

6169. Sov. 

6170. Sov. 
$171. Sov. 
C172. 1904, 
•173. 1904, 

6174. Sov. 

6175. Sov. 

6176. Sov. 
31. 

€177. 1902, 

6178. Sov. 

6179. Sov. 

6180. Sov. 
•181. Sov. 

1899, 
6182. Sov. 
6J83. Sov. 
«84. Sov 



G. L., 14921: 1908,33. 
G. L., 15753. 

G. L., 14241. 
G. L... 15753. 
Rebekah Charter. 

G. L., 14240. 

G. L., 14240. 

G. L., 1899, 32. 

Pa., 38. 

G. Li., 1902, 988. 

Pa., 36. 

Pa., 438. 

G. L., 1900, 509. 

G. L., 1904, 537, 

G. L«., 14239. 
G. L.., 14676. 
G. L., 1900, 509. 
G. L., 1900, 508. 
Pa., 36. 



1900, 509. 

1900, 510. 
1905, 43. 

1904, 536. 

1903, 397. 
1905, 44. 

1902, 538. 

14673. 



G. L. 

G. L. 

G. L., 

G. L. 

G. L. 

G. L., 

G. L. 

G. L. 

Pa., 43, 44. 

Pa., 44. 

G. L,., 1902, 538. 

G. L., 1900, 508. 

G. L., 14675; 1899, 

Pa., 38. 

G. L., 1899, 30. 
G. L., 15002. 
G. L., 13257. 
G. L., 15003, 14240; 
32. 

G. L., 15172. 
G. L., 14878, 15171. 
G. L., 1903, 34. 



6185. 
6186. 
6187. 
6188. 
6189. 
6190. 
6391. 
6192. 
6193. 
6194. 

6195. 
6196. 

6197. 
6198. 
6199. 
6200. 
6201. 
6202. 
6203. 
6204. 
6205. 
6206. 
6207. 
6208. 
6209. 
6210. 
6211. 
6212. 
6213. 
6214. 
6215. 
6216. 
6217. 
6218. 
6219. 
6220. 
6221. 
6222. 
6223. 
6224. 
6225. 
6226. 
6227. 
6228. 



n. Reference. 

Sov. G. Li., 14240, 14949. 

Sov. G. L., 14241. 

Sov. G. L., 14241. 

Sov. G. L., 14676. 

Sov. G. L., 14676. 

Sov. G. L., 15753. 

1906, Pa., 37. 

Sov. G. L., 1903, 316. 

Sov. G. L„ 14241. 

Sov. G. L., 1903, 31; Pa., 

1187. 

Sov. G. L., 1906, 443. 

1906, Pa., 37. 

1906, Pa., 36. 

Sov. G. L., 1906, 442. 

Pa. ; 1151, 1152. 

Pa., 1154. 

1904, Pa., 43. 

Sov. G. L., 1901, 35. 

Sov. G. L., 16754. 

Sov. G. L., 13548. 

Sov. G. L., 14675. 

1904, Pa., 44. 

Sov. G. L., 14240. 

Sov. G. L., 1906, 442. 

Sov. G. L., 1903, 37. 

Sov. G. L., 1903, 33. 

Sov. G. L., 1903, 31. 

Sov. G. L., 1899, 29. 

Sov. G. L., 1903, 33. 

Sov. G. L., 14673, 14678. 

Sov. G. L., 14678. 

Sov. G. L.. 14679. 

Sov. G. L., 15751. 

Sov. G. L., 14676, 15170. 

1904, Pa., 45. 

Sov. G. L., 1899, 32. 



Sov. G. L. 

Sov. G. L. 

Sov. G. L. 

Sov. G. L.. 



1900, 510. 
14674. 
1906, 443. 
14241. 



Sov. G. L., 15802, 15172. 
Sov. G. L., 15172. 
Sov. G. L., 1905, 44. 
1904, Pa., 44. 



Section. 


Refer 


ence. 


6229. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


15753. 


6230. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


14241. 


6231. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


1903, 33. 


6232. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


1901, 3«. 


6233. 


Sov. 


G. 


L. 


, 14239. 


6234. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


15170. 


6235. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


14679. 


6236. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 1902, 979. 


6237. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


14676. 


6238. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


1899, 31. 


6239. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


15171. 


6240. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


14678. 


6241. 


Sov. 


G. 


L., 


14679. 



6242. Sov. G. L.,1900, 782,811. 

6243. Sov. G. L., 14675. 

6244. Sov. G. L., 1899, 32. 

6245. Sov. G. L., 15754. 

6246. Sov. G. L., 1900, 949. 

6247. 1906, Pa., 37. 

6248. Sov. G. L., 1899, 29. 

6249. Sov. G. L., 1900, 510. 

6250. 1105, Pa., 436. 

6251. Sov. G. L., 1900, 903. 

6252. Sov. G. L., 10159. 

6253. Sov. G. L., 1899, 31. 



6254. Sov. 

6255. Sov. 

6256. 1903, 

6257. 1904, 

6258. Pa., 



G. L., 1899, 31. 
G. L., 14674. 
Pa., 438. 
Pa., 44. 
Sub. Rebekah 



Constitution. 
6259. 1903, Sov. G. L 



6260. Sov. 

6261. Sov. 

6262. Sov. 

6263. Sov. 

6264. 1906, 

6265. Sov. 



47. 

G. L., 1906, 777. 
G. L., 1906, 785. 
G. L., 1906, 779. 
G. L., 14674. 
Pa., 36. 
G. L., 15757. 



6266. 1904, Pa. 45. 



6267. Sov. G. L., 



6268. Sov. 

6269. Sov. 

6270. Sov. 

6271. Sov. 
S272. Sov. 



G. L,., 
G. L., 
G. L. 
G. L. 
G. L. 



15172. 
1899, 32. 
14674. 

15177. 

1899, 32. 

1906. 44. 



37 



INDEX. 



Page 

ABLE to work 9, 14 

. To earn a livelihood 9 

To follow usual occupation . . 10 

To follow some other occupation 12 

To earn amount of benefits . . 13 

Absence 14 

Of Noble Grand 311 

Of officers at roll call 410 

Accused 96 

Charges 100 

Where tried 100 

Action, limitation of right to . . . 288 

Addresses 19 

Adjourn 17 

For lack of quorum 364 

Adjudication, final 44 

Admission to membership .... 17 

Illegal admission . 257 

Residence 397 

Admission to an Orphans' Home. 

Form of application for . . . 336 
Form of certificate to accom- 
pany 337 

Age and Infirmity 19 

Aged and Indigent. 

Homes for 243 

The Odd Fellows Home of 

Pennsylvania 459 

Odd Fellows Home for the 
Aged and Infirm of Penn- 
sylvania 325 

The Odd Fellows Orphans 
Home of Central Pennsyl- 
vania 458 

The Home for Widows and 
Orphans of Odd Fellows of 

Pennsylvania 458 

The Rebekah Home 460 

Aged Odd Fellow. 

Fund for 20 

Non-beneficial members .... 316 

Register of 20 

Form for enrollm ent on register 23 

Form of application for relief. 24 

Agents 24 



Page 

Age of applicant 25 

Agreements as to dues, benefits or 

charges 25 

Form of, to Consolidate two 

Subordinate Lodges 128 

Aid, Appeals for 48 

Alarm at Door . . 27 

Amendments 27 

To by laws . 79 

To constitution 129 

Ancient Odd Fellow 29 

Anniversary 30 

Annual traveling password .... 31 

Password 342 

Annuity 33 

Appeals 33 

Appeal districts 46 

Approval of Grand Master ... 45 

Effect of an 33 

Final adjudication 44 

From Noble Grand 34 

From Grand Master 35 

From Lodge 35 

Grounds of appeal 42 

Hearing an appeal 43 

Jurisdiction on appeal . . . r . 46 

Limitation of right to 288 

Memorial petition 47 

New trial 307 

Petition to rehear 45 

Prosecutor 359 

Protest 359 

Questions 363 

Reargument 45 

Status of appellant 40 

Time limit of 41 

To Grand Master 36 

To Grand Lodge 37 

To Sovereign Grand Lodge . . 37 

Who may appeal 39 

What law governs 46 

Appeals for aid 48 

Appeals for benefits 49 

Appellant, who may be 39 

Status of 40 

587 



588 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



Page 

Application for degrees 49 

Application for membership . 17, 50, 464 

Rejected 383 

Age of applicant 25 

Application for permission to use 

name of Order, regalia, etc. . 52 

Anniversary 30 

Ball 67 

Celebrations 94 

Holidays 243 

Excursions 196 

Memorial day 302 

Picnics 196 

Liquors ... 290 

Application for transfer of member- 
ship 464 

Appointed officers 52 

Appointment of trial committee. 

Against a brother 102 

Against a Lodge 104 

Against a member of the Grand 

Lodge 104 

Effect of 105 

Appropriations 53 

Anniversary 30 

Funds 206 

Special five per cent fund . . . 430 

Approval 

By Grand Master, of appeal . . 45 

Of by laws 80 

Arrears 55 

As affecting right of membership 55 

As affecting Lodge indebtedness 59 

For funeral dues 59 

Impossible while sick 56 

Payment in full 57 

Paid while sick 58 

Assessments - 60 

By Grand Lodge 60 

By Subordinate Lodge 60 

Notice of 320 

Associations, building 78 

Of Past Grands . 346 

Attendance of accused before trial 

committee 1 . . 470 

Attentive benefits 61 

General principles 61 

Watchers 62 

Nurses 63 

Attestation 66 

Atheist 66 

Auditing committee 66 

Report of 392 

Authority of Subordinate Lodges . 436 

BADGE . 188 

Jewels 283 

Ball 67 



Page 

Ballot 68 

General rules 68 

For membership 69 

In other cases 71 

Reconsideration of ... . 71, 369 
For admission to membership . 17 

Bartender 72, 412 

Beneficial standing .... 196, 200, 218 
Ben Avon Home 

The Home for Widows and Or- 
phans of Pennsylvania .... 458 

Beneficiaries, orphans . 334 

Legal representatives 287 

Funeral benefits 211 

Widow . 508 

Benefits 73 

Appeals for 49 

Agreement concerning 26 

By laws affecting 81 

Claims for 116 

Declining 140 

Form of notice of refusal to pay 117 
Form of notice of discontinuance 117 
Form of claim for benefits . . . 117 

Forfeiture of 203 

Fraud in 205 

Funeral 211 

Graded 220 

Income equal to 259 

Intemperance affecting .... 279 4 
Length of membership affecting 288 

Minimum 303 

Notice of 321 

Paralytic 341 

Payable weekly 347 

Physical disability affecting . . 353 
Powers of Grand Lodge, as to . 224 

Residence as affecting 401 

Reduced 374 

Sickness, definition of 426 

Second trial for 418 

Suicide as affecting 438 

Suspension of 447 

While in hospital 256 

Bequest 73 

Blind 74 

Board of Grand Officers 75 

Bond 75 

Treasurer 469 

Trustee . 485 

Book-keeping 75 

Books, spurious 432 

Borie's Manual ■ 75 

Bringing suit 76 

Building associations ......... 78 

Burden of proof, benefits . 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 

Business 77 

Dealings 77 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



589 



Page 

Business 

Order of 334 

Private matters 356 

Bylaws ' 79 

Making and amending 79 

Approval necessary before ef- 
fective 80 

How they may affect dues and 

benefits 81 

Proper and improper 83 

Construction and interpretation 84 

Of the Grand Lodge 84 

Amendments 27 

Committee on 121 

Conflict of laws with 125 



pANVASSING 85 

^ Circulars 115 

Cards 86 

General provisions 86 

Visiting card 86 

Withdrawal card to sever mem- 
bership 89 

Withdrawal card to transfer 

membership 92 

Duplicate cards 92 

Ancient Odd Fellow 29 

Annual traveling password . . 31 

Official certificate 328 

Visitation by 495 

Celebrations 94 

Certificates 95 

Defunct 141 

Dismissal 156 

Form for, to be issued in place 

of a lost withdrawal card . . 94 
Form of certificate to join an 

Encampment 190 

Of resignation, form of ... . 403 
To evidence consolidation of 
two Subordinate Lodges . . . 127 
Chairman of standing committee . 95 

Change of residence 95 

Charge, Past Grands 346 

Charges 100 

Agreement as to 26 

Ballot on 71 

Contempt of 133 

Ex parte investigation 98 

False 198 

General principles 96 

New trial for ... 307 

Notice of 323 

Prosecutor 359 

Suspended members for .... 442 

Suspension for 446 

Who may prefer 97 



Page 
Charges 

Who may be tried 99 

Where must accused be tried . 100 

Charters 106 

Ancient Odd Fellow as a peti- 
tioner 29 

Duplicate 113 

Opening 333 

Petition to restore 405 

Refusal of Ill 

Status of petitioner 110 

Surrender 440 

The petition 107 

The petitioners ....... 106 

The institution 108 

Cipher keys 115 

Rituals 409 

Spurious books 432 

Telegraphic 450 

Circulars 115 

Canvassing 85 

Claims for benefits 116 

Limitation of right to 288 

New trial 307 

Second trial for 418 

Testimony 454 

Club 427 

Collecting debts 119 

Commission, form of, to initiate 

applicants for a charter . . . 108 

Commissioner 119 

Form of appointment of . . . . 118 
Form of notice of filing report . 118 

Testimony 454 

Witnesses 509 

Committees 120 

On by laws 121 

General relief 218 

Homes and Kindred Charities . 122 

Investigating 280 

Printing . . . ; 122 

Relief 387 

Committee of the whole 121 

Amendments 27 

Communications 122 

Concealed infirmities at time of ini- 
tiation 259 

Conduct, immoral 258 

Improper 258 

Conductor 122 

Confined to the house 122 

Conflicting evidence 193 

Conflict of laws 123 

Ritual 123 

General law 123 

Local law 124 

Subordinate constitution .... 124 
Lodge by laws 125 



590 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



Page 
Conflict of laws 

Inconsistent provisions 125 

Conventions 134 

Costs 135 

Of trial 485 

Costumes 135 

Photographs 353 

Counsel 473 

Court of Equity, jurisdiction to re- 
view a trial in the order .... 484 

Credentials ' 136 

Credit, obtaining 324 

Consolidation of Lodges 125 

Constitutions 

Grand Lodge 129 

Subordinate Lodge 132 

Amendments 27 

Conflict of laws with 124 

Construction, of by laws 84 

Of laws by Noble Grand .... 307 

By Grand Master 230 

By Grand Lodge 22i 

Contempt 133 

Absence 14 

Contested Election 184 

Contingent fund 134 

Continuances 474 

DEDICATION .140 
Recognition by ....... . 140 

Degrees 144 

Application for 49 

As to those initiated prior to 

Julyl, 1882 148 

Dramatic representation of . . 165 
General principles ........ 144 

Grand Lodge 149 

Initiate 264 

Initiation 260 

Interpreter 280 

On new members 148 

Past official 148 

Pseudo 153 

Third degree 461 

Degree Lodges 154 

Degree Staff. 154 

Deputy Grand Master 155 

Decisions 138 

Inquiries 266 

Mandate 295 

Questions 363 

Dealings, business 77 

Debate 138 

Debts, collecting ..." 119 

Declining benefits 140 

Defunct certificate 141 

Decorum and order 334 

Defunct Lodges 141 



Page 
Defunct Lodges 

Ancient Odd Fellow 29 

By forfeiture 141 

By surrender . . ' 142 

Property of 143 

Reversionary interest in . . . 408 

Devices in work 512 

Devise ,, 156 

Diplomas • 156 

Disability, physical 353 

Dismissal certificates 156 

Dispensation 158 

Form of, for new Lodges. . . . 275 
Form of, to continue a Lodge 
when its charter has been de- 
stroyed 113 

District Deputy Grand Master . . . 161 

Dispensations by 158 

Districts 160 

Appeals 46 

Homes 250 

District Deputy Grand Master . 160 

Donations 163 

Dormant Lodges 165 

Dramatic representation 165 

Drunkenness 165 

Dual office holding 165 

Dues 166 

Aged Odd Fellows . . x . . . . . 20 

Agents to collect 21 

By laws affecting 81 

Fines not 200 

Funeral 171 

General principles . ... . . . 166 

Graded 177 

Hazardous occupation 242 

How and when paid 170 

Ledger 178 

Notice of 320 

Nurse fund 173 

Official certificate ....... 328 

Orphans' Home 173 

Payment out of benefits .... 173 

Quarterly notice 176 

Receipts for 174 

Refunded 177 

Residence as affecting 401 

Suspension of 448 

To whom must this be paid. . . 168 

When commence 177 

Who must pay 169 

Duplicate card 92 

Duties of Grand Master ..... 230 

Of installing officer 269 

Of Noble Grand 308 

Of trial committee 474 

Of Secretary .419 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



591 



Page 

Tj^ARN, livelihood \ . . 9 

J-^ Amount of benefits 13 

Effect of, an appeal 33 

Charges 105 

Installation 272 

Effective, by laws approved before 80 

Election for officers 179 

At installation 183 

At institution of new Lodge . . 183 

Canvassing v. . 85 

Circulars 115 

Contested election 184 

Grand Lodge 179 

Nominations 312 

Printing and publishing .... 356 

Subordinate Lodge 181 

Eligibility to office 185 

Absence 14 

Grand Lodge 185 

Rank 365 

Roll call 410 

Subordinate Lodge 185 

To Noble Grand 307 

Emblems 188 

Embezzlement "'*... 187 

Encampment or Patriarchal Odd 

Fellowship 189 

Enforcement of laws, duties of 

Grand Master 233 

Entering and retiring 191 

Alarm at door ......... 27 

Enrollment, form for, in aged Odd 

Fellows' register 23 

Estate, real 368 

Evidence 192 

Ancient Odd Fellow 29 

Conflicting 193 

Former connection with Order. 415 

General principles .... 192 

Of former membership .... 195 

Of Rank 195 

Of beneficial standing 196 

Rank 365 

Weight and sufficiency .... 193 

Witnesses 509 

Examination, visitation by ... . 496 

Excursions 196 

Excessive punishment 349 

Ex parte investigation of chaiges . 98 
Expelled member, petition to re- 
store 406 

Restoration of 406 

Expenses, funeral 215 

Costs of trial 135, 485 

Of installation 272 

Expulsion of a member 196 

Of a Lodge 198 



Page 

FALSE charges 198 

Stigmatizing as 198 

Fees, dues 166 

Degrees 144 

Initiation 262 

Feigning sickness 199 

Recovery 199 

Festivals 199 

Final adjudication 44 

Final action, form of notice in 

claims for benefits ...... 118 

Finances 199 

Fines ^ 206 

Findings of the trial committee . . 479 

First weeks sickness 201 

Fiscal year 202 

Flag 202 

Floor work 202 

Forfeiture of office 203 

Of benefits 203 

Forms 202 

For voting to divide districts 

for D. D. G. M 160 

Notice and grounds of appeal 

for charges 42 

Notice and grounds of appeal 

for benefits 42 

Of application for relief by aged 

Odd Fellow 24 

Of order for annual traveling 

password 31 

Of permission for Lodge in an- 
other jurisdiction to appeal 

for aid . 49 

Of application for membership 50 

Of bequest of money 73 

Of devise of real estate 73 

Of devise where there is no last 

will and testament 78 

Of gift of money where there is 

no will 74 

Of codicil to last will 74 

Of certification to by laws. . . 81 

Of order for A. T. P. W. . . . 88 
Of certificate to be issued in 
place of a lost withdrawal 

card 94 

Of charges and specifications . 100 
Of notice of, to accused of 
charges and of time when 
trial committee will be ap- 
pointed 102 

Of notice to chairman of trial 

committee of appointment . 104 

Of petition for charter .... 107 
Of commission to initiate and 
confer degrees on applicants 

for charter 108 



592 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



Page 
Forms 

Of return of service to said com- 
mission 109 

Of dispensation to continue a 
Lodge when its charter has 
been destroyed 113 

Of notice to brother when 
Lodge refuses benefits .... 117 

Of notice to brother when Lodge 
discontinues benefits .... 117 

Of complaints or notice of claim 
for benefits 117 

For appointment of commis- 
sion 118 

Of notice of filing commission- 
er's report 118 

Of notice of final action of Lodge 
on a claim for benefits . . . 118 

Of certificate evidencing consol- 
idation of Lodges 127 

Of agreement to consolidate 
two Subordinate Lodges . 128 

Of order to Lodge to confer de- 
grees on member of another 
Lodge 144 

Of Past Grands certificate (4 
forms) 151 

Of endorsement on ofiicial cer- 
tificate for dues paid by sus- 
pended member 176 

Of certificate to enable a scarlet 
degree member to join En- 
campment 190 

Of credential for Grand Repre- 
sentative 236 

Of reports by the homes . . 252 

Of commission to institute a 
Subordinate Lodge 273 

Of order of ceremonies at insti- 

tion 273 

. Of dispensation for new Lodge 275 

Of return of institution .... 275 

Of application for admission of 
orphan to a home 336 

Of certificate to above applica- 
tion 337 

Of abstract reports to D.D. G. M. 394 

Of credential for representative 
to the Grand Lodge 395 

Of certificate of resignation . . 403 

Of petition for restoration of 
charter 405 

Of petition for restoration of 
expelled member 406 

Of request to communicate semi- 
annual password 425 

Of endorsement on receipt for 
dues for suspended member . 443 



Page 
Forms 

Of notice to brother of intended 

action to suspend for N. P. D. 446 
Of request to another Lodge for 
permission to initiate or ad- 
mit a brother 452 

Of application for transfer of 

membership 464 

Of transfer certificate, Past 

Grands . . . .5 469 

Of notice to accused of meeting 

of trial committee 471 

Of proof of service of notice . . 471 
Of acceptance by accused of 
service of notice of meeting 

of trial committee 471 

Of report of trial committee . . 479 
Of notice of filing report of 

trial committee 480 

Of trustees to take title to 

Lodge investments 486 

Of affirmation by a witness . . 510 
Of summons for a witness . . . 510 
Of summons for a witness not a 

member of the Order .... 511 
Of notice to witness not a mem- 
ber of the Order 

Of notice to witness a member 

of the Order 

Of attention by witness to testi- 
mony 

Of affirmation by a witness . . 
Petition for enrollment in aged 
Odd Fellows' register .... 23 

Found at work . 14 

Fractions of a week 204 

Former connection with the Order, 

evidence of 195, 415 

Fraternal papers 217 

Fraud 204 

Admission to membership . . . 204 

Age of applicant 25 

Definition of. 204 

Obtaining benefits 205 

Obtaining relief 205 

Fund, Aged Odd Fellows' 20 

Contingent 134 

Orphans' Asylum 338 

Special five per cent 429 

Funds 206 

Loans 291 

Reversionary interest in Grand 

Lodge 408 

Trustees 4S5 

Funerals 209 

Funeral, benefits 211 

Aged Odd Fellows' Fund for . 20 
Annuity for 3 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



593 



Funeral Page 

Benefit for wife 216 

Expenses 215 

Legal representatives .... 287 

Notice of 321 

Orphans 334 

Widow 508 

Fundamental powers of Grand 

Lodge 221 

Funeral dues 171 

Arrears 59 

p AMBLER 358 

^ Professiona . . 412 

General law 217 

Conflict of laws with .... 123 

General powers of Grand Lodge . . 222 

General relief committee 218 

Good standing 218 

Fines 200 

Arrears 53 

Dues 166 

Graded benefits 220 

Graded dues 177 

Grand honors 220 

Grand Lodge 221 

Appeals to 63 

Appeals from 37 

Assessments by 60 

By laws of 84 

Charges against member of . . 104 

Constitution of 129 

Degree 1£9 

Duties of Grand Master at ses- 
sions 231 

Election for officers 179 

Eligibility to office in 158 

Finances of • 199 

Fundamental powers 221 

General powers 222 

Legislative powers 222 

Installation in 272 

Judicial powers 226 

Membership in 299 

Meeting place in 296 

Meetings of. 296 

Minutes of 304 

Nominations for office 312 

Officers. . , 229 

Powers as to payment of bene- 
fits 224 

Powers over Subordinate Lodges 227 

Powers over Homes 228 

Qualifications for membership in 362 

Representative to 394 

Reversionary interest in ... . 408 

Special sessions 431 

Territorial jurisdiction 451 

Voting in 499 



Page 

Grand Lodge officers 498 

Visitation by introduction of . 498 

Grand Marshal 230 

Processions 357 

Grand Master 230 

Appeals to . . 37 

Appeals from 35 

Approval of appeal 45 

Decisions 138 

Dispensation 158 

Duties at session of Grand Lodge 231 

Mandate . . 295 

Powers and duties generally . . 230 
Powers and duties to enforce 
the law and supervise the 

Lodges 233 

Questions 363 

Restoration of charter by . . . 404 

Supervision by 439 

Suspensions by 448 

Grand officers, Board of s 75 

Grand Representative 237 

Form of credential for 236 

Instruction by 513 

Instructions to 278 

Visitation by introduction of . 498 

Grand Secretary 235 

Grand Sire ' 238 

Grand Warden 239 

Grounds and notice, of appeal for 

charges 42 

Of appeal for benefits 42 

Grove City Home 

Odd Fellows Home for the Aged 

and Infirm of Pennsylvania . 325 

Guardian, outside 341 

HALLS 240 

Using name of Order 241 

Hazardous occupation 242 

Hearing of an appeal 43 

Holidays . . . . > 243 

Holy Bible 243 

Homes 243 

Committee on 122 

Districts for 160 

For aged and indigent 250 

General principles 243 

Inmate of 265 

Odd Fellows Home of Western 

Pennsylvania 325 

Odd Fellows' Home for Aged 

and Infirm of Pennsylvania . 325 

Orphans' Asylum Fund .... 338 

Orphans entitled to care of . . 335 

Orphans' Homes 250 

Per capita tax 351 

Powers of Grand Lodge over . . 228 



94 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



Page 
Homes 

Reports .■ , 252 

The Home for Widows and Or- 
phans of Odd Fellows of 

Pennsylvania 458 

The Home for Orphans of Odd 

Fellows of Pennsylvania . . . 457 
The Odd Fellows Orphans Home 

of Central Pennsylvania . . . 458 
The Odd Fellows Home of Penn- 
sylvania 459 

The Rebekah Home 460 

Honors, grand 220 

Honors of office 254 

Absence 14 

Proxy 359 

Rank 365 

Roll call 410 

Honor, post of 354 

Honorary membership 253 

Honorable veteran 254 

Hospital 256 

Sanitarium 415 

House, confined to 122 

ILLEGAL admission to member- 
ship 257 

Illiterate • . . 258 

Immoral conduct 258 

Impossible arrears while sick ... 56 

Improper by laws 83 

Improper conduct 258 

Income equal to amount of benefits 259 
Inconsistent provisions, conflict of 125 

Incorporation 259 

Indebtedness of Lodge, as affected 

by arrears 59 

Indigent and Aged, Homes for . . 243 

Infirmity and age 19 

Infirmities concealed at time of ini- 
tiation 259 

Initiate 264 

Initiation 260 

Admission to membership ... 17 

Age of applicant 25 

Ancient Odd Fellow 29 

Infirmities concealed, at ... . 259 

Initiate 264 

Initiation fees 262 

Inmate of Home 265 

Inmate of Hospital 256 

Inmate of Institution 266 

Inquiries 266 

Insane 267 

Installation of officers 268 

Absence 14 

Effect of installing 272 



Page 
Installation of officers 

Election for officers at .... 183 

Expenses of installation . . . 272 

Grand Lodge installation . . . 272 

Non-attendance of elect .... 315 

Proxy 359 

Public 360 

Rights and duties of installing 

Officers 269 

The installing officer 268 

The installation 271 

Institution, inmate of '. . 266 

Institution of new Lodges 273 

Absence 14 

Charter . 108 

Election for officers at 183 

Form of dispensation for . . . 275 

Order of ceremonies at ... . 273 

Return of 275 

Instruction in work 513 

Instructions 278 

Insurance 278 

Intemperance 279 

Intermittent sickness 279 

Interpreter 280 

Interpretation of by laws ..... 84 

Intoxicating liquor 280 

Introduction, visitation by 496 

Visitation by, of G. L. officers . 498 

Investments— Funds • . . 206 

Trustees 485 

Defunct Lodge Fund 141 

Real estate 368 

Halls 240 

Investigating committee 280 

Admission to membership . . 17 

Ex parte, of charges 98 

I.O.O.F 283 

JEWELS. . 283 

*J Not regalia 375 

Journals 357 

Judicial powers of Grand Lodge . . 226 

Junior Past Grand 285 

Jurisdiction on appeal 46 

Jurisdiction of a court of equity to 

review trial proceedings . . . 484 

KINDRED CHARITIES. 

Committee on 122 

Keys 286 

Cipher 115 

LADIES AUXILIARY BOARD . 460 

The Rebekah Home 460 

Language 286 

Interpreter 280 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



595 



Page 

Laws, conflict of 123 

Duty of Grand Master to en- 
force 233 

General 217 

Governing appeals 46 

Local 291 

Lectures 287 

Ledger 178 

Legal representatives 287 

Legislation, reconsideration of . . . 370 

Powers of Grand Lodge, in . . 222 

Length of membership 288 

Libel 288 

Libraries 288 

Limitation of appeals 41 

Liquors 290 

Speak easy * . 428 

Limitation of action, claim or ap- 
peal 288 

Limitations to Subordinate Lodges 437 

Livelihood, what is a 9 

Able to earn 10, 12 

Loans 291 

Local law . . . > 291 

Conflict of laws with 124 

Lodge, appeals to 34 

Appeals from 35 

Lotteries 295 

TMTAKING by laws 79 

-L'-L Amendments 27 

Manchester Unity 295 

Mandate 295 

Questions 363 

Decisions 138 

Manual, Borie's 75 

Marshal, Grand 230 

Matters of private business .... 356 
Meadville Home, Odd Fellows' 
Home of Western Pennsyl- 
vania 325 

Meeting place 296 

Meetings 354 

Adjourn 17 

Debate 138 

Grand Lodge 296 

Subordinate Lodge 297 

Holy Bible 243 

Opening 333 

Quarantine h . ... 363 

Quorum 364 

Semi-monthly 426 

Special 430 

Sunday 438 

Suspension of 450 

Third degree 461 

Members initiated prior to July 1, 

1882, degrees of 144 



Page 
Members initiated since July 1, 1882, 

degrees of 148 

Membership 300 

Admission to 17 

AS'ected by arrears 55 

Age of applicant 25 

Agents to solicit 24 

Application for 50 

Ballot for 69 

Degrees of 144 

Evidence of former 415 

Expulsion from . 196 

Fraud in 204 

Form of request for permission 

to admit to 452 

Grand Lodge 299 

Honorary 253 

Honorable veteran 254 

Illegal admission to . . . . . . 257 

Initiation 260 

In Subordinate Lodge 300 

Length of 288 

Name in 305 

Non-affiliated 313 

Non-beneficial 315 

Non-contributing 317 

Proposition for 358 

Qualification for, in the Order . 361 
Qualification for, in Grand Lodge 362 

Readmission to 366 

Rejected 383 

Resignation from 402 

Restoration of expelled .... 406 
Suspended for non-payment of 

dues 441 

Suspended for cause 442 

Suspension for non-payment of 

dues 444 

Suspension for cause 446 

Transfer of 462 

Veteran 490 

Withdrawal card to sever ... 89 
Withdrawal card to transfer . . 92 

Memorial day 302 

Memorial petition 47 

Mileage 302 

Minor 304 

Minimum benefits 303 

Minutes 304 

Mistake of Lodge • ... 304 

Of secretary ....:...., 421 

Motions 305 

Music 305 

Anniversary 30 

Appropriations 53 

Degrees 144 

Funerals • ... 209 

Special five per cent, fund . . . 429 



5 96 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



Page 

^TAME of Lodge 305 

-^ Of member 306 

Name of the Order 188 

Liquors 290 

Application for permission to 

use • . . 52 

New members, degrees of 148 

New trial 307 

Noble Grand, eligibility to .... 307 

Powers and duties 308 

Absence of 311 

Absence 14 

Addresses 19 

Appeals from 34 

Attestation by 66 

Auditing Committee 66 

Right supporter to 409 

Nominations 312 

Grand Lodge 312 

Subordinate Lodge . . ... 313 

Non-affiliated Odd Fellows .... 313 

Non-attendance . . 315 

Non-beneficial members 315 

Holding Lodge membership . . 315 
Holding membership in Aged 

Odd Fellows' Fund 316 

Non-contributing members . . . 317 
Non-payment of dues, suspended 

members for . • 441 

Suspension for 444 

Non-resident 319 

Witness 320 

Notice as to dues and assessments 320 
Of sickness and benefits .... 321 
Of charges and trial procedure 323 
Of grounds of appeal for charges 42 
Of grounds of appeal fpr bene- 
fits 42 

To accused of charges and time 
when trial committee will be 

appointed 102 

To chairman of trial com- 
mittee of appointment . . . 104 

Nurses attentive benefits 63 

Dues for 173 

OBLIGATION 324 

Not evidence 192 

Obligations, pecuniary 347 

Obtaining credit 324 

Occupation, able to follow usual . 10 

Able to follow some other ... 12 

Having no 10 

Looking for an 12 

Hazardous 242 

Odd Fellows' Aged, Fund 20 

Aged, Register of 20 

Odd Fellows' Home for the Aged 

and Infirm of Pennsylvania . . 323 



Page 

Odd Fellows, non-affiliated .... 315 
Odd Fellows' Home of Western 

Pennsylvania 325 

Odes ; 324 

Offences 327 

Age of applicant 25 

Crime 137 

Drunkenness 165 

Embezzlement 187 

False charges 198 

Feigning 19£ 

Immoral conduct 258 

Improper conduct 258 

Intemperance 279 

Lectures ' 287 

Libel 288 

Lotteries 295 

Obtaining credit 324 

Slander 427 

Office, dual holding 165 

Forfeiture of 203 

Honors of 254 

Resignation from 404 

Terms of » 450 

Officer 328 

Public 361 

Officers, election for 179 

Appointed 52 

Grand Lodge 229 

Non-attendance of 315 

Installation of 268 

Official certificate 328 

Annual traveling password . . 31 

Receipt for dues 174 

Visitation by 495 

Orphans' Asylum Fund 338 

Orphans, entitled to benefits .... 334 

Entitled to care of home . . . 335 

Home dues 173 

Homes for 250 

Odd Fellows' Home of Western 

Pennsylvania 325 

The Odd Fellows Orphans 
Home of Central Pennsyl- 
vania 458 

The Home for Orphans of Odd 

Fellows of Pennsylvania . . 457 
The Home for Widow's and Or- 
phans of Odd Fellows of 

Pennsylvania 458 

Opening ... 333 

Opening charter ... 333 

Order, evidence of former connec- 
tion with . , . 415 

Name of 188 

Renunciation of . % . 391 

Order and decorum 334 

Smoking 427 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



597 



Page 

Order of business 334 

Order of ceremonies at institution 273 

Order, rules of 411 

Other societies ........ . 341 

Outside guardian 341 

PARALYTIC 341 

Sickness 426 

Paraphernalia, photographs .... 353 

Papers, fraternal 217 

Password 342 

Annual traveling 31 

Cards 86 

Official certificate 328 

Semi annual 423 

Past Grands 344 

Ancient Odd Fellow 29 

Junior 285 

Proxy 359 

Transfer of Lodge membership 

in Grand Lodge 469 

Past Grand's charge . . . ) 346 

Association 346 

Past Grand Master 344 

Past official degree 148 

Patriarchal Odd Fellowship .... 189 

Patriarchs Militant 346 

Payment of arrears in full 57 

Of arrears while sick 58 

Payment of benefits, powers of 

Grand Lodge as to . . . . , . 224 

Payment of dues , 168 

How and when 170 

Out of benefit 173 

To whom . ' 169 

Who must pay 168 

Payable weekly . 347 

Pecuniary obligations 347 

Peers 347 

Penalty, punishment 348 

Ballot for 71 

Excessive punishment 349 

Petition, Petitioners 

For charter 106, 107 

Form of charter 107 

For restoration of charter ... 405 

For rehearing 45 

Memorial 47 

Status of petitioner 110 

Per capita tax 351 

Revenue 408 

Permission to use the name of the 

Order 352 

Application for 52 

Petitions for aid 353 

Philadelphia Homes 

The Odd Fellows' Home of Penn- 
sylvania 459 



Page 
Philadelphia Homes . 

The Home for Orphans of Odd 
Fellows of Pennsylvania . . . 457 

The Rebekah Home 460 

Photographs 353 

Physician, investigating committee 354 

Physical disability 353 

Picnics 196 

Pleadings . . . i 476 

Post of honor 354 

Powers and duties of trial commit- 
tee 474 

Powers of Grand Master 230 

Fundamental of Grand Lodge . 221 
General of Grand Lodge .... 222 
Judicial of Grand Lodge .... 226 
Legislative of Grand Lodge . . 222 
Of Grand Lodge to pay benefits 224 
Of Grand Lodge over Subordin- 
ates 227 

Of Grand Lodge over Homes . 228 

Of Noble Grand 308 

Of Subordinate Lodges 436 

Prayer 354 

Precedence 355 

Preferring charges, who may ... 97 

Presumption 356 

As to sickness . 10 

Previous sickness 357 

Printing and Publishing 356 

Printing, committee on 122 

Private business matters 356 

Proceedings 357 

Before trial committee . . . 477 

Before Lodge on trial 480 

Stay of 433 

Procedure, notice of trial 323 

Processions 357 

Street uniforms 434 

Professional gambler 42, 358 

Proof, burden of, benefits, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 

Proper by laws 83 

Proposition for initiation .... 383, 358 
for admission to membership . 17 

Prosecutor 359 

Protest 359 

Provisions, conflict of inconsistent 125 

Proxy 359 

Absence 14 

Pseudo-degree 153 

Publishing 356 

Public expense, supported at . . . 43!) 

Public installation 360 

Public office 361 

Punishment, penalty 348 

Ballot for 71 

Excessive 349 

Purposes of Subordinate Lodges . . 435 



93 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



Page 

QUALIFICATIONS for member- 
ship 361 

In the Order 361 

In the Grand Lodge 362 

Atheist 66 

Quarantine 363 

Quarterly notices 176 

Questions 266 

Inquiries 363 

Quorum 364 

Absence 14 



RANK 365 
Of Ancient Odd Fellow . . . 29 

Evidence of 195 

Readmission to membership .... 366 

Real estate 368 

Reargument 45 

Rebekah, The Home .460 

Digest of laws and decisions . . 515 

The Rebekah Index to the Di- 
gest of Rebekah Laws .... 602 

Recess 368 

Receipt for dues . '. 174 

Official certificate 328 

Reconsideration 369 

Of ballot 71 

Of legislation and trial 370 

Recovery, feigning 199 

Reduced benefits 374 

Refreshments 375 

Refusal of charter Ill 

Refunding dues 177 

Regalia 375 

Application for permission to 
use in public 52 

Jewels 283 

Liquors 290 

Register, aged Odd Fellows .... 20 

Rehearing, petition for 45 

Reinstatement of a Lodge ..... 380 

Of suspended member 380 

Rejected 383 

Relapses 384 

Relief 385 

General, committee 218 

Obtaining by fraud 205 

Relief committee 387 

Form of certificate of sickness 
of aged Odd Fellow 24 

Visiting limits 498 

Renunciation of the Order 391 

Reports 392 

Auditing committee 66 

Of Homes 252 

Report and finding of trial commit- 
tee 479 



Page 

Representative, Grand 237 

Representative to Grand Lodge . . 394 

Absence 14 

Credentials 136 

Instructions 278 

Representatives, legal 287 

Reprimand 396 

Residence. 

General principles ....... 397 

What constitutes 398 

As affecting admission to mem- 
bership in this jurisdiction . . 399 
As affecting admission to mem- 
bership in another jurisdiction 401 
As affecting dues and benefits . 401 
As affecting transfers of mem- 
bership 463 

Change of 95 

Non-resident 319 

Resignation 402 

From membership/ 402 

From office 404 

Renunciation of Order 391 

Salary 411 

Withdrawal 509 

Restoration of charter 404 

Of expelled member 406 

Ballot for 71 

Petition to restore charter . . . 405 
Petition to restore expelled 

member 406 

Retiring and entering 191 

Return of institution 275 

Revenue 408 

Reversionary interest in the Grand 

Lodge 408 

Rights of installing officer 269 

Right Supporter to Noble Grand . . 409 

Absence 14 

Rituals 409 

Conflict of laws with 123 

Roll call 410 

Rules of Order 411 

BAILOR 428 

^ Residence of 397 

Salary 411 

Effect of receipt of 11 

Saloon keeper, bar tender and pro- 
fessional gambler 412 

Sanitarium 415 

Satisfactory evidence of former con- 
nection with the Order . . . 415 

Ancient Odd Fellow 29 

Seal 416 

Attestation of 66 

Second trial 417 

Secrecy 419 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



599 



Page 

Secretary, duties of 419 

Mistake of. 421 

Attestation by 66 

Semi-annual password 423 

Semi-monthly meetings 426 

Sessions, special 431 

Sever membership,withdrawal card 

to 89 

Sickness 426 

Feigning 199 

First weeks 201 

Intermittent 279 

Notice of ,321 

Previous 357 

Physical disability 353 

Relapses 384 

Relief 385 

Relief committee 387 

Slander 427 

Smoking 427 

Social club 427 

Societies, other than I. O. O. F. . . 341 

Soldier 428 

Sovereign Grand Lodge 428 

Speak Easy 428 

Special five per cent fund 429 

Special meetings 430 

Specifications and charges, form of 100 

Special session 431 

Spurious books 432 

Staff, degree 154 

Standing committee, chairman of 95 

Standing, good 218 

Beneficial 196, 218 

Fines, as affecting 200 

Stay of proceedings 433 

Street uniforms 434 

Subordinate Lodge, by 60 

Charges against 104 

Consolidation of 125 

Communications of 122 

Constitution for 132 

Form of commission to insti- 
tute 273 

Form of ceremonies at institu- 
tion 273 

Form of dispensation to con- 
tinue, when its charter has 

been destroyed 113 

Form of certificate of consolida- 
tion 127 

Form of agreement of consoli- 
dation 128 

Dormant 165 

Election for officers 181 

Eligibility to office in 186 

Expulsion of 198 

Finance of 199 



Page 
Subordinate Lodge 

Institution of new 273 

Limitations of 437 

Meeting place of- 296 

Meetings of 297 

Minutes of 304 

Mistake of 304 

Name of 305 

Nominations for office in . . . 313 
Powers of Grand Lodge over . 227 

Purposes 435 

Powers and authority of . . . 436 
Qualificatious for membership in 361 

Reinstatement of 380 

Restorations of charter .... 404 

Special ^meetings of 430 

Supervision by Grand Master . 233 

Suspension of 448 

Suspension of meetings of . . . 450 
Territorial jurisdiction of . . 451 

Visiting by 493 

Voting in 500 

Sufficiency of evidence 193 

Suit, bringing 76 

Suicide 438 

Sunbury Home, the Odd Fellows 
Orphans Home of Central 

Pennsylvania 458 

Sunday 438 

Supervision 439 

Duty of Grand Master in . . . 233 

Suspended member 380, 441 

Reinstatement of 380, 383 

For non-payment of dues . . . 380 

For cause 383 

Suspended members for cause . . 442 

Suspension 441, 444 

For cause 446 

Of benefits 447 

Of dues 448 

Of a Lodge 448 

Of Lodge meetings 450 

For non-payment of dues . 441, 444 
Supported at public expense . . . 439 

Sanitarium 415 

Supporters 440 

Surrender 440 

TELEGRAPHIC 

Cipher and key 450 

Terms of office 450 

Term password 423 

Territorial jurisdiction 450 

Testimony 454 

Witnesses 509 

The Odd Fellows Home of Pennsyl- 
vania 459 



600 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



Page 
The Home for Orphans of Odd Fel- 
lows of Pennsylvania 457 

The Odd Fellows' Orphans Home 
of Central Pennsylvania .... 458 

The Rebekah Home 460 

The Home for Widows and Orphans 
of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania 458 

Third degree 461 

Time limit of appeals 41 

Transfer of membership 462 

Absence 14 

As a veteran 462 

General regulations 466 

Transfer certificates, P. Grands. 469 
Without change of residence . 463 
With change of residence ... 464 
Withdrawal card to ..... . 92 

Treasurer 469 

Trial 470 

Organization of trial committee 

and attendance of the accused 470 
Counsel and continuances . . . 473 
Powers and duties of trial com- 
mittee 474 

Pleadings 476 

Proceedings before trial com- 
mittee 477 

Report and findings of trial com- 
mittee 479 

Proceedings before Lodge ... 480 
Jurisdiction of a Court of Equity 
to review proceedings ... 484 

Costs 485 

Agreement as to 26 

Contempt 133 

New trial 307 

Interpreter 280 

Notice of . . . 323 

Reconsideration of 370 

Second 417 

Testimony 454 

Third degree 461 

Who may be tried 99 

Witnesses 509 

Trial committee 470 

Appointment of ..<.... 102 
Notice of time of appointment. 102 
Notice to chairman of appoint- 
ment 104 

Trustees 485 

UNABLE to follow usual occupa- 
tion 10 

Uniform, street 434 

VESTED interest 408 
Reversionary interest in Grand 
Lodge 408 



Pag. 

Veteran membership 490 

Transfer of membership by . . 463 

Veteran, honorable 254 

Vice Grand 491 

Absence . 14 

Visitation, annual traveling pass- 
word 31 

Visitation by members 493 

Right of 493 

By card or official certificate . . 495 
Examination and introduction. 496 
By introduction of elective Gr. 

Lodge Officers 498 

Official certificates , . 328 

Order and decorum in 334 

Visiting card .... 86 

Visiting by Lodges 493 

Visiting limits 498 

Voting, in the Grand Lodge . 499 
In the Subordinate Lodge . . . 500 
By proxy 359 

WAGES 
Effect of receipt of .... 9, 11 

Warden 504 

Watchers, attentive benefits .... 62 

Visiting limits 498 

Wayside Inn. 

Odd Fellows' Home for the 
Aged and Infirm of Pennsyl- 
vania 325 

Week, fractions of 204 

Weekly benefits 505 

Able to work 9 

Able to follow some occupation 10 
Able to follow usual occupation 12 

Age and infirmity 19 

Aged Odd Fellows' Fund .... 20 

Agreement 26 

Earn a sum equal to 13 

Found at work 14 

Forfeiture of 203 

Fractions of 204 

Graded 220 

Income equal to 259 

Intemperance 279 

Length of membership 288 

Minimum 303 

Notice of 321 

Obtaining by fraud 205 

Paralytic 341 

Payable weekly 347 

Physical disability 353 

Sickness 426 

Suicide 438 

Suspension of 447 

While in hospital 256 

Wife 508 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



601 



Page 

Weight of evidence 192 

Whole, committee of 121 

Widows and orphans' fund .... 508 

Widow 508 

Funerals 209 

Funeral benefits 211 

The Odd Fellows Orphans 
Home of Central Pennsyl- 
vania 458 

The Rebekah Home 460 

The Home for Widows and 
Orphans of Odd Fellows of 

Pennsylvania 458 

Wife 508 

Funeral benefit for 216 

Withdrawal 509 

Form for certificate to be issued 

in place of a lost card of . . . 94 



Page 

Withdrawal 

To sever membership 89 

To transfer membership .... 92 

Residence affecting 397 

Witnesses 509 

Absent 14 

Non-resident 320 

Work, able to 9 

Found at 14 

Work of the Order, general princi- 
ples 511 

Devices 512 

Instruction in 513 

Floor 202 

Photographs 353 

Printing and publishing .... 356 

Rituals 409 

Spurious books 432 

Suspervision by Grand Master of 233 



REBEKAH. 



Section 

ABSENCE, office temporarily 
vacated, may be filled pro 

tern 6000 

Age of an applicant 6168 

All who have received Assembly 

Degree, rights of 6021 

Anniversary, 20th September . . . 6001 

Annual password 6200 

Annul a ballot for error 6036 

Appeals, Grand Lodge may grant 

Assembly right to hear . . . 6013 
Must lie from Assembly to 

Grand Lodge 6013 

President of Assembly may be 

authorized to hear 6217 

Lie from president of Assembly 

to Grand Lodge on decision . 6014 
None from Noble Grand, the V. 

G. agreeing upon a ballot . . 6037 

From Rebekah Lodges .... 6002 

Application for membership . . . 6004 

Appointed officers 6199 

Appropriations, to subscribe for fra- 
ternal paper unlawful .... 6108 
Arrears, constitution and by laws 

may define 6010 

Assembly, powers of 6011 

Membership of 6020 

Subordinate to Grand Lodge . . 6113 
No one to take part in the legis- 
lation or elections in unless 
authorized by constitution of 6097 

Special sessions of 6249 

May receive authority from G. 
L. to levy and collect per 

capita tax 6214 

Grand Master may visit .... 6112 
Grand Representative alone 

may visit 6114 

Grand Secretary no right, 
per se, to visit or take part . 6115 

Assembly Degree 6070 

Assembly officers, honors of the 

degree 6118 

Attentive benefits 

602 



Section 

T)ADGE 6031 

■*-* Sisters may wear 6225 

Ballot 6032 

No, for dismissal certificate 6085 
Ballot box, passed to Noble Grand 

and Vice Grand 6035 

Benefits, Rebekah Lodges cannot 

pay 6040 

Attentive benefits 6026 

Under guise of donations . . . 6090 
Brothers, entitled to membership . 6177 

May be rejected 6038 

Wear Lodge, Encampment or 

P. M. regalia 0227 

May be secretary 6247 

By Laws, must be approved by the 

Assembly 6042 

Committee on, can not be 

created in Assembly 6042 

Right to approve, cannot be 

delegated to President . . . 6043 
Required by the Rebekah Code 6057 



pEREMONIES 

^ Anniversary 6001 

Certificate, for Past Noble Grand . 6212 

For wife of a brother 6607 

Official certificate 6006 

Chaplain of Assembly, jewel . . . 6134 

Charges and trial 6044 

Charter 6149, 6050 

Revocation of 6240 

Code 6054 

General law supplies deficien- 
cies in 6110 

Committees ... 6059 

Committee a on by laws, cannot 

be created in Assembly . . . 6043 

Conductor 6060 

Jewel of 6138 

Of Assembly, jewel of .... 6134 

Consolidation of Lodges 6062 

Constitution -required by the Re- 
bekah Code 605 7 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



603 



Section 

Costumes 6063 

Not to be used in exhibition drill 6218 
Counsel, leaving trial, not con- 
tempt 6045 

Credentials, must be accepted by 
Assembly before delegate can 
act as such 6011 

T\AUGHTER 

*-* Entitled to membership . . . 6161 

Deaf person, totally, not eligible 

to membership 6155 

Decisions, Grand Lodge may con- 
fer right on President of As- 
sembly 6014 

Degrees 6065 

Degree staff or team 6074 

Conductor . . 6060 

Additional characters appointed 
by the committee authorized 
to supervise the work of the 

degree 6199 

Cannot appear in public .... 6063 

Delegates 6076 

Have no right until acknow- 
ledged 6011 

When Grand Representative 

takes obligations 6114 

Deputy President 6079 

Cannot grant dispensations . . 6088 
May direct Past Noble Grand 

to instal 6126 

Cannot wear D. D. G. M. jewel 6137 

Dismissal certificate 6084 

Dispensations 6087 

To receive application for mem- 
bership 6004 

No, to change time of meeting 6148 
District Deputy Grand Master can- 
not be instituting officer un- 
less a member of a Rebekah 

Lodge 6130 

Divorced woman 6176 

Donation 6089 

In case of sickness or funeral . 6030 
Dues may be levied for any lawful 

purpose 6109 

Paid in advance on transfer of 

membership 6262 

Dual office holding 6091 

ELECTIONS in Assembly and Re- 
kah Lodge ■ , 6093 

Eligibility to Vice Grand .... 6263 

Emblems 6031, 6195 

Entering and retiring, honors of 

the Degree 6118 

Official Visits 6118 



Section 
Errors of Lodge in admission to 

membership 6123 

Executive control of by Assembly . 6017 

Exhibition drill prohibited 6218 

Expulsion, improper admission no 

cause for 6123 

FINANCIAL SECRETARY . . . 6246 
Jewel of 6138 

Floor work, position of officers 
temporarily absent may be 

filled on 6000 

Floral bouquets cannot be used in- 
stead of regalia 6221 

Fraternal papers 6108 

Fraud, at admission, ground for 

charges 6124 

French language, ritual in 6242 

Funeral benefits 6109 

Rebekah Lodges cannot pay . . 6040 
Under guise of donations .... 6090 
Funds under control of Grand Lodge 6055 
May be expended for de- 
clared purposes of the Order . 6055 



GENERAL law 6110 
And regulations recognized 

by the code 6056 

German language, ritual in ... . 6242 
Good standing, constitution and by 

laws may define 6010 

Certificate of 6006 

Grand 6111 

Grand Lodge, hear appeals from 

Rebekah Lodges ...... . 6002 

Appeals from Assembly to . . 6217 
No power to authorize other 
Rebekah Grand body than 

Assembly 6012 

May grant Assembly right to 

hear appeals 6013 

May permit Assembly to gov- 
ern Subordinate Rebekah 

Lodges 6015 

Grand Lodge Officers, honors of the 

degree 6118 

Grand Master 6112 

Has supervision of Rebekah 

Lodges 6113 

Can alone reclaim charters of 

Rebekah Lodges 6241 

Hear appeals from Rebekah 

Lodges 6003 

May appoint instituting officer 

for a new Rebekah Lodge . 6128 
Has power to order institution 6131 
May visit Assembly 6073 



604 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



Section 

Grand Representative 6114 

Grand Secretary 6115 

May handle supplies if Grand 

Lodge, so legislates 6141 

Grand Warden 6116 

HOLIDAYS. 
Meetings on 6149 

Honors, of the degree 6118 

At installation 6121 

Of office 6117 

Noble Grand entitled to, al- 
though charges pending . . . 6049 

ILLEGAL admission to member- 
ship 6124 

Improper admission 6123 

Inside guardian, jewel of 6138 

Inside guardian of Assembly, jewel 6134 

Installation 6125 

By Deputy President 6082 

Honors of the degree at . . . . 6121 

Institution of new Lodge 6128 

Instituting officer 6128 

Instruction in work 6271 

Investigating committee 6004 

JEWELS 6134 

«J No substitute for regalia . . . 6223 
Judicial, control of by Assembly . 6017 
Junior Past Noble Grand 6142 

LEGISLATION, control of by As- 
sembly 6017 

No one entitled to take part un- 
less authorized by constitu- 
tion 6097 

MARCHES. 
In conferring Degrees .... 6193 

Marriage , 6146 

Marshal of Assembly, jewel of . . .6134 

Memorial service 6192 

Meetings 6147 

Membership 6150 

In Subordinate Rebekah Lodge 
necessary to membership in 

Assembly 6022 

But membership in Subordi- 
nate Rebekah Lodge, does not 
confer Assembly membership 6024 

Application for 6004 

Ballot for 6033 

In only one Lodge 6190 

Non-contributing 6198 

Of Assembly 6020 

In Assembly may be limited . 6023 



Section 
Mode of procedure in trial governed 

entirely by local law .... 6048 

Mother 6161 

Music 6193 

VTAME, of Lodge 6194 

-^ Of the Order 6195 

Noble Grand 6138 

Same authority as to passwords 
as Noble Grand of Subordi- 
nate Lodge 6205 

Deputy President cannot be . . 6083 
And Vice Grand are alone to 

examine ballot 6037 

Absence of elect does not pre- 
vent installation of other of- 
ficers 6127 

No deciding vote in election . 6093 
May vote at elections ..... 6094 
Entitled to honors although 

charges pending 6049 

Charges against trial com- 
mittee appointed by Vice 

Grand . . 6047 

Nomination 6197 

Non-contributing members .... 6198 

OFFICERS 6199 
Assembly, may also be Lodge 6199 

Must wear regalia 6222 

Have right to respective posi- 
tions on Degree Staff .... 6074 
Cannot be excluded from posi- 
tion 6000 

Must wear regalia of the office 6228 

Official certificate . 6006 

Semi-annual password to visit- 
ing brother 6206 

Outside guardian, jewel of .... 6138 
Outside guardian of Assembly, 

jewel of 6134 

PARAPHERNALIA, costumes 
form part of 6065 

Password 6200 

Conductor may assist in taking 

up 6061 

Past Grand 6208 

Rights of 6021 

Not entitled to Assembly De- 
gree unless Grand Lodge so 

direct 6072 

No inherent right to vote for 

Assembly officers 6095 

Not authorized to be delegates 
unless Constitution so pro- 
vides 6076 



1907.] 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



605 



Section 

Past Noble Grand 6138, 6210 

May be instituting officer . . . 6129 

Rights of 6021 

Past Noble Grand's Charge, not to 

be delivered by Past Grand . 6209 
Past President of Assembly, jewel 

of 6134 

Penalty, violation of territorial 

jurisdiction 6258 

Per capita tax 6214 

Photographs of degree staff and 

costumes prohibited .... 6218 
Unlawful to make of costumes 6065 

Place of meeting '. . 6147 

President of Assembly 6216 

Jewel 6134 

May grant Dispensations if so 

authorized by Grand Lodge . 6087 
May be authorized to appoint 

Deputy Presidents 6079 

May be authorized to receive 
petitions and grant dispensa- 
tions for Rebekah Lodges . . 6050 
Not required to sign charters 

unless issued by Assembly . 6051 
Grand Lodge may confer right 

to make decisions 6014 

Authorized to confer the As- 
sembly Degree 6070 

Cannot be authorized to approve 

by laws 6043 

Public exhibition prohibited . . . 6218 

QUALIFICATIONS for member- 
ship 6150 

READMISSION. 
to membership 6219 

Rebekah Code 6054 

Rebekah Degree 6066 

Those who have had 6185 

Rebekah Lodges, represent a dis- 
tinct branch of the Order . . 6041 
Membership in only one . . . 6190 
Subordinate to the Grand Lodge 6113 
Can alone confer degree on 

member 6069 

Reconsideration of ballot 6036 

Recording Secretary 6246 

Regalia 6220 

Must be clothed in to vote . . . 6032 

Reinstatement 6230 

Rejection for 6009 

Rejection, Lodge may reject a 

brother's application .... 6038 
Of applicants for membership . 6008 
For reinstatement 6009 



Section 
Religious society, unlawful to make 

donations to 6089 

Reports 6234 

Residence primary qualification 
for membership in Rebekah 

Lodge 6078 

Resign, improperly admitted not 

compelled to 6123 

Response 6238 

Restoration of a suspended sister . 6239 

Revocation of charter 6240 

Ritual 6242 

Parts cannot be copied from . 6075 
Grand Warden has no right to 6116 



SALOON KEEPER illegal to ad- 
mit to membership 6152 

Seal 6245 

Secretary 6246 

Jewel of 6138 

Junior Past Noble Grand . . . 6143 
Secretary of Assembly, jewel 

of 6134 

Not required to sign charter 
unless issued by Assembly . . 6051 

Service, memorial 6192 

Single women 6156 

Sisters, membership of 6156 

Membership not affected by 

marriage 6146 

Cannot use name of Order for 

private gain 6196 

Reinstatement of 6231 

Sister of an Odd Fellow 6161 

Sovereign Grand Lodge, Rebekah 

Lodge cannot appeal to . . . 6003 
Special Deputy, to institute, when 

duly complete 6133 

Special Deputy Grand Master . . . 6248 
Special meeting not to receive ap- 
plications 6005, 6039 

Special sessions of the Assembly . . 6249 

Stepmother 6175 

Subordinate Lodge 6252 

Subordinate Rebekah Lodges, when 
may be governed by Assem- 
bly 6015 

All lodges are subject to the 
same local regulation .... 6016 
Suspension by Grand Master .... 6113 

Supplies 6251 

Rebekah code a part of 6058 

Dismissal certificate 6086 

Surrender of charter, number re- 
quired to hold charter .... 6062 
Suspended member entitled to a 

dismissal certificate 6086 



606 



THE PENNSYLVANIA DIGEST. 



[1907. 



Section 

TERM 6255 
Honors of office . 6117 

Password 6203 

Territorial jurisdiction 6258 

Title, grand 6111 

Transfer of membership 6261 

Treasurer cannot be Vice Grand . . 6092 

Jewel of 6138 

Treasurer of assembly, jewel of . .6134 

VACANCIES 
Honors of office 6117 

Veteran (Rebekah) 6139 

Veteran jewel, Rebekah 6139 

Vice Grand 6263 

A Deputy President cannot be 6083 

Cannot be Treasurer 6092 

Charges against Noble Grand, 
Vice Grand appoints trial 

committee 6047 

To assist N. G. in examining 

ballot , 6087 

Jewel of 6138 

Vice President of Assembly, 
jewel of 6134 



Section 

Visitation 6264 

Grand Master has right of . . . 6112 
Grand Master has no right of 

per se . . 6115 

Honors of the Degree 6118 

Voting 6267 

Must be clothed in proper re- 
galia to 6032 

Votes for eligible candidates to be 

counted as blank ballots . . , 6096 

WARDEN 
Jewel of 6138 

Warden of Assembly, jewel of . . 6134 
Weekly benefits, under guise of do- 
nations 6090 

Rebekah Lodge cannot pay . . 6040 

Widow 6159 

Wife of an Odd Fellow 6070 

Withdrawal card to transfer mem- 
bership 6261 

To sever membership 6219 

Visitation on 6264 

Work 6271 

Noble Grand may call on quali- 
fied person to assist in . . . . 6067 



MAR 1 1907 



